1974 Dallas Cowboys season


The 1974 Dallas Cowboys season was their 15th in the league. The team failed to improve on their previous output of 10–4, winning only eight games. They failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons and this marked the only season from 1966 to 1983 that the Cowboys did not qualify.
The Cowboys began with a 1–4 start and although they went 7–2 afterwards, it was not enough to overcome the slow start.
The season featured one of the most memorable Thanksgiving Day games in Cowboys history. Trailing 16–3 in the second half, little used backup Clint Longley threw two touchdown passes to lead the team to a 24–23 victory over the Redskins at Texas Stadium.
1974 was also a season of transition; as it would be the final season of future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Bob Lilly. Also finishing their careers that season would be fullback Walt Garrison; and center Dave Manders. Also, this would be the final season for wide receiver Bob Hayes ; running back Calvin Hill ; defensive end Pat Toomay ; guard John Niland and quarterback Craig Morton in a Cowboy uniform.

Offseason

Draft

Schedule

Division opponents are in bold text

Game summaries

Week 3 vs Giants

Week 6 vs Eagles

Week 12 vs Redskins

Thanksgiving Day
Roger Staubach was knocked out of the game.

Standings

Roster

Publications