THE STEELERS 1978 REGULAR SEASON BEGINS IN BUFFALO
The Steelers would travel to Rich stadium to play their season opener and were heavy favourites to beat the Bills. After a 3-11 season, Buffalo brought in Chuck Knox from Los Angeles as head coach.
Although the Bills were winless in their exhibition games, Coach Noll was cautious and said how surprised he was by how well preseason the Bills had looked on film. Buffalo were expected to come out playing ball control and run and run.
“They don’t monkey around,” observed Steelers defensive coordinator George Perles. “They are not going to give anything away. You have to beat them. Knox is starting to build a foundation. He’s not getting away from his philosophy. “
The Bills had drafted Terry Miller to replace O.J. Simpson, who had been traded to the 49ers and although he might not start, the Steelers were expecting to see a lot of him. Pittsburgh were also hoping their running game would begin to roll. Terry Bradshaw stated he had seen signs of improvement during the week’s practice.
1978 Game 1: The Pittsburgh Steelers at the Buffalo Bills
After a scoreless first quarter, Tony Dungy ignited the Steelers offense when he picked off a deflected pass to set up a Steelers drive on their 35. Eight plays later John Stallworth danced around the Bills cornerback Charles Romes to score with a 28-yard touchdown pass.
On the first play of the Steelers next drive, Stallworth moved the chains 38 yards and then five runs and a one-yard touchdown carry by Franco Harris put the Steelers two scores ahead at halftime.
If Stallworth was the star Steeler in the first half, it was Bennie Cunningham who took over that roll in the second earning him a game ball with his three catches for 70 yards. Sidney Thornton’s 2-yard touchdown run increased the Steelers advantage at the beginning of the final quarter.
After Buffalo had replaced quarterback Joe Ferguson with veteran Bill Munson, the Bills found some form. Munson threw a touchdown pass to former Steeler Frank Lewis before the Bills added a field goal reducing the Steelers lead to 21-10.
When Terry Bradshaw guided the Steelers on a drive of 73 yards that finished with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Theo Bell, the Steelers win looked complete. Buffalo hit back though with a 3-yard touchdown catch of their own to reduce their deficit, but the Steelers took a 28-17 victory.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 28 at the Buffalo Bills 17
Rich Stadium September 3 1978; 65,147
Passing: Bradshaw 14-19-2TD-1INT-217
Ferguson 3-10-0-1INT-20, Munson 10-16-0—2TD-0-171
Rushing: Harris 27-96-1TD, Thornton 7-33-1TD, Bleier 6-19, Bradshaw 3-(-6)
Receiving: Stallworth 3-86-1TD, Cunningham 3-70, Bell 1-15-1TD, Harris 3-32
“I’ll take 28 points every game,” acknowledged Coach Noll.
“A lot of credit should go to Bradshaw,” said John Stallworth. “He was picking up what they were doing. All we did was catch the ball.”
“Chuck kept telling us to relax and let the good times roll,” offered Terry Bradshaw, who had struggled through preseason with a broken nose. “That’s easier said than done. I was a little unsure. I didn’t want to make mistakes. I hadn’t really taken the team on any long drives. I knew I could do it, but I hadn’t done it. I could eat and I couldn’t sleep this week.”
AFC Central
Cleveland 24 San Francisco 7
Kansas City 24 Cincinnati 23
Atlanta 20 Houston 14A BUOYANT COACH NOLL
After their win in Buffalo, Coach Noll was unusually vibrant and full of praise for his players at his weekly press conference. His major accolades went to L.C. Greenwood, John Stallworth, Bennie Cunningham, John Stallworth, Terry Bradshaw and the defense, of which the coach acknowledged, “Except for the last three Buffalo drives, played superb football.”
Coach Noll described Greenwood as having an exceptional day and Cunningham’s blocking as well as he’s ever blocked before adding Bradshaw had “one of his better days running the football and throwing it”. The offensive line showed, “crispness.”
The coach even managed to praise rookie Tom Beasley, who was subbing for Steve Furness, “as someone who brings a lot of hustle to our football team.”
ALVIN MAXSON REJOINS THE STEELERS
Stealing a leaf out of the Al Davis Book of Tricks, the Steelers reinstated Maxson onto their roster after trading “an unspecified past consideration” to the Chicago Bears for the player. “Jim Finks is a former Steeler,” laughed Dan Rooney as he referred to the Bears’ general manager Finks to explain the past considerations.
The Bears did the Steelers a favour by signing Maxson and placing him on their roster for their game against St. Louis to enable the Steelers to make a trade that overcame the NFL’s waiver restriction. Maxson didn’t even travel to Chicago, spending the weekend in a Pittsburgh hotel waiting for the transaction to become official.
THE 1978 STEELERS
After the maneuvering that put Maxson on the roster, the Steelers 1978 squad was finally in place. They would begin the second week of the regular season with 22 players having two Super Bowl rings and John Banaszak with one while 22 had never played on a Super Bowl team.
After a bad 1975 draft that saw only Banaszak remaining, the team had five players from the 1976 draft and nine from 1977 still in the squad. All bar two players were drafted or picked up as free agents by the Steelers with only Roy Gerela and Alvin Maxson having played for another NFL team.
