1994 Dallas Cowboys season

Last updated

1994 Dallas Cowboys season
Owner Jerry Jones
General manager Jerry Jones
Head coach Barry Switzer
Home field Texas Stadium
Results
Record12–4
Division place1st NFC East
Playoff finishWon Divisional Playoffs
(vs. Packers) 35–9
Lost NFC Championship
(at 49ers) 28–38
Pro Bowlers QB Troy Aikman
RB Emmitt Smith
FB Daryl Johnston
WR Michael Irvin
TE Jay Novacek
OL Nate Newton
OL Mark Stepnoski
OL Mark Tuinei
DL Charles Haley
DL Leon Lett
S Darren Woodson

The 1994 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 35th season in the National Football League (NFL). Following their second consecutive Super Bowl title, the Cowboys would see a multitude of changes. In March, months of setbacks finally reached its climax as team owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jimmy Johnson held a press conference and announced Johnson's resignation.

Contents

After a run of dominance in the regular season and finishing with a record of 12–4, the Cowboys fell short of a record third straight Super Bowl title with a loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. The 1994 Cowboys draft yielded only one notable addition to the team, offensive guard Larry Allen. Veteran linebacker Ken Norton Jr. left the team to sign with San Francisco.

This season was the 75th anniversary of the NFL and was designated by a diamond-shaped patch worn on the left breast of every NFL team's uniform. The Cowboys celebrated the league's history by donning their inaugural white jerseys from the 1960–1963 seasons against the Detroit Lions. The team also later debuted a special white "Double-Star" jersey on Thanksgiving Day 1994. These uniforms celebrated the Cowboys' most recent back-to-back Super Bowl titles in the 1992 and 1993 seasons and were used in most of the Cowboys' remaining games of the season, including the playoffs.

Offseason

NFL draft

1994 Dallas Cowboys draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
123 Shante Carver   Defensive end Arizona State
246 Larry Allen    Guard Sonoma State
3102 George Hegamin   Tackle NC State
4109 Willie Jackson   Wide receiver Florida
4131 DeWayne Dotson   Linebacker Ole Miss
6191 Darren Studstill   Safety West Virginia
7216 Toddrick McIntosh   Defensive end Florida State
      Made roster        Pro Football Hall of Fame     *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Undrafted free agents

1994 Undrafted Free Agents of note
PlayerPositionCollege
Chris Boniol Kicker Louisiana Tech
Richie Cunningham Kicker Louisiana-Lafayette
Matt Joyce Tackle Richmond
Hurvin McCormack Defensive Tackle Indiana
Tony Richardson Fullback Auburn

Regular season

In an attempt to be the first NFL franchise to "Three-Peat" Super Bowls, the Dallas Cowboys were off to a strong start under new head coach Barry Switzer. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner had departed to become head coach of the rival Washington Redskins and was replaced by veteran offensive assistant Ernie Zampese. However dominant, the team was fielded with injuries to many key starters. The most notable injuries were a near fatal car accident to tackle Erik Williams and a nagging hamstring strain to running back Emmitt Smith. The season also saw the brief emergence of back-up quarterback and future head coach Jason Garrett as he led a comeback victory against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day by leading the Cowboys to score 36 points in the second half. [1] Dallas finished the regular season posting a 12–4 record and winning the NFC East.

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1September 4at Pittsburgh Steelers W 26–91–0 Three Rivers Stadium Recap
2September 11 Houston Oilers W 20–172–0 Texas Stadium Recap
3September 19 Detroit Lions L 17–20 (OT)2–1Texas Stadium Recap
4Bye
5October 2at Washington Redskins W 34–73–1 RFK Stadium Recap
6October 9 Arizona Cardinals W 38–34–1Texas Stadium Recap
7October 16 Philadelphia Eagles W 24–135–1Texas Stadium Recap
8October 23at Arizona Cardinals W 28–216–1 Sun Devil Stadium Recap
9October 30at Cincinnati Bengals W 23–207–1 Riverfront Stadium Recap
10November 7 New York Giants W 38–108–1Texas Stadium Recap
11November 13at San Francisco 49ers L 14–218–2 Candlestick Park Recap
12November 20 Washington Redskins W 31–79–2Texas Stadium Recap
13November 24 Green Bay Packers W 42–3110–2Texas Stadium Recap
14December 4at Philadelphia Eagles W 31–1911–2 Veterans Stadium Recap
15December 10 Cleveland Browns L 14–1911–3Texas Stadium Recap
16December 19at New Orleans Saints W 24–1612–3 Louisiana Superdome Recap
17December 24at New York Giants L 10–1512–4 Giants Stadium Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week One at Pittsburgh Steelers

Barry Switzer's debut as Cowboys head coach was a 26–9 victory over the Steelers and third-year coach Bill Cowher. Undrafted kicker Chris Boniol kicked four field goals while the Steelers managed a Neil O'Donnell touchdown run and a field goal. Despite the lopsided win, Michael Irvin said afterward, "We did not look sharp."

