Dallas Cowboys vs Tennessee Titans Matchup
“The secret to winning is constant, consistent management.”
This was said by Cowboys head coach, Tom Landry, who won two Super Bowls in the 70s. They were crowned “America’s Team” in 1978 and became the biggest brand in the NFL. Winning became synonymous with the Cowboys after adding three more Super Bowls in the 90s. Since their last championship in 1995, they haven’t gone back. This could be due to owner Jerry Jones’ inconsistent management.
The Titans have never won Super Bowl. Their only appearance was in 1999 where they lost in one of the most painful ways possible. I can’t imagine being a fan watching my wide receiver get tackled at the one-yard line as time runs off the clock. The replays of that ending makes my stomach turn and I’m not even a Titans fan.
The History
The Titans and Cowboys have played 16 times. Dallas holds an 9-7 series lead with a 374-295 point advantage. These teams first played in 1970 which saw a 52-10 beatdown by the Cowboys. The last time they played was in 2018. Titans @ Cowboys on Monday Night Football. The Titans ran through the Cowboys defense and won 28-14, shutting Dallas out in the second half.
Best Games
There have been two truly electric games in this series. The first was in 1991 in a legendary, Hall of Fame QB showdown. Troy Aikman vs. Warren Moon. The Cowboys took an early lead on a blocked punt touchdown. The Oilers had to respond and tied it at 10 with two minutes left before half. Aikman led his down for field goal with two seconds left to lead at half. Warren Moon threw the ball all over the field in this game. He finished with 432 yards passing, which was rarer than a UFO sighting in 1990s football. The game seesawed back and forth until Aikman led another late drive punctuated with a game tying TD pass to Michael Irvin that forced overtime. The Oilers won the game in OT 26-23 after their kicker hit a 23 yarder.
The matchup in 2010 was much more high scoring. It was Titans @ Cowboys in front of 90,000 fans. Cowboys coming off their bye were a seven-point favorite. Tennessee controlled the first half, up 17-3 before Tony Romo threw a TD with one minute left before half. Romo tied the game up 17-17 immediately in the second half with a 69-yard bomb. The Titans and Cowboys traded field goals and touchdowns before Chris Johnson ran in the game winning touchdown. 34-27 Titans.
Greatest Players
Titans
- Warren Moon: First QB to throw for 5,000 yds in a season and Titans’ all-time leading passer (33,685 yds and 156 TDs)
- Earl Campbell: One of the best RBs ever, was franchise leader in rush yds (8,574) and TDs (73)
- Eddie George: Is the Titans’ all-time leading rusher (10,009 yds)
- Derrick Henry: Titans’ all-time leader in rush TDs (74) and is on pace to set every Titans’ RB record
Cowboys
- Roger Staubach & Tory Aikman: Super Bowl winning QBs for all five championships, each set franchise record for passing yards and TDs at their time of retirement
- Emmitt Smith: Most rush yards (18,355) and rush TDs (164) in NFL history
- Jason Witten: Most receiving yards in Cowboys history (12,977) and second in receiving TDs (72)
- Demarcus Ware: Cowboys all-time leader in sacks (117) and forced fumbles (32)
Who Wins the Next One?
Since the Titans moved to Tennessee, the Cowboys haven’t lost back-to-back games in this matchup. They’ll try to continue this trend on the road @Tennesee on Thursday Night Football. The Cowboys are 2-1 in Tennessee, suggesting they are the side to look at in this spot. My suggestion would to be wary of laying points with the favorite since underdogs have had bite in this series. Dak Prescott will attempt to get his first victory over the Titans. We know Derrick Henry will have something to say about. He’s a handful for any team to stop, especially on his home field.