Art Rooney Jr., head of the scouting department, acknowledged, “If you have two bad years in a row in the draft, there’s reason to worry, but that hasn’t happened.”
RANDY REUTERSHAN
When the Steelers were decided to bolster their special teams, they selected Pitt’s Randy Reutershan in the sixth round of the draft. As captain of their special teams, Reutershan had been instrumental in helping Pitt to a national championship and his 4.4 speed helped that cause.
“A lot of people are surprised that I’m here,” Reutershan admitted before adding, “but that just gives me something to work for. People say that if I can’t do something, I shouldn’t be here, but that just wants me to prove them wrong.”
Reutershan’s assignment on special teams is to restrain the outside men who attempt to block a kick and then prevent the return up the middle. “It gives me a little more freedom to go for the ball,” he says. Reutershan began training camp at defensive back so is still studying his new position.
“John Stallworth, Lynn Swann and Theo Bell have been a big help to me with learning the patterns,” he told the Pittsburgh Press. “In college we ran mostly against man-to-man. Here, with all the complex zones, you’re running a pattern into an area as opposed to a man.”
Recognising the talent he is playing with, Reutershan acknowledged, “This team has the two best receivers in the league. I’m learning things here I couldn’t learn with any team anywhere else.
SEAHAWKS NEXT FOR THE STEELERS
Game two for the Steelers would be the visit of the Seattle Seahawks who lost their season opener 24-20 to San Diego. Seattle head coach Jack Patera said, “We played about as well as I thought we could play and we lost last week,” before observing, “We can play with the Pittsburgh Steelers. We can play with anybody, but of course the outcome of the game is what you’re concerned about.”
The second year expansion team had a 5-9 season in 1977 that included a 30-20 loss in Pittsburgh after going into the final quarter tied at 13-13. The Seahawks have limitations on defense, but behind quarterback Jim Zorn, there was always the chance they could outscore their opponents.
1978 Game 2: The Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) vs the Seattle Seahawks (0-1)
The Steelers and Seahawks ground out a close fought game under a hot September sun. Defense dominated the first quarter and the Steelers took advantage of a Jack Lambert fumble recovery with a 50-yard drive that took the game into the second period and saw the first points scored. The Steelers took a lead when Terry Bradshaw found Lynn Swann with a touchdown pass of 4 yards.
With Seattle stifling the Steelers running game Bradshaw, despite an injury to his throwing hand after hitting an opponents helmet, went to the air with some success and added another score after leading his team 76 yards. The drive finished with his 20-yard touchdown pass which found Sidney Thornton crossing in the end zone in the middle of a crowd and Pittsburgh went 14-0 ahead.
Seattle reduced their deficit when quarterback Jim Zorn moved the Seahawks 80 yards in eight plays highlighted by a 42-yard completion to his tight end Ron Howard. The Seahawks surprised the Steelers with an onside kick they recovered, but were unable to benefit from the enterprising play when they were held to a field goal attempt that they missed.
The Seahawks added to their score in the third quarter with a 20-yard field goal, but with both defenses prevailing scoring opportunities were scarce.
In the final period, the Steelers drove 74 yards before stalling on their opponent’s one. With a four on the down box, Chuck Noll who is a firm believer in the “sure three” philosophy sent in the field goal unit. After calling a timeout and being urged by his players to go for it, Noll sent the offense back on. Franco Harris went over right guard and the decision was vindicated.
The Steelers failed twice to add to their total in the final six minutes when Roy Gerela missed a 31-yard field goal attempt and Bradshaw fumbled, but they moved to 2-0 after their 21-10 victory.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 21 vs the Seattle Seahawks 10
Three Rivers Stadium September 10 1978; 48,277
Passing: Bradshaw 17-33-2TD-0INT-213
Zorn 11-22-0-1INT-174
Rushing: Harris 18-64-1TD, Bleier 12-48, Moser 2-20, Thornton 5-13, Bradshaw 3-6
Receiving: Swann, 6-65- 1TD, Cunningham 4-45, Stallworth 2-38, Thornton 1-20-1TD, Grossman 1-11, Bleier 2-30, Harris 1-4
Chuck Noll told the post-game press conference, “I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is we won. The bad news is we didn’t do some of the things we wanted to… like possess the football.”
Noll went on to explain, “They loaded up against the run. That’s why the play-action passes worked. I’d be fine with me if everyone forced us to throw.”
Jack Lambert, who had an interception, recovered a fumble and made five solo tackles said, “I can’t wait until it gets down to 10 degrees. It’s too hot for football.”
DIVISION RIVALS BENGALS NEXT
As Coach Noll was grabbing some lunch before his weekly press conference, it was suggested by one reporter that the win over the Seahawks the previous Sunday had been dull. The coach was quick to retort, “It might have been dull to you, but Jim Zorn scared the hell out of me. You must be used to reading your own stories.”
Addressing his unbeaten Steelers at his press conference, Coach Noll acknowledged, “We still have a long season ahead of us. The one thing I’ve learned from history is that there are certain truths, those old truisms like, ‘you play them one at a time.’”
Next on the team’s schedule was a trip to Cincinnati. The previous visit on a cold December afternoon in 1977 had not been an enjoyable one for the Steelers as they were frozen out 17-10 after Coach Noll slipped and broke his arm the night before.