Week Two vs. Houston Oilers

Dallas's home opener was a 20–17 win over their in-state AFC cousin the Houston Oilers. Though the Oilers closed to within 20–17 they got no further.

Monday Night Football vs. Detroit Lions

The Cowboys struggled against the Lions, falling behind 17–7, but rallied to tie the game. Lions' kicker Jason Hanson missed a short field goal attempt ending regulation, then in overtime another Hanson kick was blocked. Troy Aikman fumbled to the Lions and Hanson booted a 44-yarder for the 20–17 Lions win.

Week 4 Bye Week

Week 5 at Washington Redskins

The Cowboys came off their bye week and their former offensive coordinator Norv Turner saw his Redskins get hammered 34–7 at RFK Stadium. The Skins lost four turnovers and managed just 110 yards of offense.

Week 6 vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals were obliterated at Texas Stadium 38–3 as quarterbacks Steve Beuerlein and Jay Schroeder were intercepted five total times.

Week 7 vs. Philadelphia Eagles

With both teams at 4–1 the Cowboys took care of business in a 24–13 win. Randall Cunningham was intercepted four times.

Week 8 at Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals had long given little reason for confidence but this game was radically different. Troy Aikman completed three passes and a touchdown to Alvin Harper but was knocked out by a vicious hit from Wilber Marshall. The Cardinals led 21–14 in the fourth but Rodney Peete completed 186 passing yards and two scoring drives for the 28–21 win. Arriving home, several players including Erik Williams went to a bar to relax. Seriously drunk, Williams drove away, then was seriously injured in a vicious highway accident, missing the remainder of the season.

Week 9 at Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals coach Dave Shula was disliked by Cowboys players during his time on Jimmy Johnson's staff as a young offensive coach because of his mistrust of players and resultant dumbed-down play-calling. His Bengals entered this game winless and stayed that way after the Cowboys rallied from down 20–17 in the third quarter on two Boniol field goals.

Monday Night Football vs. New York Giants

The Cowboys led wire to wire in a 38–10 rout of the 3–6 Giants, out gaining them in yards 450–188 despite two fumbles. The game was marred by a scuffle between the two teams at the end of the first half.

Week 11 vs. San Francisco 49ers

Considered the game of the year going in, Dallas's fourth meeting in three seasons with the Niners was a defensive struggle with a combined fourteen punts for 592 yards. The Niners clawed out a 14–7 lead in the fourth and the Cowboys stormed to the Niners’ 7 when Aikman was intercepted (his third of the game). The Niners scored again before Dallas raced downfield and scored but could not recover an onside kick. The 21–14 win would mean San Francisco would host a playoff rematch.

Week 12 vs. Washington Redskins

Despite being out-gained in yardage 313–243 the Cowboys crushed the Redskins 31–7, snagging four interceptions and a fumble. Both teams used three quarterbacks apiece including future Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett.

Thanksgiving Day vs. Green Bay Packers

With Troy Aikman out with injury, Garrett started against the 6–5 Packers. Green Bay raced to a 24–13 lead before Garrett erupted to two touchdown throws and led two more drives ending in rushing scores. The result was a 42–31 Cowboys win, a year after their embarrassing Thanksgiving loss to Miami.

Week 14 at. Philadelphia Eagles

After a 7–2 start the Eagles were in free fall at 7–5 and lost again, this time at Veterans Stadium. The Eagles clawed to within 24–19 but Randall Cunningham was intercepted by Darren Woodson at the Cowboys 6 and Woodson finished a 31–19 Cowboys win.

Week 15 vs. Cleveland Browns

The Cowboys lost any realistic chance at the top seed in the NFC while the Browns closed in on the playoffs in a 19–14 Cleveland win, picking off Aikman twice and adding two Cowboys fumbles. It began a six-game winning streak against the Cowboys by head coach Bill Belichick.

Week 16 at New Orleans Saints

Dallas secured a playoff bye in a 24–16 win at the Superdome despite two more Aikman interceptions. Jim Everett of the Saints was worse with three picks and the two teams combined for just 517 yards of offense.

Christmas Eve at New York Giants

Dallas rested most of its starters, since winning or losing this game would not affect its seeding in the playoffs. The Cowboys finished with twelve wins while the Giants, in winning 15–10, salvaged a 9–7 record after starting 3–7. The two teams combined for just 437 yards and twelve penalties altogether.

