Rookie Tony Dorsett rips off franchise-best 206 yards

Editor's note: Each week, we'll take a look at classic moments in Texas Stadium history.

Dec. 4, 1977

Cowboys 24, Philadelphia 14

Long before Emmitt Smith rewrote the Cowboys record book, Tony Dorsett authored the initial chapters. The dynamic rookie from Pittsburgh made a huge impact in 1977 as the Cowboys were marching toward Super Bowl XII.

Against the Eagles, Dorsett rushed for a franchise-record 206 yards on 23 carries. The biggest play of the game was an 84-yard touchdown run on a play dubbed "Eagle Special."

"He's just like he was when they drafted him, the best in the country," Eagles coach Dick Vermeil said.

Dorsett's record day stood atop the Cowboys single-game rushing list until Smith ran for 237 yards against the Eagles in 1993. Dorsett's day still ranks as the best rushing performance by a Cowboys' rookie.

"It was just a great play for me," Dorsett of the 84-yard run. "The blocking was super, better than ever. And it's always good to have a 200-yard day but it wouldn't mean a thing if we hadn't won. Not a thing."