Super Bowl XII: Dallas Cowboys Dominate Denver Broncos
Super Bowl XII served as the grand finale of the 1977 NFL season, pitting the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys against the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Denver Broncos. Played on January 15, 1978, the game was a historic milestone for the league, marking the first time the championship was held in a domed stadium—the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans—and the first time it aired during prime time in the Eastern United States.
The contest was defined by a clash of titans, but it ultimately became a showcase for the Cowboys' defensive prowess. Dallas secured a decisive 27–10 victory, claiming their second Super Bowl title through a combination of strategic offense and a suffocating defense.
Key Facts
- Date: January 15, 1978
- Score: Dallas Cowboys 27, Denver Broncos 10
- Venue: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- MVPs: Harvey Martin (DE) and Randy White (DT)
- Attendance: 75,583
- Key Stat: Denver committed a record 8 turnovers.
The Battle of the Quarterbacks: Staubach vs. Morton
The primary narrative leading into the game was the personal history between Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach and Broncos quarterback Craig Morton. Morton had started his career in Dallas in 1965, eventually competing with Staubach for the starting role in the early 1970s. While Morton led the team to Super Bowl V, Staubach eventually won the permanent starting job after leading Dallas to victory in Super Bowl VI.
Morton eventually left Dallas for the New York Giants in 1974 before finding his way to Denver. This championship game represented a high-stakes reunion for the two former teammates.
Game Summary: Defensive Dominance
First Half Struggles for Denver
The Cowboys' defense, known as the Doomsday Defense, completely neutralized the Broncos' attack. By halftime, Dallas held a 13–0 lead despite their own struggles, which included five fumbles and three missed field goals. The story of the first half was the collapse of the Denver offense; Craig Morton committed a halftime record seven turnovers, including four interceptions and three lost fumbles.
The Second Half Surge
Denver attempted a comeback in the third quarter. After a record 67-yard kickoff return by Rick Upchurch, Morton was replaced by backup quarterback Norris Weese. Weese managed to lead a drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run by Rob Lytle, narrowing the gap to 20–10.
However, Dallas put the game away in the fourth quarter. In a surprising play, fullback Robert Newhouse threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to receiver Golden Richards on a halfback option play, sealing the 27–10 victory.
Statistical Breakdown
The final statistics highlight the disparity in performance, particularly in the passing game. Craig Morton finished with a passer rating of 0.0, the lowest in Super Bowl history, completing only 4 of 15 passes. In contrast, Roger Staubach was efficient, completing 17 of 25 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown.
| Statistic | Dallas Cowboys | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 27 | 10 |
| First Downs | 17 | 11 |
| Net Passing Yards | 182 | 35 |
| Net Rushing Yards | 143 | 121 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 8 |
| Time of Possession | 38:38 | 21:22 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the MVP of Super Bowl XII?
The game featured co-MVPs from the Dallas Cowboys defense: defensive end Harvey Martin and defensive tackle Randy White.
What was unique about the venue for this game?
Super Bowl XII was the first championship game played in a domed stadium, the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.
Why is Craig Morton's performance in this game notable?
Craig Morton became the only quarterback in Super Bowl history to post a passer rating of 0.0, largely due to throwing four interceptions and losing three fumbles.
How did the Cowboys score their final touchdown?
The final touchdown was a 29-yard pass thrown by fullback Robert Newhouse to receiver Golden Richards on a halfback option play.
Did the Cowboys and Broncos play each other before the Super Bowl?
Yes, this was the first Super Bowl where the two teams had met during the regular season. Dallas defeated Denver 14–6 on the final Sunday of the regular season.