Table of Contents
The Dallas Cowboys are renowned for their strong offense and solid defense, but a crucial component of their success in the playoffs often goes unnoticed: their special teams. Special teams play a vital role in shaping the outcome of high-stakes games, providing opportunities for momentum shifts and scoring plays.
Understanding Special Teams
Special teams units are responsible for kicking, punting, and returning kicks and punts. They can influence field position, score points through field goals or return touchdowns, and create turnovers. In playoff games, where every point counts, the performance of special teams can be decisive.
Key Contributions in Playoff Successes
- Field Goals and Extra Points: Reliable kickers have often secured narrow victories with clutch field goals in the closing minutes.
- Punt Returns: Dynamic returners can flip field position and set up scoring opportunities.
- Kickoff Returns: Long returns can energize the team and put the offense in scoring range.
- Coverage Units: Preventing big returns limits opponents’ scoring chances and maintains defensive stability.
Notable Examples in Cowboys’ Playoff History
One of the most memorable moments was in the 1992 NFC Championship game, where the Cowboys’ special teams contributed significantly to their victory. Their consistent field position advantage and a key kickoff return helped them secure a spot in the Super Bowl. More recently, in the 2018 playoffs, clutch field goals and solid coverage units helped Dallas advance through tough opponents.
Conclusion
While stars on offense and defense often garner headlines, the importance of special teams in the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff successes cannot be overstated. Effective special teams play provides the edge needed to win close games and advance deep into the postseason. Coaches and players alike recognize that a strong special teams unit can be the difference between victory and defeat in the playoffs.