The 1972 Season

Record: 10-4
2nd NFC East (Wildcard entry)
NFC Runner-Up

Synopsis:

The Cowboys new season began much the same as the last one began--with Duane Thomas causing problems at training camp. Duane Thomas was traded to San Diego. This time for good-there was a no return clause. However, this season was not to be a repeat of the 1971 season. Unlike the failure of the 1971 draft, the Cowboys gained the likes of running back Robert Newhouse and tight end Jean Fugett.

Injuries plagued the Cowboys throughout the season. Roger Staubach was lost for the regular season with a shoulder injury. Additionally, George Andrie was lost due to a bad back and Bob Lilly was not at full strength also to a bad back. The one thing that was hurt the most was the competitive edge which Dallas didn't have.

For the first time in years, Dallas was being challenged within their division. Washington defeated the Cowboys in week six serving notice that the 4-2 Cowboys were to be challenged. The Cowboys responded by winning 6 of the next 7 including Washington in the season's next to last week. However, in the final week with the Division Championship on the line, the New York Giants soundly defeated the Cowboys at Texas Stadium handing the NFC East to the Washington Redskins. Dallas finished the regular season with a record of 10-4 and second place.

Dallas began the defense of their championship in unfamiliar territory-- on the road as the wild-card team. Dallas played San Francisco for the third straight year. Despite Staubach being back from injury, Craig Morton remained as starting quarterback. Midway through the third quarter and Dallas losing 28-16, Staubach replaced Morton and scored 14 points late in the fourth quarter winning 30-28. This placed Dallas to play Washington in the NFC Championship Game. Washington beat Dallas 26-2 to head to Super Bowl VII. There would ot a repeat.

Notables:

• Calvin Hill becomes first 1000 yard rusher for Cowboys
• First time in playoffs at wild-card team

see 1972 NFL Standings