Role Players Often Critical in the Playoffs

When you look back at the storied history of the Cowboys (and other teams who had playoff success) it is not uncommon to see a non-star player make huge plays in huge moments. We saw some of that last night. Sure we had great games from stars- Dak, Micah, Pollard. But they weren’t the only ones.

In Tampa last night, several role players stepped forward with a nice game. Jayron Kearse, Israel Mukumu, Tyler Smith, and Jake Ferguson all made major contribution. One role player was also a disaster last night- Brett Maher. He better get his head right or he could cost us a playoff game.

Here are some role players from the past who were huge in playoff games for the Cowboys:

  • DE Willie Townes- 1967 Ice Bowl game vs packers. He sacked Bart Starr causing a fumble which George Andrie did a scoop and score.
  • RB Walt Garrison- 1970 NFC championship game vs SF. Garrison played that day with a cracked collarbone and rushed for 71 yards and also had 51 yards receiving and a TD helping the Cowboys win their first NFC championship.
  • RB Robert Newhouse- 1977 threw a TD pass to WR Golden Richards on a trick play in the SB XII Win over Denver.
  • LB Mike Hegman – sacked Terry Bradshaw in SB XIII then stripped him for a fumble TD.
  • DB Bill Bates– 1991- sealed WC road playoff win against Chicago with an interception.
  • DB James Washington– 1993- In SB 28 vs Buffalo, turned the game around with a fumble recover scoop and score.
  • DB Larry Brown– 1995- had two huge interceptions vs Pittsburgh in SB 30. Won SB MVP.

This is a very incomplete list. All of these guys were role players that made huge plays in key moments. Who will step up vs SF this coming Sunday?

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