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{{Infobox NFL season {{short description|NFL team season}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL team season
| team = Dallas Cowboys | team = Dallas Cowboys
| year = 1981 | year = 1981
Line 5: Line 7:
| division_place = 1st ] | division_place = 1st ]
| coach = ] | coach = ]
| general manager = ]
| owner = ]
| stadium = ] | stadium = ]
| playoffs = '''Won ]'''<br>(vs. ]) 38–0<br />Lost ]<br>(at ]) ]
| playoffs = Lost Conference Championship
| shortnavlink = Cowboys seasons
}} }}


The '''] ] season''' was their 22nd in the ]. The team matched their ] of 12–4, winning their fifth division title in six years.<ref></ref> They lost the Conference Championship game for the second straight season. The '''] ] season''' was their 22nd in the ]. The team matched their ] of 12–4, winning their fifth division title in six years.<ref></ref> They lost the Conference Championship game for the second straight season.


The season began with four straight victories, followed by two losses (including a surprising 45–14 blowout loss to the 49ers in week six). The Cowboys rebounded to win 8 of their 9 games to clinch the NFC East but had to settle for the conference's number two seed behind the 49ers. The season began with four straight victories, followed by two losses (including a surprising 45–14 blowout loss to the 49ers in week six). The Cowboys rebounded to win 8 of their last 9 games to clinch the NFC East but had to settle for the conference's number two seed behind the 49ers.


The Cowboys easily defeated Tampa Bay in the divisional playoff to earn a rematch with the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The game was much closer this time, and the Cowboys still held a 27–21 lead with less than a minute to play. However, Joe Montana led a late drive and hit Dwight Clark in the famous "]" to give San Francisco a 28–27 victory. The Cowboys easily defeated Tampa Bay in the divisional playoff to earn a rematch with the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The game was much closer this time, and the Cowboys still held a 27–21 lead with less than a minute to play. However, Joe Montana led a late drive and hit Dwight Clark in the famous "]" to give San Francisco a 28–27 lead. On the ensuing Cowboys possession, Danny White completed a pass to Drew Pearson, and was only an arms length away from breaking free from Eric Wright and most likely scoring a touchdown. Jim Stuckey recovered a White fumble on the next play, then the 49ers ran out the clock for the win.

== Offseason ==
===NFL Draft===
{{main|1981 NFL draft}}
{{NFL team draft start
| year = 1981
| teamname = Dallas Cowboys
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 1
| pick = 26
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 2
| pick = 53
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 3
| pick = 81
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 4
| pick = 91
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes = from San Francisco
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 4
| pick = 108
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 5
| pick = 137
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 6
| pick = 163
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 7
| pick = 173
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 7
| pick = 191
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 8
| pick = 218
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 9
| pick = 246
| player = ]
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 10
| pick = 273
| player = Pat Graham
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 11
| pick = 302
| player = Tim Morrison
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 12
| pick = 329
| player = Nate Lundy
| position = ]
| college = ]
| notes =
| probowl = no
| maderoster = no
}}
{{NFL team draft end}}

===Undrafted free agents===


==Schedule==
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|+ 1981 Undrafted Free Agents of note
!Player
!Position
!College
|-
|]
|Safety
|]
|-
|]
|Linebacker
|]
|-
|]
|Cornerback
|]
|-
|]
|Tackle
|]
|}

