Introduction
The Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins stand as two of the most iconic franchises in the National Football League (NFL). Together,cowboys vs dolphins 11 Super Bowl appearances and 8 championships, cementing their legacies in football history. Although their rivalry isn’t as frequent as some divisional matchups, it’s packed with memorable moments that captivate fans.Their first meeting, in Super Bowl VI, laid the groundwork for a long history of competition, and subsequent encounters, like the thrilling 2023 matchup, have maintained the excitement. In this article, we explore the Cowboys vs Dolphins rivalry, delving into key games, standout players, and the impact of these matchups. This rivalry has something for every football fan, whether you’re a die-hard or a casual observer.
Historical Context: Super Bowl VI
A turning point in the history of both the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins occurred in Super Bowl VI, which took place on January 16, 1972, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. For the Cowboys, it was an opportunity to shed their reputation for faltering in big games after losses in Super Bowl V and earlier NFL Championship games. Conversely, the Dolphins, in only their sixth season, were making their first Super Bowl appearance, eager to establish themselves as a force in the NFL.
The Cowboys dominated from the outset, taking an early 3-0 lead with a field goal. Quarterback Roger Staubach, who earned MVP honors, completed 12 of 19 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns, including a 7-yard strike to Lance Alworth. The Cowboys’ defense, led by stars like Bob Lilly, stifled the Dolphins, allowing just a single field goal by Garo Yepremian. Miami failed to gain a first down in the third quarter, and Dallas sealed the 24-3 victory with two more touchdowns. This win marked the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl title and the first professional sports championship for a Dallas-based team.
For the Dolphins, the loss was a learning experience.They used this setback to fuel their historic 1972 season of never losing, which culminated in a victory in Super Bowl VII under coach Don Shula. The Cowboys-Dolphins rivalry is still centered on Super Bowl VI, which demonstrated Dallas’ dominance and Miami’s potential.
Recent Performances: December 24, 2023
On December 24, 2023, the Cowboys and Dolphins faced off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, in a game with significant playoff implications. Both teams entered with 10-4 records, making it a critical matchup for postseason positioning. The game was a back-and-forth battle, showcasing the strengths of both squads.
Jason Sanders’ 57-yard field goal was the Dolphins’ first score. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb connected quickly for a 49-yard touchdown, giving the Cowboys a 7-3 lead.The first half saw both teams trade field goals, with Sanders adding two more from 52 and 54 yards.Miami took a 13-7 lead into halftime after Tua Tagovailoa threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Raheem Mostert.
Sanders kicked a 54-yard field goal to increase Miami’s lead to 16-7 in the third quarter, continuing his excellent performance. Brandon Aubrey kicked a 43-yard field goal for the Cowboys in response, closing the gap to 16-10. The score was then 19-10 thanks to a 35-yard field goal by Sanders.. In the fourth quarter, Dallas fought back with two field goals by Aubrey, tying the game at 19-19. However, the Cowboys took a 20-19 lead with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to Brandin Cooks after a 17-play, 69-yard drive.
With 3:27 remaining, Tagovailoa led a 12-play, 64-yard drive, connecting with Tyreek Hill twice. Sanders sealed the 22-20 victory with a 29-yard field goal as time expired, clinching a playoff berth for the Dolphins. This game highlighted the competitive nature of the Cowboys vs Dolphins rivalry, with both teams showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess.
Head-to-Head Record
The Dolphins have a slight 8-7 advantage over the Cowboys in 15 regular-season meetings with them. Including their Super Bowl VI matchup, the overall record is tied at 8-8. The Dolphins have scored 304 points across these games, compared to the Cowboys’ 296, with both teams averaging roughly 20 points per game.
| Statistic | Cowboys | Dolphins |
| Regular Season Wins | 7 | 8 |
| Playoff Wins | 1 | 0 |
| Total Points Scored | 296 | 304 |
| Average Points/Game | ~20 | ~20 |
Notably, the home team has won 10 of the 15 regular-season games. Miami has won 5 of their 7 home games against Dallas, while the Cowboys have won 4 of their 7 home games against the Dolphins. Recent years have seen a balanced series, with each team winning 3 of the last 6 meetings.In 2017 and 2019, the Cowboys prevailed, while in 2021 and 2023, the Dolphins prevailed.This close competition underscores the intensity of the Cowboys vs Dolphins rivalry.
