Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 70)

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We count down the days to kickoff giving you an interesting fact about each number. Today is number 70.

We are at day 70 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 70.

One of the most significant plays in Cowboys history is the 70-yard completion from Troy Aikman to Alvin Harper during the 1992 NFC Championship Game.

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The Dallas Cowboys competed against their fierce rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, in a highly charged NFC Championship game. Throughout the 1980s, the Cowboys experienced a decline while the 49ers thrived, particularly since 1981 when Dwight Clark’s memorable catch dashed Dallas’ Super Bowl hopes and marked the conclusion of an era.

1992 NFC Championship Game
Cowboys vs. 49ers

The game saw Alvin Harper catch for a 70-yard play to win the game. #DallasCowboys #Cowboys #nfl pic.twitter.com/sUr576ZxEG

— Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) June 29, 2024

At halftime, the Cowboys were tied 10-10 before coming out strong in the second half. They started off by marching 78 yards down the field for a score after receiving the kickoff. Following that, Dallas held San Francisco to a field goal and then put together an impressive nine-minute drive which saw Troy Aikman hit Emmitt Smith with a 16-yard strike for a touchdown. The Cowboys’ held the lead, 24-13 early in the fourth quarter.

The next Cowboys’ drive would come to a disastrous halt at the San Francisco seven-yard line which saw Jimmy Johnson opt to go for the kill shot instead of the field goal. Smith would fail to get to the goal line and now the 49ers could mount a comeback. They proceeded to drive 93 yards down the field, ultimately scoring a five-yard touchdown reception by Rice, narrowing the lead to 24-20 with just over four-minutes left in the game.

Photo by James Smith/Getty Images

It was an intense moment during the game that would soon be remembered as a historic one. If the Cowboys decided to play it safe here and run out the clock, it would have forced the 49ers into a hurry-up drive but given them good field position. However, Jimmy Johnson, known for his boldness, chose to go for the score. He called a passing play that involved the flanker running a 10-yard curl and the split end running a post route. Aikman spotted the 49ers defensive back out of position, saw Harper streaking downfield, and released the pass. Harper caught the ball and made history with the 70-yard play.

OTD 1993#NFCChampionship
896 F flat@TroyAikman to Alvin Harper #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/PWTqdpnCz7

— Old Time Football (@Ol_TimeFootball) January 17, 2023

The play itself drove the Cowboys to not just the Super Bowl, but it initiated a dynasty with three championships in a four-year period. Additionally, it served as a bittersweet form of payback for the 49ers’ victory over Dallas in the playoffs a decade prior.

Photo by George Rose/Getty Images

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Cowboys Training Camp, Oxnard, 25th July (25 days to go).