==Schedule==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|- |-
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Week
! Week
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Date
! Date
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Opponent
! Opponent
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Result
! Result
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Record
! Attendance
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Game Site
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Attendance
| 1
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Recap
| September 6, 1981
|-style="background: #cfc"
| at ]
! ]
| W 26–10
| September 6
| <center>55,045</center>
| at ''']'''
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| '''W''' 26–10
| 2
| 1–0
| September 13, 1981
| ]
| ]
| 55,045
| W 30–17
|
| <center>63,602</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;" |-style="background: #cfc"
! ]
| 3
| September 21, 1981 | September 13
| ''']'''
| at ]
| W 35–21 | '''W''' 30–17
| 2–0
| <center>60,311</center>
| ]
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 4 | 63,602
|
| September 27, 1981
|-style="background: #cfc"
| ]
! ]
| W 18–10
| {{dow tooltip|September 21, 1981}}
| <center>63,449</center>
| at ]
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| '''W''' 35–21
| 5
| 3–0
| October 4, 1981
| ]
| at ]
| 60,311
| L 20–17
|
| <center>49,477</center>
|-style="background: #ffdddd;" |-style="background: #cfc"
! ]
| 6
| September 27
| October 11, 1981
| ''']'''
| at ]
| '''W''' 18–10
| L 45–14
| 4–0
| <center>57,574</center>
| Texas Stadium
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 7 | 63,449
|
| October 18, 1981
|-style="background: #fcc"
| ]
! ]
| W 29–17
| October 4
| <center>64,649</center>
| at ''']'''
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| '''L''' 17–20
| 8
| 4–1
| October 25, 1981
| ] | ]
| 49,477
| W 28–27
|
| <center>64,221</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;" |-style="background: #fcc"
! ]
| 9
| October 11
| November 1, 1981
| at ]
| at ]
| '''L''' 14–45
| W 17–14
| 4–2
| <center>72,111</center>
| ]
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 10 | 57,574
|
| November 9, 1981
|-style="background: #cfc"
| ]
! ]
| W 27–14
| October 18
| <center>62,583</center>
| ]
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| '''W''' 29–17
| 11
| 5–2
| November 15, 1981
| Texas Stadium
| at ]
| 64,649
| L 27–24
|
| <center>79,694</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;" |-style="background: #cfc"
! ]
| 12
| October 25
| November 22, 1981
| ]
| ]
| W 24–10 | '''W''' 28–27
| 6–2
| <center>64,587</center>
| Texas Stadium
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| 13 | 64,221
|
| November 26, 1981
|-style="background: #cfc"
| ]
! ]
| W 10–9
| November 1
| <center>63,499</center>
| at ''']'''
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
| '''W''' 17–14
| 14
| 7–2
| December 6, 1981
| ]
| at ]
| 72,111
| W 37–13
|
| <center>54,871</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;" |-style="background: #cfc"
! ]
| 15
| December 13, 1981 | {{dow tooltip|November 9, 1981}}
| ]
| ]
| W 21–10 | '''W''' 27–14
| 8–2
| <center>64,955</center>
| Texas Stadium
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| 16 | 62,583
|
| December 19, 1981
|-style="background: #fcc"
| at ]
! ]
| L 13–10
| November 15
| <center>73,009</center>
| at ]
| '''L''' 24–27
| 8–3
| ]
| 79,694
|
|-style="background: #cfc"
! ]
| November 22
| ''']'''
| '''W''' 24–10
| 9–3
| Texas Stadium
| 64,587
|
|-style="background: #cfc"
! ]
| ]
| ]
| '''W''' 10–9
| 10–3
| Texas Stadium
| 63,499
|
|-style="background: #cfc"
! ]
| December 6
| at ]
| '''W''' 37–13
| 11–3
| ]
| 54,871
|
|-style="background: #cfc"
! ]
| December 13
| ''']'''
| '''W''' 21–10
| 12–3
| Texas Stadium
| 64,955
|
|-style="background: #fcc"
! ]
| {{dow tooltip|December 19, 1981}}
| at ''']'''
| '''L''' 10–13 {{small|(OT)}}
| 12–4
| ]
| 73,009
|
|} |}
Division opponents are in '''bold''' text