Standings

NFC East
WLTPCTPFPASTK
(2) Dallas Cowboys 1240.750414248L1
New York Giants 970.563279305W6
Arizona Cardinals 880.500235267L1
Philadelphia Eagles 790.438308308L7
Washington Redskins 3130.188320412W1

Throwback weekend games

  • Dallas: 9/19 (Det)

Playoffs

The Cowboys' 12–4 regular-season record earned them the #2 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. They defeated the Green Bay Packers in the divisional-round playoff game at Texas Stadium. They then traveled to Candlestick Park to face the San Francisco 49ers for the third straight time in as many years in the NFC Championship game. Down 21 points in the first quarter, the Cowboys fought back valiantly, but fell short, 38-28.

Schedule

RoundDateOpponent (seed)ResultRecordVenueGame Recap
Wild Card First-round bye
DivisionalJanuary 8, 1995 Green Bay Packers (4)W 35–91–0 Texas Stadium Recap
NFC ChampionshipJanuary 15, 1995 San Francisco 49ers (1)L 28–381–1 Candlestick Park Recap

Playoffs summaries

Divisional Round vs. Green Bay Packers

The Cowboys led wire to wire, winning 35–9 as Aikman erupted for 337 yards while Brett Favre completed just eighteen passes and was benched with the game's competitive phase over for Mark Brunell in his final game for the Packers before league expansion sent him to the same Jacksonville Jaguars whose interest in Dallas's previous head coach had helped set off the controversial change of Dallas coaches before the 1994 season.

NFC Championship Game at San Francisco 49ers

Dallas's run as Super Bowl champions ended in bitter 38–28 fashion as three turnovers in the first eight minutes of action led to 21 Niners points and a 31–14 San Francisco lead at halftime. Aikman managed 380 yards but three interceptions were part of five Dallas turnovers. The most bitter moment came on an encounter between receiver Michael Irvin (targeted 26 times with twelve catches and two touchdowns) and Niners defensive back Deion Sanders that was considered flagrant pass interference but didn't draw a penalty. Team owner Jerry Jones stated afterward "there is nothing we need to change to beat the Forty Niners," but the Cowboys would sign Sanders as a free agent at the start of the following season.

Roster

Dallas Cowboys 1994 roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Practice squad

Rookies in italics
52 active, 2 inactive, 3 practice squad

Awards and records

Publications

The Football Encyclopedia ISBN   0-312-11435-4
Total Football ISBN   0-06-270170-3
Cowboys Have Always Been My Heroes ISBN   0-446-51950-2

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Bowl XXVII</span> 1993 edition of the Super Bowl

Super Bowl XXVII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Buffalo Bills and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1992 season. The Cowboys defeated the Bills by the score of 52–17, winning their third Super Bowl in team history, and their first one in 15 years. This game is tied with Super Bowl XXXVII as the fourth-highest scoring Super Bowl with 69 combined points, as of 2023. The Bills became the first team to lose three consecutive Super Bowls, and just the second of three teams to play in three straight. The following 1993 season, the Bills became the only team to both play and lose four consecutive Super Bowls. The game was played on January 31, 1993, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and is the last NFL championship game to date to be held in a non-NFL stadium. It was also the seventh Super Bowl held in the Greater Los Angeles Area, which did not host another until Super Bowl LVI in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Bowl XXVIII</span> 1994 edition of the Super Bowl

Super Bowl XXVIII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Buffalo Bills to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1993 season. The Cowboys defeated the Bills, for the second straight year, by a score of 30–13, winning their fourth Super Bowl in team history, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers for most Super Bowl wins. The Buffalo Bills became the only team to both play and lose four consecutive Super Bowls for a 0-4 franchise Super Bowl record, and as of 2023, remains the team's most recent Super Bowl appearance. The game was played on January 30, 1994, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Since the 1993 regular season was conducted over 18 weeks, the traditional bye week between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl was not employed; the last time this had happened was before Super Bowl XXV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Bowl XXX</span> 1996 edition of the Super Bowl

Super Bowl XXX was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1995 season. The Cowboys defeated the Steelers by the score of 27–17, winning their fifth Super Bowl in team history. The game was played on January 28, 1996, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, the first time the Super Bowl was played in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Bowl XXXI</span> 1997 edition of the Super Bowl

