By Darin January 4, 1981 – The Atlanta Falcons, boasting a strong 12-4 record, hosted the storied Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff, a matchup quickly dubbed the “Duel in Dixie.” What started as a promising day for the upstart Falcons devolved into one of the most stunning playoff meltdowns in NFL history, culminating in a legendary fourth-quarter rally that cemented the Cowboys’ ‘America’s Team’ moniker and delivered heartache to Atlanta fans.
The Duel in Dixie: Cowboys’ Epic 4th Quarter Playoff Comeback
Heading into the matchup, the pressure was squarely on the Atlanta Falcons. They were riding high on their best-ever season, secured a division title, and earned the right to host a playoff game—a rarity for the franchise. For three quarters, the Falcons looked like world-beaters. Led by quarterback Steve Bartkowski, Atlanta’s offense built a formidable 24-10 lead midway through the third quarter, capitalizing on the energy of the home crowd in Fulton County Stadium. They held a seemingly insurmountable 27-17 advantage entering the final 15 minutes of play.
Article from Jan 5, 1981 Ledger-Enquirer (Columbus, Georgia)
However, the Dallas Cowboys, guided by quarterback Danny White and the relentless running of Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett, refused to fold. The fourth quarter became an exhibition of championship resolve. With just 10:29 left on the clock, Danny White found a streaking wide receiver on a play-action pass, chipping away at the lead. The Falcons responded with a field goal to maintain a seven-point buffer, 27-20.
The game turned on two pivotal drives. White led Dallas down the field late in the quarter, tying the score with a crucial touchdown throw with just over three minutes remaining. But the true dagger came on the very next possession. After forcing a Falcons punt, the Cowboys got the ball back with superb field position. Methodically driving into the red zone, the Cowboys punched the ball in for the go-ahead score—a run by Robert Newhouse—with 1:56 left in the game. The stunning 13-point swing in the final minutes allowed the Cowboys to complete the 30-27 comeback victory, leaving Atlanta shell-shocked and forever marking the Duel in Dixie as a hallmark of playoff drama.
Conclusion
The “Duel in Dixie” remains a painful, yet critical, chapter in Atlanta Falcons history and a glorious highlight for the Dallas Cowboys. This dramatic January 4th encounter underscored the razor-thin margin between success and heartbreak in the NFL playoffs, proving that no lead is safe. The 1980 NFC Divisional Playoff is rightly remembered as one of the greatest fourth-quarter comebacks in playoff lore.