==Game notes== ==Game notes==
===Week 1===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cowboys
|V1= 0|V2=14 |V3=6 |V4=6
|Host=]
|H1= 0|H2=7 |H3=3 |H4=0
|Date=Sunday Sept 6, 1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=1:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=55,045
|Weather={{convert|75|F}}, wind {{convert|8|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Frank Glieber and Roger Staubach
|TVStation= CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 2===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cardinals
|V1= 7|V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=3
|Host=Cowboys
|H1= 14|H2=13 |H3=3 |H4=0
|Date=Sunday Sep 13, 1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=4:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=63,602
|Weather={{convert|82|F}}, wind {{convert|9|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Frank Glieber and Roger Staubach
|TVStation= CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 3===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cowboys
|V1= 7|V2=10 |V3=7 |V4=11
|Host=Patriots
|H1= 7|H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=0
|Date=Monday Sept 21, 1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=9:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=60,311
|Weather={{convert|62|F}}, wind {{convert|13|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers=Frank Gifford, Don Meredith & Howard Cosell
|TVStation= ABC
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 4===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Giants
|V1= 0|V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=7
|Host=Cowboys
|H1= 7|H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=8
|Date=Sunday Sep 27, 1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=4:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=63,449
|Weather={{convert|82|F}}, wind {{convert|10|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=Pat Summerall & Hank Stram
|TVStation=CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 5===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cowboys
|V1= 7|V2=3 |V3=7 |V4=0
|Host=Cardinals
|H1= 10|H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=3
|Date=Sunday Oct 4,1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=1:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=49,477
|Weather=Clear; {{convert|64|F}}, wind {{convert|12|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Pat Summerall and John Madden
|TVStation= CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 6===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cowboys
|V1= 0|V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=7
|Host=49ers
|H1= 21|H2=3 |H3=14 |H4=7
|Date= Sunday Oct 11, 1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=4:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=57,574
|Weather=Sunny; {{convert|58|F}}, wind {{convert|18|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Pat Summerall and John Madden
|TVStation= CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 7===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Rams
|V1= 0|V2=10 |V3=7 |V4=0
|Host=Cowboys
|H1= 12|H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=3
|Date=Sunday Oct 18, 1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=9:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=64,649
|Weather={{convert|64|F}}, humidity 55%
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, and Don Meredith
|TVStation= ABC
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 8===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Dolphins
|V1= 0|V2=6 |V3=7 |V4=14
|Host=Cowboys
|H1= 7|H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=14
|Date=Sunday Oct 25, 1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=4:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=64,221
|Weather={{convert|54|F}}, humidity 74%
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen
|TVStation= NBC
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 9===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cowboys
|V1= 0|V2= 3|V3=0 |V4=14
|Host=Eagles
|H1= 0|H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=0
|Date=Sunday Nov 1, 1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=4:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=72,111
|Weather={{convert|53|F}}, wind {{convert|6|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee=]
|TVAnnouncers=Pat Summerall & John Madden
|TVStation=CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}


===Week 10=== ===Week 10===
Line 129: Line 575:
|Visitor=Bills |Visitor=Bills
|V1=7 |V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=0 |V1=7 |V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=0
|Host='''Cowboys''' |Host=Cowboys
|H1=7 |H2=0 |H3=20 |H4=0 |H1=7 |H2=0 |H3=20 |H4=0
|Date=Monday, November 9 |Date=November 9
|Location=], ] |Location=], ]
|StartTime=8:00 PM |StartTime=9:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=62,583
|Weather={{Convert|50|F|C}} • {{Convert|20|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=]
|TVAnnouncers=], ], and ]
|TVStation=]
}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=BUF |Event=] 16 yard pass from ] (] kick) |Score=BUF 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=] 12 yard pass from ] (] kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=BUF |Event=] 9 yard pass from ] (Nick Mike-Mayer kick) |Score= BUF 14–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=] 73 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septién kick) |Score= Tied 14–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=] 37 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septién kick) |Score= DAL 21–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=Rafael Septién 47 yard field goal|Score=DAL 24–14 }}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=Rafael Septién 31 yard field goal |Score=DAL 27–14 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}