Key Players
Legendary and current players’ outstanding performances have defined the Cowboys-Dolphins rivalry. Roger Staubach’s MVP performance in Super Bowl VI, when he threw for 119 yards and two touchdowns, will always be remembered by the Cowboys.In the modern era, Dak Prescott has been a key figure, boasting a 99.7 passer rating against Miami, with 499 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception in two games. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has also shone, with 11 receptions for 184 yards and a touchdown in his matchups against the Dolphins.Micah Parsons, a linebacker, has been a disruptive force on defense, racking up sacks and tackles for loss.
For the Dolphins, Dan Marino’s legacy looms large. He threw for 1,050 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions against Dallas during his career.Today, Tua Tagovailoa leads the charge, with a 98.1 passer rating and 293 yards in his lone game against the Cowboys in 2023. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are dynamic wide receivers. Hill caught nine passes for 99 yards in the 2023 game. Running back Raheem Mostert has also been effective, scoring a touchdown in the latest matchup. These players continue to shape the Cowboys vs Dolphins narrative.
Memorable Moments
The rivalry between the Cowboys and Dolphins has produced numerous memorable moments. Super Bowl VI stands out as the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl victory, a 24-3 rout that solidified their status as an NFL powerhouse. The 2023 game was another highlight, with Jason Sanders’ game-winning 29-yard field goal securing a 22-20 victory and a playoff berth for Miami. In 2019, the Cowboys dominated with a 31-6 win, powered by Dak Prescott’s 246 passing yards and Ezekiel Elliott’s 137 rushing yards. The 2017 game saw the Dolphins edge out a 28-27 victory, with Jay Ajayi rushing for 204 yards and two touchdowns. These moments capture the excitement and competitiveness of this rivalry.
Analysis
Cowboys vs Dolphins games are more than just matchups; they often carry significant playoff implications. The 2023 game, for instance, was pivotal for the Dolphins, who clinched a wild card spot with their victory. For the Cowboys, the loss highlighted their struggles in road games against winning teams, a narrative that has persisted in recent seasons. The contrasting styles—Dallas’ balanced attack versus Miami’s explosive passing game—make these games compelling. The Cowboys rely on Prescott’s versatility and Parsons’ defensive prowess, while the Dolphins leverage Tagovailoa’s accuracy and the speed of Hill and Waddle. As both teams continue to build around young talent, future matchups promise to be equally thrilling.
Conclusion
The rivalry between the Cowboys and Dolphins is a fascinating chapter in NFL history that combines historic victories with contemporary drama. From the Cowboys’ dominant Super Bowl VI win to the Dolphins’ clutch 2023 victory, each game adds to the legacy of this matchup. With talented rosters and passionate fan bases, these teams are poised to deliver more unforgettable moments. If you’re a fan of the Cowboys, Dolphins, or simply great football, don’t miss their next clash. Stay updated on NFL schedules and catch the action live—join the conversation on X to share your predictions and reactions!
FAQs
Which team between the Cowboys and Dolphins has won more games?
The Miami Dolphins lead with 8 regular-season wins to the Dallas Cowboys’ 7. However, the Cowboys won their only playoff meeting in Super Bowl VI, tying the overall record at 8-8.
What was the score of Super Bowl VI?
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-3 in Super Bowl VI on January 16, 1972, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.
How many times have the Cowboys and Dolphins played each other?
They have played 16 times—15 regular-season games and one playoff game (Super Bowl VI).
Who are the key players in the Cowboys vs Dolphins rivalry?
Notable players include Roger Staubach and Dak Prescott for the Cowboys, and Dan Marino and Tua Tagovailoa for the Dolphins. Current stars like CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle also shine.
When was the last time the Cowboys and Dolphins played?
Their most recent game was on December 24, 2023, with the Dolphins winning 22-20 at Hard Rock Stadium.