On the day after New Year's in 1994, a heroic effort by Emmitt Smith changed the Cowboys’ season and improved their chances for a dynasty. The Giants and the defending Super Bowl champion Cowboys, both with 11-4 records, were meeting in the Meadowlands in a final regular season game to decide the winner of the NFC East. The Cowboys dominated early, and led 13-0 at halftime thanks to a Smith touchdown catch and two Eddie Murray field goals. But just before halftime Smith suffered a separated shoulder, and in the second half, everything changed. The Giants scored 13 unanswered points, capped by a 32-yard David Treadwell field goal in the fourth quarter that forced overtime. With home field advantage in the playoffs at stake, Smith, who was unable to raise his arm, insisted on continuing and finished with 168 yards rushing, 61 yards receiving, and a majority of the touches on Dallas’ final drive that resulted in a 41-yard field goal to win it in overtime. The Cowboys went on to win their second straight Super Bowl while Smith was named MVP of both Super Bowl XXVIII and the NFL. ― NFL 100
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