This season, the Steelers will face a winless Bengals who would be without their starting quarterback Ken Anderson who had fractured his finger. His replacement John Reaves has completed 25 of 50 passes, but has managed to miss his receivers at key moments.
“I’m sure the fans are probably down,” admitted Bengals fullback Pete Johnson. “We lost two in a row and they’re wondering whether the Bengals are going to have a good season or not. But the only loss we really feel bad about is the first one, against Kansas City. Last Sunday I think we played a helluva game.”
Looking at the visit of the Steelers, Johnson said, “They look very good. To me, the Steelers have always been a real disciplined team. They have some older guys and they really know what they’re doing out there.”
The stats reveal the Bengals are ranked 12th in total offense and also on defense compared to the Steelers 4th ranking on offense and 3rd in total defense. Bengals coach was realistic when he said, “We can’t look back. They’re a tough team. Our games with them are always hard fought.”
1978 Game 3: The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) at the Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)
The Steelers controlled this game from the initial 37-yard run from Franco Harris (picture left) until their first punt two minutes from the end of the third period. In between, the Steelers offense dazzled while the defense suppressed everything the Bengals could muster.
Rocky Bleier finished Pittsburgh’s first drive with a 5-yard touchdown run and the offense was soon back on the field after Ron Johnson intercepted Cincinnati’s John Reaves first play. Four plays later a touchdown run of 15 yards from Harris saw the Steelers take a 14-0 lead six minutes into the first quarter.
Cincinnati scored their only point at the beginning of the second quarter with a 33-yard field goal, but it was the Steelers who were dominating despite Roy Gerela missing his fourth straight field goal after Bleier had carried 5 times for 46 yards in one drive.
As the half time approached, Bradshaw, who began the game as the AFC’s leading passer, completed a 48-yard pass to Bennie Cunningham before throwing a 28-yard touchdown pass to his tight end.
Midway through the third quarter, Lynn Swann hauled in a touchdown catch of 12 yards for the Steelers final score while a Tony Dungy interception ensured the Steelers defense prevailed as the Steelers took the 28-3 victory.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 28 at the Cincinnati Bengals 3
Riverfront Stadium September 17 1978; 50,760
Passing: Bradshaw 14-19-2TD-1INT-242
Reaves 16-32-0-2INT-114
Rushing: Bleier 12-75-1TD, Harris 16-73-1TD, Thornton 15-45, Bradshaw 1-10, Moser 2-7, Maxson 2-5
Receiving: Cunningham 4-107-1TD, Swann 5-78,1TD, Stallworth 2-27, Grossman 1-18
“It was a good day for us,” Coach Noll acknowledged.
Asked if he was playing his best football, Terry Bradshaw replied, “Yes and I don’t know why, but I don’t even want to find out. Whatever it is, maybe it’ll last all year. Maybe it will be one of those dream years people have been wanting me to have.” Bradshaw was philosophical when adding, “It’s a quarterback’s dream. It’s not supposed to happen to me, but it has.”
AFC Central
Houston Oilers 20 San Francisco 19
Cleveland Browns 24 Atlanta Falcons 16Pittsburgh Steelers 3-0
Cleveland Browns 3-0
Houston Oilers 2-1
Cincinnati Bengals 0-3NOLL PRAISES MIKE WEBSTER
At his weekly press conference, Coach Noll reflected on the Steelers win over the Bengals and started with plaudits for Mike Webster. “He did a fantastic job with a guy (Bengals nose tackle Wilson Whitley) over him who’s eventually going to be a hell of a football player. If they can manhandle your center, they can screw up your whole running game. Webster didn’t let that happen. He did a magnificent job, a great job. That was just a beginning.”
The coach went on to lavish praise on his team. “Our football team is functioning with a pretty good concept of what it’s all about, what it takes,” Noll said. “Things aren’t out of perspective at all.”
LOREN TOEWS EARNS HIS STRIPES
Loren Toews had played in the shadow of the Steelers veteran linebackers, but assistant coach Woody Widenhofer felt he played better than Jack Ham or Jack Lambert during preseason.
“Our people couldn’t handle him,” acknowledged Widenhofer, but an injury before the final exhibition game sidelined the player until the Cincinnati game. “I’ve got five guys who can start, but I can only put three linebackers out there at one time,” Widenhofer admitted, but the coach felt Toews time had come.
“He’s been through an awful lot,” conceded the coach. “Last year he was carrying the load with a partially torn cartilage in his knee. It really hindered his mobility and that’s his strongest suit.”
BENNIE CUNNINGHAM ESSENTIAL PART OF THE OFFENSE
Vito Stellino suggested in the Post-Gazette that if there was one improvement from the Steelers Super Bowl offense, it was Bennie Cunningham’s emergence as a pass receiving threat that had made the team’s passing game even more portent.
During the Super Bowl years a tight end was simply another blocking back in disguise. Stellino used the move of Larry Brown to an offensive lineman as confirmation of the concept acknowledging that as a tight end, Brown never caught more than 17 passes with Terry Bradshaw looking mostly for his wide receivers.
