1987 Dallas Cowboys: A Season Of Strikes And Struggles

Alright guys, let's take a trip down memory lane and dive into the 1987 Dallas Cowboys season. Now, this wasn't your typical, run-of-the-mill year for America's Team. Oh no, this season was a rollercoaster, marked by a significant player strike that really shook things up. It's a fascinating chapter for any Cowboys fan, showcasing the resilience and sometimes, the sheer absurdity, that can happen in professional sports. We're talking about a season where the definition of 'team' was tested, and the landscape of the NFL itself was altered, even if just for a little while. So, buckle up, because we're about to break down what made the 1987 Cowboys season so unique and memorable, despite the challenges they faced. It’s a story of stand-ins, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of the game, even when the usual stars weren’t under center.

The Impact of the 1987 NFL Player Strike

The 1987 NFL player strike was a monumental event, and its ripple effect was felt across the league, with the Dallas Cowboys being no exception. From late September to mid-October, the regular players decided to walk off the field, demanding better contract terms and working conditions. This wasn't just a minor hiccup; it was a full-blown work stoppage that threatened to derail the entire season. For the Cowboys, this meant that their beloved stars like Tony Dorsett, Michael Irvin, and Troy Aikman (though Aikman was a rookie and wouldn't have been a key player yet) were off the field. In their place? A group of 'replacement players,' often referred to as 'scabs,' who stepped in to keep the games going. These guys were a mix of hopefuls, former players trying to make a comeback, and guys who probably never expected to play in an NFL stadium. The atmosphere at these games was bizarre; the stands were often emptier, the cheers were different, and the quality of play, understandably, took a nosedive. It was a tough time for the league, forcing fans to question the integrity of the game they loved. The Cowboys, like all other teams, had to navigate this uncharted territory, scrambling to assemble a roster capable of competing, even if it was against other replacement teams. The strike lasted three weeks, and during that period, the Cowboys played three games with their replacement squad. It tested the mettle of the coaches, the owners, and especially the fans, who had to decide whether to support the games played by non-union players. This period is a stark reminder of the power dynamics within professional sports and the sacrifices players and teams can make when negotiations break down. The memory of the 1987 strike is etched in NFL history, and for the Cowboys, it represented a significant detour in what was shaping up to be a potentially strong season, forcing them to adapt and persevere under the most unusual circumstances.

The Replacement Players and Their Role

Let's talk about the guys who stepped up during the 1987 Dallas Cowboys season when the regular players went on strike – the replacement players. These were the unsung heroes, or in some eyes, the controversial figures, who kept the NFL dream alive for those few weeks. Imagine being a guy who’s been grinding in obscurity, maybe in a semi-pro league or just trying to get a shot, and suddenly you’re wearing a Dallas Cowboys jersey, playing under the bright lights of Texas Stadium. It was a surreal experience for many of them. These weren't the household names fans were accustomed to seeing; they were often hungry players looking for any opportunity to prove themselves. Some were former college stars who hadn't made it to the NFL, others were players on the fringes, and some were just guys with a dream and the physical ability to play. The Cowboys, under Coach Tom Landry, had to quickly integrate these new faces into their system. It was a massive challenge. These players didn't have the same playbook knowledge, the same chemistry, or the same level of talent as the starters. Yet, they showed up, day after day, to practice and play. They faced jeers from some fans and skepticism from the media, but they persevered. For these replacement players, it was a chance to be part of something bigger, to experience the NFL, and maybe, just maybe, to catch the eye of a scout or coach. Some of these guys actually had decent careers after the strike, proving their worth. Others faded back into obscurity. But their contribution to the 1987 season, however controversial, cannot be overlooked. They were the bridge that kept the Cowboys on the field, allowing the league to continue while the real negotiations took place. It’s a testament to their grit and determination that they were willing to step into such a high-pressure, often thankless, situation. The games they played might not be remembered for their high-octane action, but they are a crucial part of the narrative of that season, highlighting the dedication of players at all levels of the sport.

Game Recaps: Navigating the Strike-Affected Schedule

When we look back at the 1987 Dallas Cowboys season, the game recaps tell a unique story, one shaped directly by the player strike. With the regular roster out, the Cowboys had to field a team of replacement players for three crucial weeks. This meant games against opponents who were also fielding their own pick-up squads. The results? Well, they were, to put it mildly, unpredictable. On October 4th, the Cowboys faced the Washington Redskins with their replacement squad and took a tough 13-7 loss. This game, played at RFK Stadium, was a gritty affair, showcasing the challenges of fielding a team on the fly. The replacement Cowboys struggled to generate offense against a Redskins team that also featured many replacement players. Following that, on October 11th, the Cowboys hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. This game was perhaps the most infamous of the replacement weeks for Dallas. The Eagles, controversially, decided not to field replacement players and instead forfeited the game. This resulted in an automatic 2-0 victory for the Cowboys, a win that felt hollow and certainly didn't reflect any on-field performance. It was a decision that sparked a lot of debate around the league. Finally, on October 18th, the Cowboys played their last replacement game, hosting the New Orleans Saints. The Saints, like the Eagles, also decided not to field a replacement team and forfeited the game, giving the Cowboys another 2-0 victory. So, in the three weeks affected by the strike, the Cowboys officially went 2-1, but two of those wins were forfeits. The actual on-field result was a loss to the Redskins. This period was a stark contrast to the games played with the regular starters. Once the strike was resolved, the Cowboys got their star players back, and the team's performance immediately improved. However, the disruption caused by the strike meant that the team had to play catch-up and build momentum all over again. These replacement games are a footnote in the broader history of the 1987 season, but they are a crucial part of understanding the challenges and the unique circumstances that defined that particular year for the Dallas Cowboys. It's a testament to the league's and the team's determination to keep the season alive, even if the quality of play and the circumstances surrounding the games were far from normal.

