1979: Larry Cole Tackles John Riggins
I mentioned yesterday that I would post the video clip showing Larry Cole making a critical third-down tackle on John Riggins in the final game of the season in 1979.
More about this game before we get to the clip:
The Game’s Meaning
Dallas, Washington, and Philadelphia each entered the final week of the 1979 season tied at 10-5. Dallas had split with Philadelphia but had just beaten the Eagles the week earlier. The Cowboys had already lost at Washington in week 12.
The Situation in This Clip
With just over seven minutes left to play in the fourth quarter, running back John Riggins had stunned everyone by racing 66 yards for a touchdown, giving Washington a 34-21 lead. With 3:49 left in the game, Randy White recovered a Clarence Harmon fumble. Three plays later, the Cowboys had new life when Roger Staubach hit Ron Springs on a 26-yard touchdown pass. The clip here begins on a 3rd-and-2 play from the Washington 33 and Dallas trailing 34-28. Less than two minutes remained in the game, and a first down would give the Redskins the win.
The Tackle
Cole lined up at left defensive tackle, heads up over right guard Jeff Williams. Williams tried to pull around the right side, and center Ted Fritsch tried to slide down to take Cole. But Cole burst into the gap left when Williams pulled, and Fritsch could not get there to stop Cole. Cole make a perfect tackle on Riggins at the 30.
Here is the clip:
After the Washington Punt…
Staubach performed his final miracle, driving the team 75 yards in seven plays, capped off by an eight-yard touchdown pass to Tony Hill.
The Win By Dallas
Coupled with a Philadelphia win over Houston and a Chicago win over St. Louis, this victory over the Redskins gave Dallas the NFC East title and home field advantage in the playoffs.
The Loss by Washington
Left the Redskins at home for the playoffs.
That was the CBS play-by-play team on the audio with Pat Summerall and I think Tom Brookshier.
But the radio play-by-play was much more dramatic. Vern Lundquist or Brad Sham was the play-by-play announcer, and Charlie Waters (out for the ‘79 season with an injury) was providing color commentary.
I just remember Charlie repeating “Ya gotta believe — ya gotta LOVE the Cowboys!”
July 25th, 2008 at 3:27 pmGood evening
July 25th, 2008 at 6:33 pmThat madness is that game.
It is for that that I love that team.
As it is good to attend those videos that I had never seen.
Hug
Douglas Bete
Sorocaba SP
PHEW!! That video took my memory back to that time in my life. WOW. GOOSEBUMPS!!
July 26th, 2008 at 6:38 am