Page "Super Bowl VI" Paragraph 29

But Dallas dominated the second half, preventing any chance of a Miami comeback.

Dallas reasoned that Miami would make adjustments to stop the Cowboys ' inside running game which had been so successful in the first half.

So the Cowboys decided to run outside.

The Cowboys opened the third period with a 71-yard, 8-play drive, which included four runs by Thomas for 37 yards, a reverse by Hayes for 16 yards, and only one pass, scoring on Thomas ' 3-yard sweep to make the score 17 – 3.

This seemed to fire up the Dallas defense, who managed to prevent Miami from getting a single first down in the entire third quarter.

The farthest advance Miami had in the third quarter was to its own 42-yard line as Griese and the offense were, said Shula, " destroyed.

" Miami did manage to advance to midfield early in the final period, but Howley ended the drive by intercepting a pass from Griese intended for Kiick in the flat.

After returning the ball 41 yards, Howley tripped and fell at the Dolphins 9-yard line with nobody near him.

But three plays later, Staubach threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mike Ditka, increasing the Dallas lead to 24 – 3 with twelve minutes left in the game.