Cunningham had now become an integral part of the offense ensuring that defensive backs could no longer double-team Lynn Swann or John Stallworth and when Cunningham catches the ball, he’s the hardest to bring down.
UNBEATEN BROWNS NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
The unbeaten Browns might be travelling to Pittsburgh without their main offensive weapon running back Greg Pruitt. In the first two games of the season, he rushed for 226 yards and caught eight passes. The Browns managed a win over Atlanta without Pruitt, but facing the Steelers was a different matter.
Although undefeated, Rutigliano was realistic saying, “The teams we’ve played just haven’t had Pittsburgh’s balance,” and he acknowledged a more accurate assessment of his team can be made after the game in Pittsburgh.
The Browns new head coach Sam Rutigliano was pleased with the performance of quarterback Brian Sipe, who suffered a season ending shoulder injury against the Steelers the previous season. “Each week he is getting more and more control of what we’re trying to do.”
NO RECOGNITION FOR STEELERS OFFENSIVE LINE
The Steelers were the only team to win two Super Bowls and not have a single offensive lineman win All-Pro or Pro Bowl recognition. “I always thought you just did your job every week and those things took care of themselves,” said Jon Kolb.
“We can’t be like a bunch of ladies at the social club worried about whose canned goods look the best,” granted Kolb, “but I think we have the best line in pro football.”
Mike Webster admitted, “I really don’t care. I’d just as soon win the Super Bowl and make a lot of money.”
Vito Stellino in the Post-Gazette recognised the rotation system of the Steelers had made it difficult for the players to get individual recognition, but now that was a thing of the past.
Recognising the performance of Mike Webster in the Cincinnati game, Kolb said, “I don’t see how Webby can miss this year.”
Stellino suggested the line’s only problem is spending too much time sharing the credit. “I got a lot of help from the guards last week,” acknowledged Webster. “And the guys like Kolb, Moon and Riggy have been around a lot longer than I have and deserve their shot first.”
“Riggy” was a reference to Sam Davis, who had earned the nickname rigor mortis and aged 34 was continuing to turn in Pro Bowl performances. “He’s playing a lot better than he did before he got old,” Webster joked.
“Riggy’s man hasn’t reached the quarterback once in four exhibition and three regular season games,” said Kolb. “But nobody keeps track of stats like that. What about Moon? Who’s better at downfield blocking than he is? And Larry Brown? Who could have learned how to play offensive tackle as fast as he did?”
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
After the Steelers game against the Browns, Sunday Night Football will make its debut with the New England Patriots playing at the Oakland Raiders. The experiment was a result of the success of Super Bowl XII which started at 1800 after previous championship games had kicked off earlier.
The NFL would also be playing a Thursday Night game for the first time when the Dallas Cowboys would host the Minnesota Vikings.
BROWNS HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A VICTORY IN THREE RIVERS STADIUM
Cleveland’s coach Sam Rutigliano brushes off the fact the Browns had never won in Three Rivers saying that is a “ghost” from the past. “I’ve never been there with the Browns,” Rutigliano declares.
“The key to Pittsburgh is number 32,” Rutigliano predicted while indicating stopping the run will force Terry Bradshaw to throw too often. “If we can get Bradshaw to put the ball up 35 times, we’ll win the game,” Rutigliano forecast.
“We’re in better shape to face the Steelers than we have been in years,” Browns quarterback Brian Sipe said. “We’re in a better frame of mind. We’re more relaxed because there is such a loose atmosphere around here. I’ve never won a game in Pittsburgh, but we’re ready for a big win – and I think we’ll get it.”
1978 Game 4: The (3-0) Pittsburgh Steelers vs the (3-0) Cleveland Browns
In a defensive contest that saw six field goals kicked and the game go into overtime, it eventually took a trick play to win the game.
Although Roy Gerela put the Steelers in front with his 19-yard field goal in the first quarter, Pittsburgh’s offense took the day off. While they were in hiding, Cleveland’s Don Cockroft gave the Browns a 9-3 lead as the game entered the final period of regulation.
The Steelers reduced their deficit after Gerela kicked a 33-yard field goal. Gerela (picture left) recovered his onside kick to provide Pittsburgh with the opportunity to extend the game into overtime. Gerela’s field goal attempt from 36 yards gave the Steelers the tie.
The last play of regulation time saw Cleveland’s Brian Sipe hurl the football from the Steelers 45 into the end zone and watched Tony Dungy win the ball and return his interception 65 yards before being pushed out of bounds.
The Steelers won the coin toss to receive the ball first in overtime. The Steelers dodged an early bullet when the officials ruled Larry Anderson down before he fumbled while the Browns believe they had recovered a loose ball.
Nearly four minutes into overtime after moving the ball from their own 21 and successfully converting a fourth down, the Steelers had a second and nine at Cleveland’s 37. Bradshaw handed off to Rocky Bleier who gave it to Lynn Swann. The Browns bit on the ruse believing it to be a run. Swann pitched it back to Bradshaw and the quarterback found a wide open Bennie Cunningham in the end zone.
