This post is part of the 50 Seasons in 50 Weeks Series. After struggling to a 4-3 start in 1973, the Cowboys relied on the Doomsday Defense to turn things around. In the final seven games of the season, the Cowboys gave up more than 10 points only once, helping Dallas to go 6-1 in those games. The Cowboys once again won the NFC East.
Week 8: Dallas 38, Cincinnati 10
Dallas record: 5-3
The Cowboys jumped out a 24-0 lead at halftime, thanks in part to an interception return for a touchdown by middle linebacker Lee Roy Jordan. Roger Staubach was nearly flawless, completing 14 of 18 passes for 209 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Week 9: Dallas 23, N.Y. Giants 10
Dallas record: 6-3
The Giants turned the ball over six times, as the Cowboys beat New York, 23-10. Walt Garrison scored two touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing) in the win.
Week 10: Dallas 31, Philadelphia 10
Dallas record: 7-3
Dallas avenged its loss to the Eagles in week 7 by blowing out the Eagles, 31-10. Garrison once again scored two touchdowns in helping the Cowboys to a win.
Week 11: Miami 14, Dallas 7
Dallas record: 7-4
In a rematch of Super Bowl VI on Thanksgiving Day, the Dolphins jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Miami held the Cowboys scoreless until the fourth quarter, and a Walt Garrison touchdown then was only good enough avoid the shutout loss.
It was a breakout game of sorts for rookie Drew Pearson, who had seven receptions for 71 yards in the defeat.
With the loss, the Cowboys fell a game behind Washington, and the Redskins had already beaten the Cowboys earlier in the season.
Week 12: Dallas 22, Denver 10
Dallas record: 8-4
Roger Staubach hit tight end Jean Fugett on two touchdown passes, helping Dallas to a 22-10 win over Denver. Fugett only caught a total of nine passes in 1973, so this was by far the best game of his season.
Week 13: Dallas 27, Washington 7
Dallas record: 9-4
The Cowboys led 3-0 at the half of this all-important game against Washington. Calvin Hill then scored two touchdowns in the third quarter, and the Cowboys were on their way to a 27-7 win. With the win, the Cowboys had the inside track to win the NFC East.
Week 14: Dallas 30, St. Louis 3
Dallas record: 10-4
The Cowboys clinched their eighth straight playoff appearance-- then an NFL record-- by routing the St. Louis Cardinals in the season finale. Drew Pearson caught two touchdown passes from Roger Staubach in the win.
NFC Playoffs
Washington (10-4) at Minnesota (12-2), December 22, 1973
Los Angeles (12-2) at Dallas (10-4), December 23, 1973
More References
Dallas Cowboys Statistics and Players (Pro Football Reference)
Game Summaries (Dallas Morning News)
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