Post-Strike Performance and Final Record

Once the 1987 NFL player strike was officially over, the Dallas Cowboys, like all other teams, welcomed back their regular roster. This return marked a significant shift in the team's trajectory for the latter half of the season. The players who had been holding out returned, and suddenly, the Cowboys were fielding the team they had intended to put on the field at the start of the year. The immediate impact was noticeable. The chemistry returned, the playbook was executed with greater precision, and the overall level of play surged. It was like night and day compared to the replacement games. The Cowboys went on a bit of a run after the strike, demonstrating their true potential. They managed to secure a playoff berth, which, given the mid-season disruption, was a commendable achievement. Their final regular-season record stood at 11-4. This was a strong showing, especially considering the lost time and the awkwardness of integrating the returning players. The Cowboys finished second in the NFC East, behind the eventual Super Bowl champion Washington Redskins. Their playoff journey, however, was short-lived. They faced the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card round and unfortunately lost a close game, 21-20. It was a heartbreaking end to a season that had been so turbulent. Despite the playoff exit, the 1987 season is often remembered for the team's ability to overcome the adversity of the strike and still finish with a winning record and a playoff appearance. It showcased the talent on the roster and the coaching ability of Tom Landry to manage such a disruptive situation. While they didn't reach the Super Bowl, the 11-4 record and the playoff berth were solid accomplishments in a year filled with unprecedented challenges. It laid the groundwork for future seasons, reminding everyone of the Cowboys' potential when their full squad was on the field.

Key Players and Standout Performances

Even with the disruption of the strike, the 1987 Dallas Cowboys season had its share of standout performances from key players. When the regular roster returned, guys like running back Tony Dorsett continued to be a force. Despite his age, Dorsett still showed flashes of brilliance, proving why he was one of the game's elite backs. His ability to break tackles and find open space was invaluable to the Cowboys' offense. Quarterback Troy Aikman, though a rookie in 1987, was getting his first taste of NFL action. While his statistics might not have been overwhelming in his debut season (he threw for 1,749 yards, 5 TDs, and 12 INTs), his presence on the field was crucial for the future of the franchise. He was learning the ropes and facing the pressure of being the No. 1 overall pick, all while navigating the strike-altered schedule. Michael Irvin, in his second year, started to establish himself as a legitimate threat at wide receiver. He was a fiery competitor, and his speed and playmaking ability were becoming essential components of the Cowboys' aerial attack. Defensively, players like Randy White and Mike Singletary (though Singletary played for the Bears, we're focusing on Cowboys) were crucial. Wait, Mike Singletary played for the Bears! My bad, guys. Let's focus on the Cowboys' defense. Randy White was a veteran presence, providing leadership and solid play on the defensive line. Linebacker D.D. Lewis also made significant contributions, demonstrating toughness and reliability. The coaching staff, led by the legendary Tom Landry, also deserves recognition. Landry, a master strategist, had to navigate the complexities of the strike, manage the replacement players, and then reintegrate the veterans seamlessly. His experience and calm demeanor were vital in keeping the team focused. While the season was marked by the strike, the individual efforts of these players, both the veterans and the emerging stars, were instrumental in the Cowboys finishing with an 11-4 record and making the playoffs. Their dedication and skill under challenging circumstances truly defined the spirit of the 1987 Cowboys.

Tom Landry's Final Seasons and Legacy

The 1987 Dallas Cowboys season also marks a significant point in the career of a true NFL icon: Tom Landry. This season occurred during what would be his final few years coaching the legendary franchise. Landry, who had been the head coach of the Cowboys since their inception in 1960, was a figure synonymous with the team. He led them to five Super Bowl appearances and two victories, defining an era of football excellence. However, by the late 1980s, the team's fortunes had begun to wane, and Landry's revolutionary schemes, once dominant, were becoming harder to implement against younger, faster offenses. The 1987 season, with its unprecedented player strike, presented Landry with one of the biggest challenges of his storied career. He had to manage the transition from replacement players back to his regular roster, a task that required immense patience and strategic foresight. While he successfully guided the team to an 11-4 record and a playoff appearance despite the disruption, it was clear that the dynasty days were behind them. Landry coached the Cowboys for two more seasons after 1987, finishing with losing records in both 1988 and 1989. In 1989, following a particularly dismal 1-15 season, Landry was fired, marking the end of an incredible 29-year run. His legacy, however, is cemented in NFL history. He is remembered for his innovative coaching, his stoic demeanor on the sidelines, and his creation of the iconic