Cunningham's 37-yard touchdown catch saw the Steelers take a 15-9 victory that moved them to 4-0.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 15 vs the Cleveland Browns 9
Three Rivers Stadium September 24 1978; 49,513
Passing: Bradshaw 14-32-1TD-2INT-208
Sipe 14-32-0-2INT-139
Rushing: Harris 26-84, Bleier 9-28, Bradshaw 2-27
Receiving: Swann 6-83, Cunningham 2-69-1TD,Stallworth 2-40
“When you have to win on a ‘gadget play’ like that, that’s not run of the mill, that’s certainly not standard in our playbook,” commented Coach Noll before adding, “It was getting so dull around here, we felt we would liven things up. Give you writers something to write about except those up-the-middle, off-tackle plays.”
“It was definitely a letdown for us,” admitted Bradshaw. “We didn’t play football today. That first half we looked like we were out milking cows. We were in another world. It actually took a miracle play to bail us out.”
AFC Central
Los Angeles Rams 10 Houston Oilers 6
New Orleans 20 Cincinnati 18Pittsburgh Steelers 4-0
Cleveland Browns 3-1
Houston Oilers 2-2
Cincinnati Bengals 0-4STEELERS TRAVEL TO NEW YORK TO FACE THE JETS
The New York Jets team would be without their quarterback Richard Todd who broke his collar bone the week before and Jets Coach Walt Michaels acknowledged they would play their second-string quarterback Matt Robinson against the Steelers.
Michaels told the Pittsburgh media that Robinson, who had only started five games, had been in every quarterback meeting which had prepared him mentally, but the only thing lacking was his field experience.
When New York’s task against the Steelers came up, Michaels responded, “No question about it, they a Super Bowl contender. They take the show to you.”
Robinson had faced the Steelers in 1977 and had only completed 7 of his 19 passes and thrown three interceptions in a 23-20 loss before being pulled from the game. “I really don’t think about it until you mention it,” he admitted, “but so far Pittsburgh hasn’t been too good to me, has it?”
In New York there was a newspaper strike so Robinson was enjoying the absence of the usual media scrutiny. “The attitude has been good at practice,” Robinson acknowledged. “Nobody’s pouting. Everybody’s maybe even a little more excited because they don’t want me to be nervous out there.”
Robinson knew the task he faced. “I can’t hurt the team by putting them in a hole, “ he conceded. Playing in the shadow of Todd, Robinson accepted he wouldn’t try to do what the injured quarterback did.
The Steelers had allowed the least rushing yards of any team in the NFL and Robinson admitted, “They’re as hot as hell.”
STEELERS WILL SET A RECORD WITH WIN IN NEW YORK
Only once before in 1973 had the Steelers gone 4-0 before they then lost 19-7 in Cincinnati. Having played a Bengals team without Ken Anderson, the Browns without Greg Pruitt and travelling to a Jets team without their starting quarterback Richard Todd, it would appear the football gods were looking down favourably on the Steelers.
Rocky Bleier thought differently. “I think the last two years have taught us a lesson,” he told the Pittsburgh Press. “It’s not like it was when we came off those two Super Bowl wins. We’re not as cocksure as we used to be. Our attitude back then was that we can beat everybody if we play our game. Well, those ifs became big question marks.”
Even though they were 4-0, the veteran Steelers knew how quickly a streak can change. In 1976, they began 1-4 before finishing 10-4.
Terry Bradshaw reflected on the Browns game, “A lot of things didn’t work last week, but we were still in the game,” before adding, “I honestly don’t think our team ever thought about losing.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Mike Wagner (picture left) was realistic saying, “The important part of the season will be the last half. We know that our tough games are ahead of us.”
STOP PITTSBURGH’S RUNNING GAME AND YOU STOP THE STEELERS
Traditionally the Steelers passing game has complemented their running game and opponents believed stopping the run was the way to stop the Steelers. The 1978 season revealed a change in their offense. After four games, Pittsburgh were ranked number one in passing offense.
Before the game against Cleveland, their coach Sam Rutigliano had boasted if he could stop the Steelers run and make Bradshaw throw 35 times, the Browns would win. As Pittsburgh’s ground game faltered, Bradshaw put the ball up 32 times. When his last pass went for a touchdown that won the game, Rutigliano’s theory was blown away.
1978 Game 5: The (4-0) Pittsburgh Steelers at the (2-2) New York Jets
The Steelers began their first series with five straight running plays before Terry Bradshaw took to the air and finished the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Lynn Swann.
The Jets then took over in the second quarter with their defense restricting the Steelers to just one first down in their next two possessions. The Jets’ offense unsuccessfully gambled on a fourth down for a score before on their next series they were successful with an 11-yard touchdown to tie the game.
While the Jets ground game was proving more effective than the Steelers, Bradshaw moved to an aerial assault. He completed five passes before John Stallworth’s 14-yard touchdown put the Steelers back in front while a New York field goal from 47 yards reduced Pittsburgh’s advantage to 14-10 at the half.
Bradshaw rolled over the Jets on the Steelers first two possessions of the second half. Moving the chains 63 yards on Pittsburgh’s first series, the Steelers extended their lead with Swann’s 26-yard touchdown catch. On their next possession, Pittsburgh added another touchdown with Sidney Thornton’s one-yard plunge and the Steelers were coasting.