<ref></ref>

{{Clear}}

===Week 11===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cowboys
|V1= 7|V2=10 |V3=0 |V4=7
|Host=Lions
|H1= 0|H2=7 |H3=10 |H4=10
|Date=Sunday Nov 15, 1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=4:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=79,694
|Weather=Dome
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Pat Summerall and John Madden
|TVStation= CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 12===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Redskins
|V1= 0|V2= 7|V3= 3|V4=0
|Host=Cowboys
|H1= 7|H2= 3|H3= 7|H4=7
|Date=Sunday, November 22, 1981
|Location=], ]
|StartTime=3:00 p.m.
|TimeZone= |TimeZone=
|ElapsedTime= |ElapsedTime=
|Attendance= |Attendance=64,587
|Weather=50 F, wind 20 mph |Weather={{convert|51|F}}; wind {{convert|7|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee= |Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= |TVAnnouncers=Tom Brookshier and Roger Staubach
|TVStation= |TVStation=CBS
}} }}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=] 28 yard pass from ] (] kick) |Score= DAL 7–0}}
*'''Source:'''
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=BUF |Event=] 16 yard pass from ] (] kick) |Score=BUF 7-0}} {{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team= DAL|Event=Rafael Septién 25 yard field goal |Score= DAL 10–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=] 12 yard pass from ] (] kick) |Score= Tied 7-7}} {{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team= WSH|Event=] 7 yard pass from ] (] kick) |Score= DAL 10–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=BUF |Event=] 9 yard pass from ] (Nick Mike-Mayer kick) |Score= BUF 14-7}} {{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team= WSH|Event=Mark Moseley 26 yard field goal |Score= Tie 10–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=] 73 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septien kick) |Score= Tied 14-14}} {{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team= DAL|Event=] 10 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septién kick) |Score= DAL 17–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=] 37 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septien kick) |Score= DAL 21-14}} {{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team= DAL|Event= ] 1 yard run (Rafael Septién kick) |Score= DAL 24–10|LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=Rafael Septien 47 yard field goal|Score=DAL 24-14 }}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=Rafael Septien 31 yard field goal |Score=DAL 27-14 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}} {{AFB game box end}}


<ref></ref>
{{-}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 13===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Bears
|V1= 0|V2= 3|V3= 0|V4=6
|Host=Cowboys
|H1= 3|H2= 0|H3= 0|H4=7
|Date=Thursday Nov, 26 1981
|Location=], ]
|StartTime=4:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=63,499
|Weather={{convert|68|F}}; humidity 62%
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Pat Summerall and John Madden
|TVStation= CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 14===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cowboys
|V1=17 |V2=10 |V3=0 |V4=10
|Host=Colts
|H1=6 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=0
|Date=Sunday Dec 6, 1981
|Location=], ]
|StartTime=2:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=54,871
|Weather={{convert|39|F}}, wind {{convert|20|mph|abbr=on}}, wind chill {{convert|29|F}}
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Jim Kelly & John Dockery
|TVStation= CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 15===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Eagles
|V1=3 |V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=0
|Host=Cowboys
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=7
|Date=Sunday Dec 13, 1981
|Location=], ]
|StartTime=4:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=64,955
|Weather={{convert|44|F}}, humidity 83%, wind {{convert|9|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers= Pat Summerall and John Madden
|TVStation= CBS
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Week 16===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cowboys
|V1= 0|V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=10 |VOT=0
|Host=]
|H1= 0|H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=3 |HOT=3
|Date=Saturday Dec 19,1981
|Location=]
|StartTime=12:30 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=73,009
|Weather=Overcast; {{convert|27|F}}, wind chill {{convert|13|F}}, wind {{convert|20|mph|abbr=on}}mph
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers=] and ]
|TVStation=]
}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter= 3|Time= |Team=NYG |Event=] 20 yard pass from ] (] kick) |Score=Giants 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=DAL |Event=] 3 yard pass from ] (] kick) |Score= Tie 7–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time= |Team=DAL |Event=Rafael Septién 36 yard field goal |Score= Cowboys 10–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=NYG |Event=Joe Danelo 40 yard field goal |Score= Tie 10–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=OT |Time= |Team= NYG|Event=Joe Danelo 35 yard field goal |Score=Giants 13–10 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}


==Playoffs== ==Playoffs==
{{main|1981–82 NFL playoffs}}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|- |-
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Round
! Week
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Date
! Date
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Opponent
! Opponent
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Result
! Result
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Game Site
! Attendance
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Attendance
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Dallas Cowboys|year=1981|border=2}}"| Recap
| Divisional
|-
| January 2, 1982
! ]
| ]
| colspan=7| '']''
| W 38–0
|-style="background: #cfc"
| <center>64,848</center>
! ]
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
| {{dow tooltip|January 2, 1982|df=F j, Y}}
| Conference
| ] (3)
| '''W''' 38–0
| ]
| 64,848
|
|-style="background: #fcc"
! ]
| January 10, 1982 | January 10, 1982
| at ] | at ] (1)
| L 28–27 | '''L''' 27–28
| ]
| <center>60,525</center>
| 60,525
|
|} |}

