The NFL Network came up with a Top 10 unluckiest plays in NFL History, to mark today’s Friday the 13th silliness. So, sticking with the theme let’s look at some of the most unluckiest plays in Cowboys history. Let’s go down memory lane, from worst, to the very worst:
4th and Dumb.
Barry Switzer. December 10, 1995. The Cowboys were playing the Eagles in Philly, the game was tied 17-17 in the 4th quarter with 2mins remaining. Rather than kick the ball on 4th and 1, the Cowboys decided to go for it on their own 29 yard line, not once, but twice!
The first attempt was stuffed, for a no gain but the officials had goofed and failed to call the whistle as the 2min mark had been reached and the Cowboys got another chance. With the blunderous call being saved by the officials, you would think Switzer would have punted, but he had other plans.
Switzer called the same exact play again. Same result, and one of the most memorable blunders in Cowboys history, shear stupidity.
Leon Lett
Thanksgiving, 1993. The Cowboys were holding on to a one point lead, 13-14 and the Dolphins went for the go ahead field goal for the win. The field was blocked and fans rejoiced in excitement, but Leon Lett dashed all that with his most memorable blunder ever. He touched the blocked kick, as it was still live, and the Dolphins recovered, re-kicked the field goal and won. I remember crying in anger and from being so upset.
Irvin’s career ending injury
October 10, 1999. The Cowboys were playing in Philly, Michael Irvin was running a route that took him to the middle of the field for the catch, and that’s when he collided with Eagles DB, Tim Hauck. Irvin layed motionless for 20mins and had temporary paralysis, all while the classless Eagles fans cheered on his injury. After 1999, the Cowboys went completely downhill notching up three consecutive 5-11 seasons.
The Fumble
Tony Romo. January 6, 2007, Seattle, Washington. The Cowboys were playing a wild-card playoff game in Seattle, Romo moved the ball down the field, about to cap off a major comeback to win the game with time running out. THe Cowboys were stopped at the 1 and a half yardline, so they had to kick a field goal (glorified extra point), but the snap was botched. Game over. Tears and heartbreak ensued.
The Catch
Dwight Clark. January 10, 1982, San Francisco. It was for all the marbles, the NFC Championship game. Joe Montana’s legacy started with this memorable game. Montana was being chased down by Too Tall Jones and Montana just threw a pass for grabs, and Dwight Clark extended above Everson Walls for the comeback, game-winning touchdown.
The Ice Bowl
December 31, 1967, Lambeau Field, Green Bay. The storied rivalry began its roots with this prolific and most iconic games in Cowboys history. Bart Starr was perfect going 5-5 on the drive, and got the ball to the 1 yard line with 16 seconds remaining, the Packers punched the ball in for the go ahead win. 20-17, game over.
The Drop
Jackie Smith. Super Bowl XIII. January 21, 1979. If you lived it, and watched the game live, you’ll remember it forever. If you’re a young fan, you’ve heard about the game, and looked it up to learn more about it. This is perhaps the most heart wrentching play in Cowboys history to date, based on the implications and being on the Super Bowl stage. Jackie Smith had an open pass hit him in the hands in the endzone and he straight up dropped the ball. The Cowboys had to settle for a field goal, making the score 21-17, but the Cowboys could never take the momentum or the lead. Final score 35-31, game over.
Visual Horror Here at the 2:55 mark
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