Ranking the Super Bowls, #21 Super Bowl V

(photo credit: baltimoregridironreport.com)

Jan. 17, 1971 was the first time that the Super Bowl would be a contest to decide the champion of the NFL after the AFL-NFL merger a year earlier. It can also be looked at as the changing of the guard in regards to the top of professional football. The AFC champion Baltimore Colts had been one of the best teams in the NFL having won titles in 1958 and 1959 led by future Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas.

They had even gotten to Super Bowl III before being upset by the New York Jets. The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, would become one of the dominate teams of the 70s, but until this point there were known as perpetual bridesmaids losing every big game.

Super Bowl V would prove to be one of the most frantic of the early Super Bowl era. Early in the first quarter, Dallas was able to capitalize on a muffed punt by Ron Gardin, recovering the ball deep in Colts territory. Unable to punch the ball into the end zone Landy's squad settled for a field goal. They would go up 6-0 after a Craig Morton intentional grounding call stalled Dallas' next drive.

The Colts would get on the board when pass from Unitas intended for Ed Henton was deflected by Cowboy defender Mel Renfro before Baltimore wide-out John Mackey came down with the pass for the game's first touchdown. Dallas would score again with Morton connecting with Duane Thomas for a touchdown pass to take a 13-6 lead into the half.

The Colts would cough up the ball on the opening kick of the second half giving Dallas a chance to extend their lead. However the Baltimore defense would step up and put together a goal line stand from their two yard line. Cowboys running back Thomas would fumble the ball and the Colts recovered. Baltimore would put together their comeback without Unitas who was injured near the end of the first half. Back-up Earl Morrall came in and commanded Baltimore's offense deep into Cowboys territory on two occasions but was unable to score.

After Colts Safety Rick Volk picked off Morton running back Tom Nowatzke punched the ball in the endzone to tie the score in the fourth quarter. Morton threw another untimely interception to Mike Curtis on a pass intended for Dan Reeves giving the Colts the final possesion. The game would be decided by Baltimore's rookie kicker Jim O'Brien who would knock down a 32 yard field goal with seconds left on the clock.