===Divisional Round===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=]
|V1= 0|V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=0
|Host=Cowboys
|H1= 0|H2=10 |H3=21 |H4=7
|Date=Jan 2,1982
|Location=]
|StartTime=1:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=64,848
|Weather=Sunny; {{convert|57|F}}
|Referee= ]
|TVAnnouncers=
|TVStation=
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}

===Conference Championship===

{{AFB game box start
|Title=
|Visitor=Cowboys
|V1= 10|V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=10
|Host=]
|H1= 7|H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=7
|Date=Jan 10,1982
|Location=]
|StartTime=4:30 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=60,525
|Weather=Sunny; {{convert|43|F}}, wind {{convert|5|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee=]
|TVAnnouncers=] (play-by-play), ] (color commentator), ] (sideline reporter)

|TVStation=]
}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Clear}}


==Standings== ==Standings==
Line 183: Line 845:
{| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;" {| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;"
|- |-
! colspan="7" style="background:#c5ced6; color:black; border: 2px solid #001942; text-align: center;"|'''Dallas Cowboys 1981 roster''' ! colspan="7" style="background:#c5ced6; color:black; border: 2px solid #001942; text-align: center;"|Dallas Cowboys 1981 roster
|- |-
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" | '''Quarterbacks''' | style="font-size:95%; vertical-align:top;"| '''Quarterbacks'''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">18</span> ] * {{player|18}} ]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">14</span> ] * {{player|14}} ]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">11</span> ] P * {{player|11}} ] P


'''Running Backs''' '''Running backs'''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">33</span> ] * {{player|33}} ]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">23</span> ] RS * {{player|23}} ] RS
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">44</span> ] FB * {{player|44}} ] FB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">30</span> ] RB/FB * {{player|30}} ] RB/FB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">20</span> ] FB * {{player|20}} ] FB


'''Wide Receivers''' '''Wide receivers'''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">83</span> '']'' * {{player|83}} '']''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">80</span> ] * {{player|80}} ]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">86</span> ] * {{player|86}} ]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">88</span> ] * {{player|88}} ]


'''Tight Ends''' '''Tight ends'''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">84</span> ] * {{player|84}} ]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">89</span> ] * {{player|89}} ]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">87</span> ] * {{player|87}} ]
| style="width: 25px;" | | style="width: 25px;" |
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |'''Offensive Linemen''' | style="font-size:95%; vertical-align:top;"|'''Offensive linemen'''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">61</span> ] T/C * {{player|61}} ] T/C
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">67</span> ] T * {{player|67}} ] T
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">71</span> ] T * {{player|71}} ] T
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">65</span> ] G * {{player|65}} ] G
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">64</span> ] C/G * {{player|64}} ] C/G
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">70</span> '']'' G * {{player|70}} '']'' G
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">68</span> ] G * {{player|68}} ] G
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">63</span> '']'' C/G * {{player|63}} '']'' C/G
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">73</span> '']'' T * {{player|73}} '']'' T


'''Defensive Linemen''' '''Defensive linemen'''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">76</span> ] DT * {{player|76}} ] DT
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">78</span> ] DT * {{player|78}} ] DT
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">72</span> ] DE * {{player|72}} ] DE
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">79</span> ] DE * {{player|79}} ] DE
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">77</span> ] DE * {{player|77}} ] DE
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">54</span> ] DT * {{player|54}} ] DT
| style="width: 25px;" | | style="width: 25px;" |
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |'''Linebackers''' | style="font-size:95%; vertical-align:top;"|'''Linebackers'''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">53</span> ] MLB * {{player|53}} ] MLB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">59</span> ] OLB * {{player|59}} ] OLB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">51</span> ] OLB * {{player|51}} ] OLB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">58</span> ] OLB * {{player|58}} ] OLB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">57</span> '']'' MLB/OLB * {{player|57}} '']'' MLB/OLB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">50</span> ] OLB * {{player|50}} ] OLB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">55</span> '']'' MLB * {{player|55}} '']'' MLB