With a lead of eighteen points, the Steelers appeared to ease off with Bradshaw throwing an interception setting up a Jets touchdown to reduce New York’s deficit. The Steelers then eventually got their running ground going to ensure they took the 28-17 victory.
The only sour note for Pittsburgh was the hit Bradshaw took just before the end of the game. Bradhsaw was helped off the field by his teammates.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 28 at the New York Jets 17
Shea Stadium October 1 1978; 52, 058
Bruce Crawford photo of a Matt Robinson lateral during the game
Passing: Bradshaw 17-25-3TD-1INT-189
Robinson 9-22-0-1INT-192
Rushing: Harris 20-67, Thornton 8-29-1TD, Bleier 6-22, Bradshaw 1-0, Moser 3-14, Maxson 1-6
Receiving: Swann 7-100-2TD, Stallworth 4-43-1TD, Smith 1-14, Bleier 2-18, Harris 1-7, Thornton 1-4, Cunningham 1-2
“It wasn’t one of our better games. We gave up 17 points, but we’re glad to have it. We’re 5-0 and they’ve got to chase us,” said Donnie Shell.
“The story was the offense,” offered Joe Greene.
“I’ve had great pass protection all year… I had all day to throw it… what are the chances of getting hurt?” acknowledged Terry Bradshaw.
“When you stop a great running team, you concede a few things,” offered New York’s Coach Walt Michaels. "We conceded some short passes."
“They’re the same Steelers,” said Jets guard Randy Rasmussen. “They’re a good team.”
AFC Central
Houston 16 Cleveland 13
San Francisco 28 Cincinnati 12
Pittsburgh 5 0
Cleveland 3 2
Houston 3 2
Cincinnati 0 5STEELERS OFF TO FINEST EVER START
The headline in the Coshocton Tribune confirmed the Steelers had begun a season winning five straight for the first time. The newspaper went on to suggest Terry Bradshaw’s new found maturity was the reason why.
“Bradshaw, who had been criticised for impatience in previous seasons, took what the Jets defense gave him – including a crashing hit by blitzing linebacker Mike Hennigan with 1:35 remaining that had the quarterback writhing in pain.”
At his weekly press conference, Coach Noll conceded the Steelers effort against the Jets wasn’t one of the team’s better ones. “It was good enough to win. That’s what counts, but we probably made more mistakes Sunday than we have in a long time.”
Most of the questions from reporters centred around the Bradshaw’s injured knee and whether he would be playing against the Steelers next opponents Atlanta. X-rays on the injury had proved negative, but the coach was cautious and he acknowledged that he didn’t know what his status was for the next game.
Although Bradshaw was listed as questionable, there was no doubting by his backup Mike Kruczek that Bradshaw would play. “I figure he’ll play,” said Kruczek. “He’s a tough guy. He comes back from injuries like this. He plays with a lot of pain and he is used to it.”
Coach Noll had changed the way his quarterbacks practiced at the start of the season. Previously the quarterbacks had split the snaps, but now the coach had Bradshaw taking all of the offensive snaps while Kruczek worked with the opposing team’s offense.
Kruczek thought the extra work in practice for Bradshaw was having a positive effect. “He has more confidence this year,” observed Kruczek. “He’s taking the stuff they’re giving him. He’s taking the intermediate pass instead of trying to win it on one play and he’s getting those long, sustained drives.”
RAY PINNEY TO START AGAINST THE FALCONS IN PLACE OF LARRY BROWN
The third-year veteran offensive lineman Ray Pinney could be a starter on several other teams, but he was realistic about his role as a backup with the Steelers. “I’ve thought about that a lot,” Pinney revealed, “but I’m happy with my role. I have to be ready for everything. I'm like the 'finger in the dike type.'"
“Those people playing when they’re younger are on teams not in the playoffs. Linemen on those teams get beat up. This way, I can play three or four years longer.
I played more than half the games last year. It’s not like I’m riding the bench and never got off it.”
Taken in the second round of the 1976 draft, Pinney acknowledged his development years had been worthwhile, both physically and financially. The Steelers had made the playoffs both years, but it was only just now he was beginning to realise the personality of the Pittsburgh team that reached the Super Bowl.
“When I first came here, it just wasn’t what I thought it would be like,” Pinney admitted. “There were problems and we didn’t win a lot of games. It seemed like a lot of guys were living on past glory.”
He now sensed a change with the old guard and players like himself forming an effective partnership. “The older people give their experience. The younger guys are hungry and can give them a little bit of our enthusiasm.”
STEELERS FACE NFC'S FALCONS
The Falcons will fly into Pittsburgh with a familiar game plan with the intent of stopping the Steelers running game. Despite Terry Bradshaw’s prowess this season in a run-orientated league, opposing teams can always entertain the belief that quarterbacks can have an off day.
Atlanta had only allowed an average of 115.6 yards per game with 73 of those yards coming from Houston’s Earl Campbell on a pass play that was later reviewed and changed to a run. The Falcons aim was to stop the Steelers ground game and create the opportunity for an interception.
With Bradshaw throwing well, the Steelers had slipped to 6th in the AFC rushing standings while gaining more yards in the air than the ground. Despite his success with the passing game, Bradshaw hadn’t forgotten the run. “We’re definitely going to try to run the football,” he acknowledged. “We always try to do that.”
