The 1980 Season
Record: 12-4
2nd in NFC Eastern Division
NFC Runner-Up
Synopsis:
- The 1980s began with a completely different feel to it than the start of the
1970s. Many felt the Cowboys were in the beginning of decline and that they were
past their peak. This theory was furthered by the retirement of Roger Staubach
and Cliff Harris before the season began. Both were integral parts of the Cowboy's
success. Things didn't improve with the draft, the Cowboys didn't receive any true
help this year.
- Tom Landry predicted an 8-8 record for the 1980 Cowboys, but much to everyone's
surprise the Cowboys started the season with a 7-2 record. The Cowboys roared to
a 12-4 record, but finished second to the Philadelphia Eagles. Although the Cowboys
won the season finale against the Eagles, but needed a few more points to win the
East. The Cowboys scored a record 454 points behind new quarterback Danny White,
but the defense allowed 311 points, most against good offensive teams, in bunches.
- Dallas got a rematch with the Los Angeles Rams in the first round, a team
that ended their season in 1979 and soundly beat the Cowboys in week 15. The
Cowboys easily avenged these losses 34-13 (Landry's 200th as a coach). The Cowboy's
next opponent was the Atlanta Falcons. The Cowboys staged a fourth quarter comeback
to defeat the Falcons 30-27 to set-up a game against the Eagles for the NFC Championship.
The Eagles won 20-7 to receive their first Super Bowl bid and begin a string of
NFC Championship Game losses for the Cowboys.
Notables:
- Bob Lilly inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 2.
- Herb Adderley also inducted in same ceremony.
| Preseason |
|---|
| Week | Date | Opponent | W/L | Score |
|---|
| - | Aug 9 | Green Bay | W | 17-14 |
| - | Aug 16 | at Los Angeles | W | 19-16 |
| - | Aug 23 | Houston | W | 20-13 |
| - | Aug 30 | Pittsburgh | L | 10-31 |
Regular Season
|
|---|
| Week | Date | Opponent | W/L | Score |
|---|
| 1 | Sept 8 (Mon) | at Washington | W | 17-03 |
| 2 | Sept 14 | at Denver | L | 20-41 |
| 3 | Sept 21 | Tampa Bay | W | 28-17 |
| 4 | Sept 28 | Green Bay @Milwaukee, WI | W | 28-07 |
| 5 | Oct 5 | NY Giants | W | 24-03 |
| 6 | Oct 12 | San Francisco | W | 59-14 |
| 7 | Oct 19 | at Philadelphia | L | 10-17 |
| 8 | Oct 26 | San Diego | W | 42-31 |
| 9 | Nov 2 | at St. Louis | W | 27-24 |
| 10 | Nov 9 | at NY Giants | L | 35-38 |
| 11 | Nov 16 | St. Louis | W | 31-21 |
| 12 | Nov 23 | Washington | W | 14-10 |
| 13 | Nov 27 (Thurs) | Seattle | W | 51-07 |
| 14 | Dec 7 | at Oakland | W | 19-13 |
| 15 | Dec 15 (Mon) | at Los Angeles | L | 14-38 |
| 16 | Dec 21 | Philadelphia | W | 35-27 |
Playoffs
|
|---|
| Week | Date | Opponent | W/L | Score |
|---|
| Wild | Dec 28 | Los Angeles | W | 34-13 |
| Div | Jan 4 | at Atlanta | W | 30-27 |
| NFC | Jan 11 | at Philadelphia | L | 07-20 |
Last Updated: August 10, 2000
jrbeasley@email.msn.com