'''Defensive Backs''' '''Defensive backs'''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">31</span> ] SS/CB * {{player|31}} ] SS/CB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">26</span> '']'' FS * {{player|26}} '']'' FS
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">27</span> '']'' CB * {{player|27}} '']'' CB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">32</span> ] CB * {{player|32}} ] CB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">24</span> '']'' CB * {{player|24}} '']'' CB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">41</span> ] SS * {{player|41}} ] SS
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">45</span> ] CB/WR * {{player|45}} ] CB/WR


'''Special Teams''' '''Special teams'''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">&nbsp;1</span> ] K * {{player|&nbsp;1}} ] K
| style="width: 25px;" | | style="width: 25px;" |
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |'''Reserve Lists''' | style="font-size:95%; vertical-align:top;"|'''Reserve lists'''
* {{player|47}} ] FS <small>(IR)</small> ]
''Currently vacant''
* {{player|62}} ] C <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|42}} ] SS <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|56}} ] MLB <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|52}} ] C <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|75}} '']'' DE <small>(IR)</small> ]
* {{player|66}} '']'' G <small>(IR)</small> ]


<small>''Rookies in italics''<br /> <small>''Rookies in italics''<br />
<small>45 Active, 0 Inactive</small> 45 active, 6 inactive</small>
|-
|} |}


Line 267: Line 934:
] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 19:51, 22 September 2024

NFL team season

1981 Dallas Cowboys season
OwnerClint Murchison, Jr.
General managerTex Schramm
Head coachTom Landry
Home fieldTexas Stadium
Results
Record12–4
Division place1st NFC East
Playoff finishWon Divisional Playoffs
(vs. Buccaneers) 38–0
Lost NFC Championship
(at 49ers) 27–28

The 1981 Dallas Cowboys season was their 22nd in the league. The team matched their previous output of 12–4, winning their fifth division title in six years. They lost the Conference Championship game for the second straight season.

The season began with four straight victories, followed by two losses (including a surprising 45–14 blowout loss to the 49ers in week six). The Cowboys rebounded to win 8 of their last 9 games to clinch the NFC East but had to settle for the conference's number two seed behind the 49ers.

The Cowboys easily defeated Tampa Bay in the divisional playoff to earn a rematch with the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The game was much closer this time, and the Cowboys still held a 27–21 lead with less than a minute to play. However, Joe Montana led a late drive and hit Dwight Clark in the famous "Catch" to give San Francisco a 28–27 lead. On the ensuing Cowboys possession, Danny White completed a pass to Drew Pearson, and was only an arms length away from breaking free from Eric Wright and most likely scoring a touchdown. Jim Stuckey recovered a White fumble on the next play, then the 49ers ran out the clock for the win.

Offseason

NFL Draft

Main article: 1981 NFL draft
1981 Dallas Cowboys draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 26 Howard Richards  OT Missouri
2 53 Doug Donley  WR Ohio State
3 81 Glen Titensor  OG BYU
4 91 Scott Pelluer  LB Washington State from San Francisco
4 108 Derrie Nelson  LB Nebraska
5 137 Danny Spradlin  LB Tennessee
6 163 Vince Skillings  DB Ohio State
7 173 Ron Fellows  CB Missouri
7 191 Ken Miller  DB Eastern Michigan
8 218 Paul Piurowski  LB Florida State
9 246 Mike Wilson  WR Washington State
10 273 Pat Graham  DT California
11 302 Tim Morrison  OG Georgia
12 329 Nate Lundy  WR Indiana
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Undrafted free agents

1981 Undrafted Free Agents of note
Player Position College
Michael Downs Safety Rice
Angelo King Linebacker South Carolina State
Everson Walls Cornerback Grambling State
Steve Wright Tackle Northern Iowa

