Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 22

It is Day 22 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff. We are looking back at the 100 most iconic games in Dallas Cowboys history. The countdown will leads us right up to the opening game of 2026. Our look back doesn’t depend on just one criteria for our rankings. We take into consideration things like how big the game was for the organization, how memorable the game was, games that had unusual events take place, games that are a part of NFL lore, Cowboys firsts, and games where the Cowboys just plain dominated. Variety is the spice of life and we have all different kind of Cowboys games to review. At the bottom, we’ll link each day of the countdown so you can go back and check out any you missed.

Here’s a real fun one for Day 22 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff, where we revisit one of the most unlikely comeback victories in Cowboys history. With Roger Staubach injured and Dallas trailing by 13 points, rookie backup Clint Longley came off the bench and produced a Thanksgiving performance that became the defining moment of his career.

Advertisement

Thursday, November 28, 1974

Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 24, Washington 23

The Cowboys entered the game at 6-5 and desperately needed a victory to remain in the playoff race. Washington arrived at 8-3 and had beaten Dallas only 11 days earlier. The rematch initially followed a similar pattern, with Washington controlling the game while the Cowboys repeatedly hurt themselves with turnovers.

Efren Herrera opened the scoring with a 24-yard field goal, but Washington responded with three Mark Moseley field goals from 45, 34 and 39 yards to take a 9-3 halftime lead. Billy Kilmer then found former Cowboys running back Duane Thomas for a nine-yard touchdown during the third quarter, extending the advantage to 16-3. 

Advertisement

Dallas’ situation became even worse when Staubach was knocked out of the game following a heavy hit from linebacker Dave Robinson. Staubach had completed only three of 11 passes for 32 yards with an interception, leaving the comeback in the hands of an untested rookie quarterback. Longley entered with 9:57 remaining in the third quarter and immediately changed the game. 

Longley connected with Billy Joe DuPree for a 35-yard touchdown to reduce the deficit to six points. He then directed a 70-yard possession that ended with Walt Garrison scoring from one yard out, suddenly giving Dallas a 17-16 lead. Two Longley-led drives had completely reversed the direction of the game. 

Washington responded only 94 seconds into the fourth quarter. Thomas broke free for a 19-yard touchdown run, moving the Redskins back ahead 23-17. Washington later threatened to extend its advantage, but rookie defensive end Ed “Too Tall” Jones blocked a short field-goal attempt and kept Dallas within one score. 

The Cowboys appeared to waste that opportunity when Drew Pearson fumbled after making a 20-yard reception. Dallas eventually received one final possession at its own 25-yard line with 1:45 remaining and no timeouts. Facing fourth-and-six, Longley found veteran receiver Bob Hayes for exactly enough yardage to keep the drive alive. 

Advertisement

After an incompletion, Pearson beat the Washington secondary with an inside fake before breaking deep. Longley launched the ball downfield and found him in stride for a 50-yard touchdown. Herrera made the extra point, giving Dallas a 24-23 lead with only 28 seconds remaining. Longley completed 11 of 20 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, producing a passer rating of 123.5.

This game belongs on the countdown because it created an enduring piece of Cowboys Thanksgiving history. Dallas overcame a 16-3 deficit, five turnovers and the loss of its starting quarterback behind a rookie who had barely played. Longley’s NFL career never reached those heights again, but for one afternoon, “The Mad Bomber” became an unlikely Cowboys legend.