The Steelers had won eight straight against NFC opponents and were leading the AFC in total defense and against the run with 17 sacks. Although nine-point underdogs, Atlanta’s quarterback Steve Bartkowski suggested, “We’re not going to roll over and die. You know how it is in pro football. On ‘Any Given Sunday’ anything can happen.”
In 1977, the Falcons had the top defense in the NFC which provoked Bradshaw to pronounce their blitz as, “It’s like a whoosh… they send everybody in there.”
1978 Game 6: The (5-0) Pittsburgh Steelers vs the (2-3) Atlanta Falcons
On their first series of the game, the Steelers went 85 yards in nine minutes. Although they only came away with a 21-yard field goal, the drive set the tone for the rest of the sixty minutes that the Steelers dominated. Scoring on three of their first five possessions, Pittsburgh’s ground game rolled over their opponents
In the second quarter, the Steelers extended their lead with an 80-yard drive that began with a Lynn Swann catch of 37 yards and continued with runs from Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier. An 8-yard run on the outside from Bleier saw the touchdown scored.
The two running backs combined again on the Steelers next drive with Randy Grossman adding a completion of 16 yards before Terry Bradshaw rolled left for a 6-yard touchdown. The Steelers took a 17-0 advantage into the locker room at half time.
Late in the third quarter, John Stallworth caught a pass of 70 yards, only to be brought down on Atlanta’s two yard line. Bleier scored the touchdown of 2 yards.
In the final period, Loren Toews intercepted a Steve Bartkowski pass that put the Steelers on their own 30. Bradshaw took less than two minutes to go the distance finishing with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Stallworth.
With the Steelers having a comfortable lead, Mike Kruczek was given the opportunity to field some snaps. The Falcons closed the scoring when Bartkowski connected on a fourth down to extend a 54-yard drive.
The Steelers set a team record 28 first downs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 31 vs the Atlanta Falcons 7
Three Rivers Stadium October 8 1978; 48,202
LC Greenwood about to tackle Falcons QB Bartkowski - photo by Albert Herrmann
Passing: Bradshaw 13-18-1TD-0INT-231
Bartkowski 17-33-1TD-2INT-188
Rushing: Harris 20-104, Thornton 8-30, Bleier 13-46-2TD, Bradshaw 2-3-1TD, Maxson 1(-2)
Receiving: Stallworth 6-114-1TD, Swann 3-64, Cunningham 2-28, Grossman 1-16
Atlanta Coach Leeman Bennett praised the Steelers recognising, “They’re the first team that’s taken the ball and run on us.”
Franco Harris recognised the contribution of the offensive line. “Sometimes it takes longer to get the attitude of a running game going. But if our line makes up its mind, it can do anything really. If they have to keep everybody off Terry, they can do that. If they have to get our running game going, they can do that.”
Joe Greene admitted, “It was a good game,” before adding, “but the only one we get excited about is the last one. I’m not saying what the last one will be, but I just hope we get the chance to get excited about it.”
AFC Central
Cleveland 24 New Orleans 16
Oakland 21 Houston 17
Cincinnati 0 Miami 21
Pittsburgh 6-0
Cleveland 4-2
Houston 3-3
Cincinnati 0-6STEELERS TIGHT END CHALLENGES
With tight end Bennie Cunningham suffering a partial ligament tear against Atlanta ensuring at least five weeks recovery time, Coach Noll found himself searching for a backup to Randy Grossman. “One of the things you have to do is weather some of those problems,” acknowledged Noll.
Steelers guard Gerry Mullins was one possible solution. Mullins played tight end at Southern California and had occasionally been used as a tackle eligible receiver, catching a touchdown pass against Cleveland in that role.
“We’re just looking around to see if we can come up with anything,” said Coach Noll. “we’re going to see who we can contact and bring in for a tryout.” Facing an imminent trading deadline, the coach admitted a trade was unlikely.
Former tight end Larry Brown was the obvious answer to the problem, but he was recovering from minor leg surgery. Eventually, the Steelers signed 9-year veteran tight end Jim Mandich to add some depth to that position. Mandich played on three Miami Super Bowl teams before being traded to Washington. To make room for Mandich on the roster, the Steelers released rookie safety Nat Terry.
RANDY GROSSMAN IN THE LIMELIGHT
Now thrust into Pittsburgh’s starting tight end position, Randy Grossman’s trade mark of anonymity would be shattered as the Steelers attempt to continue their unbeaten streak against their old adversaries the Cleveland Browns.
Grossman’s arrived in Pittsburgh as a free agent in 1974 after being signed by the team trainer. Because of his lack of size, the tight end had led a precarious life with the team ever since, but now was firmly in the spotlight.
When reporters converged at his locker in the Steelers dressing room after practice, Grossman pointed to one of them and said, “The last time I saw him, he asked, ‘What do you think of the trade?’ I said, ‘What trade?’”
It was a reference to the arrival of tight end Paul Seymour in the Frank Lewis deal with the Bills, but Seymour failed a medical and Grossman found his position with the team safe if still fragile.
Grossman was content with keeping a low profile. “When somebody asks me what I do, I don’t tell them I work at football,” Grossman explained. “This is more than a job. It’s something I’ve grown up with. It’s a strange combination of work and play.”