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game Site Attendance Recap
1 September 6 at Washington Redskins W 26–10 1–0 RFK Stadium 55,045 Recap
2 September 13 St. Louis Cardinals W 30–17 2–0 Texas Stadium 63,602 Recap
3 September 21 at New England Patriots W 35–21 3–0 Schaefer Stadium 60,311 Recap
4 September 27 New York Giants W 18–10 4–0 Texas Stadium 63,449 Recap
5 October 4 at St. Louis Cardinals L 17–20 4–1 Busch Memorial Stadium 49,477 Recap
6 October 11 at San Francisco 49ers L 14–45 4–2 Candlestick Park 57,574 Recap
7 October 18 Los Angeles Rams W 29–17 5–2 Texas Stadium 64,649 Recap
8 October 25 Miami Dolphins W 28–27 6–2 Texas Stadium 64,221 Recap
9 November 1 at Philadelphia Eagles W 17–14 7–2 Veterans Stadium 72,111 Recap
10 November 9 Buffalo Bills W 27–14 8–2 Texas Stadium 62,583 Recap
11 November 15 at Detroit Lions L 24–27 8–3 Pontiac Silverdome 79,694 Recap
12 November 22 Washington Redskins W 24–10 9–3 Texas Stadium 64,587 Recap
13 November 26 Chicago Bears W 10–9 10–3 Texas Stadium 63,499 Recap
14 December 6 at Baltimore Colts W 37–13 11–3 Memorial Stadium 54,871 Recap
15 December 13 Philadelphia Eagles W 21–10 12–3 Texas Stadium 64,955 Recap
16 December 19 at New York Giants L 10–13 (OT) 12–4 Giants Stadium 73,009 Recap

Division opponents are in bold text

Game notes

Week 1

1 234Total
• Cowboys 0 1466 26
Redskins 0 730 10
  • Date: Sunday Sept 6, 1981
  • Location: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
  • Game start: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 55,045
  • Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C), wind 8 mph (13 km/h)
  • Referee: Gene Barth
  • TV announcers (CBS): Frank Glieber and Roger Staubach


Week 2

1 234Total
Cardinals 7 703 17
• Cowboys 14 1330 30
  • Date: Sunday Sep 13, 1981
  • Location: Texas Stadium
  • Game start: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 63,602
  • Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C), wind 9 mph (14 km/h)
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (CBS): Frank Glieber and Roger Staubach


Week 3

1 234Total
• Cowboys 7 10711 35
Patriots 7 770 21
  • Date: Monday Sept 21, 1981
  • Location: Schaefer Stadium
  • Game start: 9:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 60,311
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), wind 13 mph (21 km/h)
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford, Don Meredith & Howard Cosell


Week 4

1 234Total
Giants 0 307 10
• Cowboys 7 308 18
  • Date: Sunday Sep 27, 1981
  • Location: Texas Stadium
  • Game start: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 63,449
  • Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C), wind 10 mph (16 km/h)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall & Hank Stram


Week 5

1 234Total
Cowboys 7 370 17
• Cardinals 10 073 20


Week 6

1 234Total
Cowboys 0 707 14
• 49ers 21 3147 45
  • Date: Sunday Oct 11, 1981
  • Location: Candlestick Park
  • Game start: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 57,574
  • Game weather: Sunny; 58 °F (14 °C), wind 18 mph (29 km/h)
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and John Madden


Week 7

1 234Total
Rams 0 1070 17
• Cowboys 12 1403 29
  • Date: Sunday Oct 18, 1981
  • Location: Texas Stadium
  • Game start: 9:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 64,649
  • Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C), humidity 55%
  • Referee: Gene Barth
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkenton, and Don Meredith


Week 8

1 234Total
Dolphins 0 6714 27
• Cowboys 7 7014 28
  • Date: Sunday Oct 25, 1981
  • Location: Texas Stadium
  • Game start: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 64,221
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), humidity 74%
  • Referee: Fred Wyant
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen


Week 9

1 234Total
• Cowboys 0 3014 17
Eagles 0 770 14
  • Date: Sunday Nov 1, 1981
  • Location: Veterans Stadium
  • Game start: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 72,111
  • Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), wind 6 mph (9.7 km/h)
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall & John Madden


Week 10

1 234Total
Bills 7 700 14
• Cowboys 7 0200 27
Scoring summary
1BUFJerry Butler 16 yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Nick Mike-Mayer kick)BUF 7–0
1DALDoug Cosbie 12 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septién kick)Tied 7–7
2BUFCurtis Brown 9 yard pass from Joe Cribbs (Nick Mike-Mayer kick)BUF 14–7
3DALTony Dorsett 73 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septién kick)Tied 14–14
3DALTony Hill 37 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septién kick)DAL 21–14
3DALRafael Septién 47 yard field goalDAL 24–14
3DALRafael Septién 31 yard field goalDAL 27–14

