Dallas Cowboys-San Francisco 49ers Matchup Continues Rich Playoff Tradition

By Bill Jones, CBS Dallas/Fort Worth

January 22, 2023

It doesn't get much better than this on Divisional Playoff Weekend; two of the most tradition-rich NFL franchises squaring off for a record-tying ninth time in the playoffs.

The two teams are the highest scoring in the league over the last 11 weeks and two of the top five scoring defenses in the league this year. The Cowboys have averaged 33 points a game since Dak Prescott came back from injury while the 49ers have averaged 31 points a game since trading for Christian McCaffrey at midseason.

But what makes this game most intriguing is a playoff rivalry that goes back more than a half-century and one that coincides with the greatest eras of each of these franchises. The Cowboys beat the 49ers in the playoffs three straight years in the 70s, leading to their first two Super Bowl appearances in 1970 and 71. The moniker "Captain Comeback" was born when Roger Staubach came off the bench to throw two touchdown passes in the final two minutes to win 30-28 in San Francisco in 1972.

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