Replacing a Legend Danny White in 1980

[LeonardRachiele]

Danny White deserves special attention because he played for the Philadelphia Eagles number one rival, the Dallas Cowboys. Here in Phoenix, he went to Arizona State University and is now heavily involved with the Sun Devils Athletic Program. In 1980, Danny White had the difficult task of replacing Cowboy legend Roger Staubach. A versatile player in this age of specialization, White was also the punter in his 11 years with the Cowboys. Dallas happily, for us, lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game 20 to 7.

Nevertheless White had a great season with Dallas finishing 12-4, a one game improvement over 1979. In all, Danny White completed 260 passes for, a 59.6% completion percentage, 3,287 yards, and 28 touchdown passes. The Cowboys also defeated both Super Bowl teams, the Oakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here are the big milestones in the 1980 season and White’s statistics when significant.

–buried San Francisco 49ers 59 to 14 at home. Completed 16 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns;
–defeated San Diego with both barrels blazing at home 42 to 31. Completed 22 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns;
–defeated Seattle at home 51 to 7. Completed 11 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns;
-at Oakland defeated the Raiders 19 to 13;
–at Los Angeles lost to the Rams 38 to 14;
–defeated the Philadelphia Eagles at home 35 to 27. Completed 16 passes for 202 yards and four touchdowns.

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In the playoffs

–at home in the Wild Card Game defeated Los Angeles Rams 34 to 13. This was a big reversal from the regular season loss. This, as generally known, is quite common. The outcome of regular season game means nothing when two teams meet again in the playoffs.
–at Atlanta, Danny White gave a good imitation of Roger Staubach in a come from behind game. Dallas scored two touchdowns in the final four minutes to win 30 to 27. Completed 25 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns.
–at Philadelphia the Eagles defeated Dallas 20 to 7 in the NFC Title Game.

[Brian wolf]

I feel White did a great job replacing Staubach but expectations are so high in Dallas. To me he has a better case for the HOVG than Bert Jones but after injuring his wrist against the Giants in 1986, his career was basically over despite some good games in 1987.

Still wondering your thoughts on the recent SB ... Why didnt Sanders and Gainwell get more carries?
Why did the Eagles have coverage breakdowns? Did the team take Mahomes for granted in the second half with a 10 point lead? Maybe this defense was only great against lesser QBs ...

[Gary Najman]

–defeated San Diego with both barrels blazing at home 42 to 31. Completed 22 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns;

In that game White converted two fake punts, I don't know if it has been intended, let be successful, since. The Chargers were winning 24-14 at halftime, and Howard Cosell was telling how great Dan Fouts and the Chargers were, then in second half, with the same words, Cosell was telling how great White and the Cowboys were. It was the only Sunday Night Football Game of 1980, and many predicted back then it would be a rematch in Super Bowl XV.

[LeonardRachiele]

I feel White did a great job replacing Staubach but expectations are so high in Dallas. To me he has a better case for the HOVG than Bert Jones but after injuring his wrist against the Giants in 1986, his career was basically over despite some good games in 1987.

Still wondering your thoughts on the recent SB ... Why didnt Sanders and Gainwell get more carries?
Why did the Eagles have coverage breakdowns? Did the team take Mahomes for granted in the second half with a 10 point lead? Maybe this defense was only great against lesser QBs ...

Neither running back was doing well, which surprised me. I kept hoping they would break one just based on the law of averages. Their secondary became pourus since there was no pass rush. That turf without question was hard to get a grip on. I think the Kansas City defense was not great either. There was that face mask on a Chiefs' defensive line on the fumble touchdown. The Eagles should have won the game.

[Brian wolf]

Thanks for getting back Leonard ...

This game was very similar to the 2017/18 SB, which Philly won because Brady had one more turnover than Foles. The field certainly didnt help but I dont believe a team should put that much responsibility on a QBs' shoulders like they did Hurts. Yes, he was up to the challenge and could have been MVP but like Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, too many touches can lead to injuries and Jackson has missed 10 games counting postseason the last two seasons, which is why he won't get the guaranteed contract he is seeking. Hurts will get paid as well but both teams need to leave the running more to their running backs, while these guys improve as pocket passers.

In the cases of Sanders and Gainwell, it's hard to build momentum off seven carries apiece. How in the world did Pacheco for KC last till the 7th round ? This kid barely hit the wall and was timed under 4.4 in the 40 before the draft? Maybe his hard-charging, upright style was considered more prone for injuries but in today's NFL, with players not as willing to tackle, he will be the one dishing out more punishment than he receives ...