Week 11

1 234Total
Cowboys 7 1007 24
• Lions 0 71010 27
  • Date: Sunday Nov 15, 1981
  • Location: Pontiac Silverdome
  • Game start: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 79,694
  • Game weather: Dome
  • Referee: Fred Silva
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and John Madden


Week 12

1 234Total
Redskins 0 730 10
• Cowboys 7 377 24
  • Date: Sunday, November 22, 1981
  • Location: Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas
  • Game start: 3:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 64,587
  • Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C); wind 7 mph (11 km/h)
  • Referee: Dick Jorgensen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tom Brookshier and Roger Staubach
Scoring summary
1DALButch Johnson 28 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septién kick)DAL 7–0
2DALRafael Septién 25 yard field goalDAL 10–0
2WSHNick Giaquinto 7 yard pass from Joe Theismann (Mark Moseley kick)DAL 10–7
3WSHMark Moseley 26 yard field goalTie 10–10
3DALDoug Cosbie 10 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septién kick)DAL 17–10
4DALRon Springs 1 yard run (Rafael Septién kick)DAL 24–10

Week 13

1 234Total
Bears 0 306 9
• Cowboys 3 007 10
  • Date: Thursday Nov, 26 1981
  • Location: Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas
  • Game start: 4:00 p.m.
  • Game attendance: 63,499
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C); humidity 62%
  • Referee: Chuck Heberling
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and John Madden


Week 14

1 234Total
• Cowboys 17 10010 37
Colts 6 070 13
  • Date: Sunday Dec 6, 1981
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Game start: 2:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 54,871
  • Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C), wind 20 mph (32 km/h), wind chill 29 °F (−2 °C)
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Kelly & John Dockery


Week 15

1 234Total
Eagles 3 700 10
• Cowboys 0 777 21
  • Date: Sunday Dec 13, 1981
  • Location: Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas
  • Game start: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 64,955
  • Game weather: 44 °F (7 °C), humidity 83%, wind 9 mph (14 km/h)
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and John Madden


Week 16

1 234OTTotal
Cowboys 0 00100 10
• Giants 0 0733 13
Scoring summary
3NYGTom Mullady 20 yard pass from Scott Brunner (Joe Danelo kick)Giants 7–0
4DALDoug Cosbie 3 yard pass from Danny White (Rafael Septién kick)Tie 7–7
4DALRafael Septién 36 yard field goalCowboys 10–7
4NYGJoe Danelo 40 yard field goalTie 10–10
OTNYGJoe Danelo 35 yard field goalGiants 13–10


Playoffs

Main article: 1981–82 NFL playoffs
Round Date Opponent Result Game Site Attendance Recap
Wild Card First Round Bye
Divisional January 2, 1982 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3) W 38–0 Texas Stadium 64,848 Recap
NFC Championship January 10, 1982 at San Francisco 49ers (1) L 27–28 Candlestick Park 60,525 Recap

Divisional Round

1 234Total
Bucs 0 000 0
• Cowboys 0 10217 38


Conference Championship

1 234Total
Cowboys 10 7010 27
• 49ers 7 777 28


Standings

NFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Dallas Cowboys 12 4 0 .750 6–2 8–4 367 277 L1
Philadelphia Eagles 10 6 0 .625 4–4 7–5 368 221 W1
New York Giants 9 7 0 .563 5–3 8–6 295 257 W3
Washington Redskins 8 8 0 .500 3–5 6–6 347 349 W3
St. Louis Cardinals 7 9 0 .438 2–6 4–8 315 408 L2

Roster

Dallas Cowboys 1981 roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Rookies in italics
45 active, 6 inactive

References

  1. 1981 Dallas Cowboys
  2. Pro-Football-Reference.com
  3. Pro-Football-Reference.com
Dallas Cowboys
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Division championships (25)
Conference championships (10)
League championships (5)
Media
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Bold indicates Super Bowl victory
Italics indicates Super Bowl appearance
1981 NFL season
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