The last time the Rams and Cowboys faced one another in the postseason, Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson torched Dallas for 248 yards on the ground in a 20-0 shutout victory.
That was back on Jan. 4, 1986 — and Dickerson's 248 yards remain a single-game NFL playoff rushing record. The man who also set the NFL's single-season rushing record the year before had rushing touchdowns of 55 and 40 yards. The Los Angeles defense put together a stifling performance as well, picking off quarterback Danny White three times en route to the shutout.
This week, therams.com caught up with Dickerson to chat about his memories from that record-setting day, plus his thoughts on the Divisional round matchup between the Rams and Cowboys this Saturday.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
therams.com: What do you remember most about setting the NFL postseason record for yards rushing when you beat the Cowboys 20-0?
Eric Dickerson: First I remember that I was excited we were playing Dallas. I think the year before we had beaten them in Dallas. Going to SMU and playing in Dallas in college, the Cowboys in Dallas were big. But I was excited about playing the Cowboys because I hated the Cowboys. And so I was looking forward to it.
One of the main reasons I was looking forward to it was because the late Cowboys head coach Tom Landry said that they thought that Rams head coach John Robinson made a wrong choice in drafting me because I ran too high, I wasn't going to last long — I didn't look that fast. And I was like, 'Oh, I'm going to give it to you.' And that's when I'd been in the league for a while, so I was going to do it for sure.
And they played the 'Flex' defense. And the flex was such an easy defense for me to run against, because the two interior linemen played off the ball. They engaged our guards after the ball was snapped to get a read. And for me, that was perfect because I knew how fast I was. By the time our linemen got to them, I would be by them.
And I just wanted to have a great game and I did. I didn't think I was going to have 248 yards. But I'll say this here: every cut was the right cut. Every play was the right play. I think the last touchdown I scored, I think was on the right side, on their sideline, going toward our tunnel. I forgot the play they called. But I think said after the play, after we got up the sideline, "I knew as soon as we called that play, it was a touchdown." I could tell, they didn't want to tackle me. Those guys didn't want to tackle.
therams.com: Was that the most memorable play? Are there any other plays that stand out?
Dickerson: I have two memorable plays from that game. The first play coming out the half, I had a 55-yard touchdown. Man, that was jus big for me because I used to want to show them just how fast I was, so they could see how fast I was — personally.
I think someone was chasing me. It was the first play right out of the half, and I went right up the gut. I think the play was iso-right — it was like a quick draw play.
And another play I had was where I was running and I just made some cuts. It was on our sideline. And I made a cut against Randy White and I stiff-armed him to the ground. And I was like, "Oh yeah, this is one of those days."
therams.com: With the Rams and Cowboys being two storied franchises, do you feel like there's something special about when they get together — especially the postseason?
Dickerson: I do. I really believe it. You know, the Cowboys have always been in Dallas the whole time. The Rams haven't been in L.A. the whole time — but most definitely. I think it's just always something about them. The Cowboys — you've got to say it, even though I don't like them — they're iconic. You know? They're supposedly "America's team" — not my team, "America's team." And the Los Angeles Rams are synonymous with them just being the Rams themselves — just being in Los Angeles, Hollywood. Our uniforms with the horns, the Cowboys with the star representing, pretty much, the state of Texas. So, most definitely, I think it's really an iconic game for both areas — Dallas and Los Angeles.
Ahead of Sunday's Week 8 matchup, take a look through photos of the Rams taking on the Cowboys throughout the years.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Roman Gabriel (18) narrowly escaped being thrown for a touchback during third quarter of their game with Dallas Cowboys at Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 23, 1969. Gabriel threw two touchdown passes and scored once himself to lead the Rams to a 24-23 victory. Rams are now 10-0 in the National Football League. (AP Photo/HF)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Roman Gabriel, center, is hit by a host of Dallas Cowboys as the ball heads for the sidelines in third period action of the NFL Pro playoff bowl, Jan. 3, 1970, Miami, Fla. Gabriel was penalized for intentionally grounding the ball on this play. Dallas #54 is Chuck Howley. Rams won, 31-0. The rest of the players are unidentified. (AP Photo)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ron Jaworski (16) is sacked for a 5-yard loss after he came off the bench to try to rally the Rams against the Dallas Cowboys in NFC Championship at Los Angeles, Jan. 4, 1976. The Cowboys won 37-7. (AP Photo)
Refree Tom Bell steps between the Rams Jack Youngblood (85) and the Cowboys Roger Staubach (12) after the players exchanged words following a play in NFC Championship game on Sunday, Jan. 4, 1976 in Los Angeles. The Cowboys won 37-7. (AP Photo)
Dallas Cowboys safety Randy Hughes (42) makes a diving move to break up a pass intended for the Rams Terry Nelson (83), top left. Hughes crashes to the ground as the ball bounces away. The impact was hard enough to jar Hughes' helmet off during second quarter of the Cowboys 37-7 victory over the Rams at Los Angeles, Jan. 5, 1976. (AP Photo)
Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame defensive tackle Randy White (54) fights his way through the blocking of Rams guard Tom Mack (65) in a 14 to 27 Dallas Cowboys loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 17, 1978 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones (72) is blocked by Rams offensive tackle John Williams (75) in a 14 to 27 Dallas Cowboys loss to the Los Angeles Rams on September 17, 1978 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White (11) is sacked by the Los Angeles Rams defense for a 13-yard loss during second quarter action in Irving, Texas on Monday, Dec. 26, 1983. Ram in foreground is Greg Meisner (69). (AP Photo/Mike Murphy)
Los Angeles Rams halfback Eric Dickerson, left, carriers into Dallas Cowboys safety Michael Downs, right, as he moves the ball for yardage during third quarter action in Irving, Texas on Monday, Dec. 26, 1983. The Rams won it 24-17 to take the NFL wild card game. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Gary Hogeboom (14) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams linebacker George Andrews (52) and fumbles the ball during first quarter action, Sept. 3, 1984 in Anaheim in their NFL season opener. The Rams recovered the ball on the one yard line and one play later went in for the score. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon)
"St. Louis Rams Marshall Faulk runs for yardage against the Dallas Cowboys during a game on September 29, 2002 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won, 13-10. (Photo by Bill Stover/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Torry Holt attempts to make a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during a game on September 29, 2002 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won, 13-10. (Photo by Bill Stover/St. Louis Rams)"
"DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Isaac Bruce #80 of the St. Louis Rams runs with a reception against the Dallas Cowboys on September 30, 2007 at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Dallas won 35-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson runs for yardage against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL Football game on October 23, 2011 in Arlington, TX. The Cowboys won 34-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"The St. Louis Rams defense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys offense during an NFL Football game on October 23, 2011 in Arlington, TX. The Cowboys won 34-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Chase Reynolds runs into the end zone to score a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFL preseason week 3 football game on August 25, 2012 in Arlington, TX. The Cowboys won the game, 20-19. (G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Kendall Langford during a NFL football game on Sunday, Sep. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won the game, 34-31. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams running back Zac Stacy during a NFL football game on Sunday, Sep. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won the game, 34-31. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams defensive end William Hayes during a NFL football game on Sunday, Sep. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won the game, 34-31. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Ian Seau #72 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Matt Longacre #96 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown #39 and Dallas Cowboys defensive back Isaiah Frey #23 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff #16 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
Wide receiver (18) Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) sprints to the end zone for a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) gives chase during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) has his pass blocked by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers (90) during a 2017 NFL week 4 regular season game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Rams defeated the Cowboys, 35-30. (James D. Smith via AP)
Tackle (77) Andrew Whitworth of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive back John Johnson III (43) of the Los Angeles Rams plays against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, August 12th, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Center John Sullivan (65) of the Los Angeles Rams play against the Dallas Cowboys during Week 4 of the 2017 season. The Los Angeles Rams defeat the Dallas Cowboys (35-30) on Sunday, October 1st, 2017, in Arlington, TX. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Wide receiver (18) Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass, scores a touchdown, and celebrates with teammates against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (30) Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams defense against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 13-10 victory against the Cowboys in Week 1 of the preseason, Saturday, August 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams line up against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (16) Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams hugs quarterback (4) Das Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys after the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams makes a tackle against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 44-21 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL Week 15 regular season game, Sunday, December 15, 2019, in Arlington, TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (18) Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass and runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 44-21 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL Week 15 regular season game, Sunday, December 15, 2019, in Arlington, TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Linebacker (52) Clay Matthews of the Los Angeles Rams tackles (4) Das Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 44-21 loss to the Cowboys in an NFL Week 15 regular season game, Sunday, December 15, 2019, in Arlington, TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (30) Todd Gurley II of the Los Angeles Rams faces off against the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams are defeated 44-21 in an NFL Week 15 football game at AT&T Stadium, Sunday, December 15, 2019, in Arlington, TX. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Tight end (89) Tyler Higbee of the Los Angeles Rams faces off against the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams are defeated 44-21 in an NFL Week 15 football game at AT&T Stadium, Sunday, December 15, 2019, in Arlington, TX. (Will Navarro/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Dallas Cowboys during Week 5 of the 2022 NFL regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Dallas Cowboys during Week 5 of the 2022 NFL regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Dallas Cowboys during Week 5 of the 2022 NFL regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Dallas Cowboys during Week 5 of the 2022 NFL regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Dallas Cowboys during Week 5 of the 2022 NFL regular season.
therams.com: For this game in particular, how much are you looking forward to seeing the RBs matchup between Ezekiel Elliott and Todd Gurley?
Dickerson: Oh, very much so. I hope Todd is 100 percent. That's how football is, sometimes you don't get to be 100 percent — you don't get the luxury of being 100 percent. But Todd, to me, is the premier back in the league. So is 'Zeke.' You know, I would take either guy. Let's just say that. I'm happy to have who we have — most definitely, 100 percent. But I would take either guy. I think both guys are great backs. And I wouldn't say in their first year, because you never know what's going to happen, because it's all about the long run. But these guys seem like they're maybe going to have a long career. They've been doing it for the last couple years. So I'm looking forward to watching both players, and seeing both teams.
therams.com: What's one thing you think the Rams are going to have to do to beat Dallas on Saturday?
Dickerson: Run the football. The Rams have to run the football and cannot abandon the run. I think that's the most important thing. It's like, football these days, you just want to throw the ball. If you fall behind, you say, 'Oh, I'm gonna throw the ball.' You don't have to because the run sets up everything else. And I've got to say that Dallas does a really good job with that. They did a good job last week with not abandoning the run, sticking with the run. It's not pretty at first. It's not popular. But the run sets up so many other things — it really does. It brings up the play-action — it really becomes play-action. If you're not running the football, and you drop in play-action, the other team cay say, "We know you're not really going to run the ball. It's really a fake, so we're not even going to bite on it." But I think that's the most important thing.
But I think the second-most important thing — maybe even the first-most important thing, I think they're right there hand-in-hand — is just shutting down 'Zeke,' stopping their running game. Do not let him beat you. I can say this, when we played the Chicago Bears the following week after beating the Dallas Cowboys, and I had friends who played for the Bears, and those guys told me, "Eric, in our meetings they said, '29 is not going to beat us. We don't care who else it is, but 29 is not going to beat us.' And that has to be our mindset, that '21' is not going to beat us. If Dak Prescott beats us, OK. But not Zeke.