Super Bowl XXXI was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Green Bay Packers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1996 season. The Packers defeated the Patriots by the score of 35–21, earning their third overall Super Bowl victory, and their first since Super Bowl II. The Packers also extended their league record for the most overall NFL championships to 12. It was also the last in a run of 13 straight Super Bowl victories by the NFC over the AFC. The game was played on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The National Football League playoffs for the 1993 season began on January 8, 1994. The postseason tournament concluded with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVIII, 30–13, on January 30, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Johnson (American football)</span> American football player (born 1968)

James Bradley Johnson is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 17 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), Johnson played for the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Dallas Cowboys. He is best known for his time with the Buccaneers, whom he led to their Super Bowl XXXVII title over the Oakland Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Garrett</span> American football player and coach (born 1966)

Jason Calvin Garrett is an American former football player and coach in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a quarterback before becoming a coach. Garrett was the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for 9+12 seasons from 2010 to 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Troy Aikman</span> American football player (born 1966)

Troy Kenneth Aikman is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. After transferring from the Oklahoma Sooners, he played college football for the UCLA Bruins, with whom he won the Davey O'Brien Award as a senior. Aikman was selected first overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Cowboys, received six Pro Bowl selections, and won three Super Bowls. He was also named MVP of Super Bowl XXVII, the franchise's first title in over a decade. Aikman was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

This article contains an in-depth explanation of the history of the Dallas Cowboys, a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 New York Giants season</span> 83rd season in franchise history; third Super Bowl win

The 2007 season was the New York Giants' 83rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 32nd playing their home games at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and their fourth under head coach Tom Coughlin.

The 1996 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 37th season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the third year under head coach Barry Switzer. Following their victory in Super Bowl XXX, the Cowboys endured a rough year failing to improve their 12–4 record from 1995 but still reached the playoffs with a 10–6 record. Star receiver Michael Irvin was suspended by the league for the first five games and before the playoffs was accused along with lineman Erik Williams of sexual assault. Controversy also took place when writer Skip Bayless published a scathing account of the Cowboys' 1995 season. Longtime trainer Mike Woicik also left the team after the season following a sideline dispute with coach Barry Switzer although Woicik returned in 2011. Additionally, late in the season; defensive tackle Leon Lett would be suspended for the last 3 games of the season and the first 13 of the following season after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The 1995 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 36th season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the second year under head coach Barry Switzer and final of the three Super Bowl titles they would win during 1992 to 1995. Dallas would be the first team to ever win three Super Bowls in a span of four seasons. Switzer guided the Cowboys to a fifth Super Bowl win by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27–17 in Super Bowl XXX.

The 1993 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 34th season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the fifth and final year of the franchise under head coach Jimmy Johnson. During Johnson's tenure, the Cowboys made two of their three Super Bowl appearances between 1992 and 1995 and won back-to-back Super Bowl titles. The season is notable for seeing the Cowboys become the first team to start 0–2 and still reach the Super Bowl. The following off-season was marked by the surprising resignation of Johnson, who departed the Cowboys due to a dispute with owner Jerry Jones about who deserved more credit for the back-to-back Super Bowl wins. This would be Johnson's last head coaching job until 1996, when he became the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins to replace the retiring Don Shula, who had served as their head coach since 1970.

The 1992 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 33rd season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the fourth year of the franchise under head coach Jimmy Johnson. The Cowboys made the first of three Super Bowl appearances between 1992–95.

The 1991 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 32nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and was the third year of the franchise under the ownership of Jerry Jones and head coach Jimmy Johnson. This also marked Norv Turner's first year as offensive coordinator under head coach Jimmy Johnson. The Cowboys improved on their 7–9 record from 1990, finishing 11–5, and made the playoffs for the first time since 1985.

The 1996 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's second season in the National Football League, the second under head coach Dom Capers, and the first at Ericsson Stadium. They improved upon their 7–9 record in 1995, and made it to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1995 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 1995 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 50th overall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cowboys–Eagles rivalry</span> National Football League rivalry

The Cowboys–Eagles rivalry is a 63 year-long intra-divisional rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL), with the two teams contained in the same division since 1961.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 New York Giants season</span> 87th season in franchise history; fourth Super Bowl win

The 2011 New York Giants season was the 87th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL). They played all of their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Although the team failed to improve on their 10–6 mark from 2010, the Giants were able to qualify for the playoffs, and in another Cinderella run that paralleled what they did in 2007, they won Super Bowl XLVI, their fourth Super Bowl win in franchise history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Los Angeles Rams season</span> 82nd season in franchise history, 4th Super Bowl loss

The 2018 season was the Los Angeles Rams' 81st in the National Football League (NFL), their 82nd overall, their 52nd in the Greater Los Angeles Area and their second under head coach Sean McVay.

References