Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 71)

We count down the days to kickoff giving you an interesting fact about each number. Today is number 71.

We are at day 71 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 71.

The 1971 season came to a close as the Dallas Cowboys secured their first-ever Lombardi Trophy by defeating the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI.

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The Dallas Cowboys were known for faltering in crucial games, and their display in Super Bowl V the previous year only reinforced that reputation. Despite the fact that this was the Dolphins’ first appearance in the Super Bowl, the media continued to emphasize the Cowboys’ history of underperforming in key moments.

In New Orleans, 81,023 spectators filled Tulane Stadium, paying an average of $15 for a ticket. The first quarter concluded with the Cowboys leading 3-0, highlighted by Bob Lilly’s impressive 29-yard sack on Dolphins’ quarterback Bob Griese, marking the longest negative play in Super Bowl history. The Dolphins found a spark in the second quarter but a daring 49-yard field goal missed the uprights. They managed to score a field goal before halftime, which turned out to be their only points of the game.

In the third quarter, running back Duane Thomas extended the Cowboys’ lead by scoring a three-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 17-3. In the fourth quarter, Dallas took advantage of a Chuck Howley interception, as Staubach threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mike Ditka, further widening their lead to 24-3.

The Dallas Cowboys showcased an impressive performance in Super Bowl VI, establishing new records for the most rushing yards (252), the most first downs (23), and the fewest points allowed (3). Over the next 47 years, they remained the only team to keep their opponent from scoring a touchdown in the Super Bowl. This feat was achieved for the second time in 2018 by the New England Patriots, in Super Bowl LIII.

Cowboys Training Camp, Oxnard, 25th July (26 days to go).