New England Patriots
Dynasties Colliding: Two Eras of NFL Dominance.
The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots stands as one of the most significant inter-conference clashes in NFL history. While not a weekly divisional feud, this matchup has consistently defined eras for both franchises, particularly during the Super Bowl runnings of the 1970s and the modern dynasty years of the 2000s and 2010s.
This contest represents a clash of titans: the 'America's Team' with its traditional, star-studded identity versus the Patriots' evolution into a relentless, system-driven powerhouse. Their meetings have often served as de facto Super Bowl previews, featuring legendary quarterbacks and high stakes that resonate deeply with fans across the league.
- First Major Meeting
- Super Bowl XX (1986 season)
- Key Era of Clashes
- 2005–2017
- Notable Super Bowl Connection
- Both teams met in Super Bowl XXXI's path and later faced off in the 2014 AFC Championship context
Lore & Background
The roots of this rivalry stretch back to the golden age of the Cowboys, when they were the league's standard-bearers in the 1970s. While both franchises appeared in Super Bowl XX (where New England fell to Chicago), their paths ran parallel rather than intersecting until the modern era. The rivalry truly ignited in the 2000s as the Patriots rose under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady to become a multi-time champion while Dallas navigated post-1990s instability.
The defining narrative emerged from missed opportunities: during the 2014 season (concluding January 2015), both teams reached their respective conference championship games. However, the Cowboys were eliminated in the Wild Card round by Seattle, while New England advanced to Super Bowl XLIX. This prevented a historic matchup between these titans, cementing the 'Old Guard vs. New Order' dynamic where every regular-season meeting felt like a battle for the soul of professional football.
In Their Own Story
The atmosphere inside Gillette Stadium or AT&T Stadium during these matchups often mirrored a playoff environment, thick with cold and anticipation. On the sidelines, the Cowboys' golden helmet gleamed under the floodlights against the sea of navy blue surrounding it. During the Romo-Brady era, every sack felt like a statement and every fourth-down conversion carried the weight of franchise history. The clock ticked down in games that felt larger than their regular-season designation. It wasn't just about points; it was about proving which dynasty still held the crown. As play concluded, players from both sides locked eyes—a silent acknowledgment that they were the only ones who truly understood the pressure of carrying a legacy against the league's most consistent contender.
Reader's Guide
The origin of this rivalry lies in the contrasting paths of two American football giants. The Cowboys, founded in 1960, became 'America's Team' through a blend of star power and cultural dominance in the 70s and 90s. The Patriots, historically a struggling franchise before 2000, exploded into a dynasty under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, winning six Super Bowls.
The biggest clashes occurred during the mid-2000s and 2010s, where these teams frequently met in high-stakes games. Notable encounters include their regular-season battles that often determined playoff seeding or served as early indicators of championship form. Key matchups include the 2005 Week 9 contest, the 2009 'Snow Game' at Foxborough, and the 2016 showdown where Brady faced Dallas in AT&T Stadium.
Did You Know?
- The two teams have never met in a Super Bowl or a playoff game despite frequent high-stakes regular-season meetings.
- Tom Brady and Tony Romo shared a unique mutual respect, with their matchups often featuring dramatic fourth-quarter comebacks.
- This rivalry is considered one of the few true 'inter-conference' rivalries that transcends divisional boundaries due to the consistent high quality of play from both sides.
- In the 2014 season, New England won the AFC Championship while Dallas was eliminated in the Wild Card round by Seattle, ending hopes for a potential Super Bowl XLIX meeting between the two giants.