1984 Dallas Cowboys season The Cowboys finished the 1984 season with a record of nine wins and seven losses , and missed the playoffs for the first time in 10 years . A division record of 3 – 5 caused them to finish fourth in the NFC East , despite equaling the overall records of the New York Giants and St . Louis Cardinals . The Cowboys went through major changes during the offseason , as key players Drew Pearson , Billy Joe Dupree , Harvey Martin , Robert Newhouse , and Pat Donovan all retired , and Butch Johnson was traded to the Denver Broncos . Adding to the overhaul , Gary Hogeboom replaced Danny White as the starting quarterback in preseason , and a quarterback controversy ensued throughout the season . After a 4 – 1 start , Hogeboom played poorly in losses to St . Louis and Washington , and was replaced by White in both games . The following week against New Orleans , White had to relieve Hogeboom again , this time after Hogeboom injured his right wrist early in the second half . White led the Cowboys to victory , overcoming a 21 point deficit in the fourth quarter . White started the next two games , but after a poor performance by both quarterbacks against the Giants , Hogeboom regained the starting position . The constant change at quarterback didn ' t help the team ' s inconsistent play , and they reached their nadir at Buffalo late in the season , suffering a humiliating 14 – 3 loss at the hands of the winless Bills . Afterwards , White would go onto to start at quarterback for the rest of the season . Still , for all the turmoil surrounding the Cowboys , they held a 9 – 5 record going into the season ' s final two weeks , and were tied for the division lead . However , two heartbreaking losses to the Redskins ( a game in which the Cowboys led 21 – 6 at halftime ) and Dolphins ended the Cowboys ' string of postseason appearances at nine . The Cowboys perennially potent offense fell into disarray during the 1984 season . The offensive line was ravaged by injury and retirement , and Cowboy quarterbacks were under duress all season . The line also struggled to open holes for the running game , despite another productive season from Tony Dorsett , who rushed for 1189 yards . Turnovers were another source of frustration , as the offense turned it over 42 times . The defense once again featured a strong pass rush , led by perennial all - pro defensive tackle Randy White , as well as an opportunistic secondary , with safety Michael Downs leading the way with seven interceptions . However , stopping the run was a problem throughout the season , as the defense allowed 4 . 4 yards per carry . Awards . The Cowboys had three players represent them in the pro bowl : Randy White , Doug Cosbie , and Bill Bates , who became the first player ( along with the Seattle Seahawks ' Fredd Young ) to be chosen for the pro bowl for outstanding play on special teams coverage units . White was named to the associated press ' All - NFL first team for his play at defensive tackle , while safety Michael Downs was named second team All - NFL , despite being overlooked for the pro bowl . References . 1 . The Football Encyclopedia ISBN 0 - 312 - 11435 - 4 < br > 2 . Total Football ISBN 0 - 06 - 270170 - 3 < br > 3 . < br > 4 . < br > 5 .