STEELERS PICK UP JACK DELOPLAINE
In an unusual move, the Steelers picked up Jack Deloplaine. To make room for Deloplaine the Steelers let Alvin Maxson go which puzzled many fans. When Maxson and Deloplaine had been released at the final cut before the season opener, it had been Maxson they chose to bring back with the help of the Chicago Bears.
STEELERS HEAD TO CLEVELAND TO FACE THE 4-2 BROWNS
Cleveland’s receiver Greg Pruitt, who had been injured and did not play in the Steelers week 4 triumph over the Browns, was sure this team Browns would not be intimidated by the Steelers in Sunday’s battle. “We’re a young team and I think we’re just now getting to the point where we have people who have played Pittsburgh for two or three years,” observed Pruitt. “So really, we know what it’s all about.”
Pruitt granted, “They try to intimidate. Do those extra things to try and get your mind off the game… verbal slams, a little extra shove. Anything to get you into retaliation rather than concentrating.”
Pruitt was expecting to play most of the game Sunday although he did not play in the Browns 24-17 win over the Saints.
STEELERS vs BROWNS
Youngstown Vindicator preview
It’s crossroad time for the Cleveland Browns in their hope of keeping it a race in the AFC Central. For the Steelers, cruising along as one of only three unbeaten teams in the NFL, it’s the opportunity to build on a two-game lead and move closer to another playoff appearance.
Additional fuel was tossed on the always smoking Browns-Steelers rivalry by an official’s goof three weeks ago in Pittsburgh. A quick whistle nullified a Browns recovery of a Steeler fumble on the overtime kickoff and wiped away the chance for at least a field goal shot by Don Crockroft, the most accurate active kicker. Instead, Pittsburgh went on to win 15-9 on a dazzling flea flicker to Bennie Cunningham 37 yards downfield in the end zone.
Pittsburgh won’t have Cunningham for this one after the fine tight end damaged a knee against Atlanta, but the Browns also lost another important cog, right cornerback Ron Bolton with a broken forearm. Three weeks prior to that, Oliver Davis went down at the same position with a dislocated elbow.
WHEN PITTSBURGH HAS THE BALL
Terry Bradshaw admits he never has had it better with the Steelers running and receiving in high gear. It makes for a quarterback’s paradise and the result is the best start Bradshaw has had in nine seasons. The toughest day came against the Browns and the Steelers won’t forget that.
Pittsburgh’s offensive line has been paving the way for Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier (150 yards combined against Atlanta) and that, in turn, has made Bradshaw’s task of getting passes to Lynn Swann, John Stallworth and Cunningham (until now) considerably easier. The Steelers hammer away or stun a foe with the quick bomb and in the course of a game are likely to do both.
WHEN CLEVELAND HAS THE BALL
Brian Sipe finally regained balance in the offense against New Orleans after being forced to depend heavily on passing in the absence of Greg Pruitt. Calvin Hill has quickly combined with fullback Cleo Miller (146 yards for the pair last weekend) and veteran George Buehler from Oakland has been acquired to give the line some much needed experienced depth.
Pruitt hasn’t played since suffering a badly contused calf September 10, but may see some action in this one. The Browns need him to step up the pressure on defenses with his running/receiving threat. Sipe has his best receiving group ever in Reggie Rucker, Dave Logan and Ozzie Newsome, but only strong running can make the passing really effective.
LAST MINUTE FACTORS
If the Browns can’t assemble an effective pass rush, it could be over early. Cleveland has only 11 sacks in six games, exactly half the number recorded by the Steelers. Cunningham’s loss takes some of the heat off the Browns defense, but Cleveland needs Pruitt to put more heat on the Steelers.
1978 Game 7: The (6-0) Pittsburgh Steelers vs the (4-2) Cleveland Browns
Mel Blount set the tone in this war of attrition with his early interception which he returned 35 yards to set up Roy Gerela for a successful 23-yard field goal. A Cleveland fumble recovered by Donnie Shell saw Gerela kick another field goal from 44 yards to give the Steelers a 6-0 lead in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, after a Steelers 42-yard field goal attempt was blocked, the momentum moved Cleveland’s way. The ejection of Jack Lambert for striking the Browns’ guard Henry Sheppard added to Cleveland’s impetus. Although the Steelers defense kept the Browns to a 42-yard field goal, a roughing the kicker penalty saw the drive continue. The Browns then took a 7-6 lead on Brian Sipe’s 17-yard touchdown pass to Dave Logan.
On the ensuing kickoff Larry Anderson returned it 95 yards for a touchdown to swing the game the Steelers’ way. Although the Browns dominated the first half, their three turnovers prevented them for taking securing an advantage. Instead of taking a one point lead into the locker room at half time, the Browns found themselves 13-7 behind.
Another turnover in the third quarter when Mike Wagner intercepted a Sipe pass set the Steelers up for a drive of 69 yards that finished with Lynn Swann’s 28-yard touchdown reception. John Stallworth’s 36-yard catch was instrumental on the Steelers next drive that Rocky Bleier completed with his 1-yard touchdown run providing the Steelers with a 27-7 lead going into the final period.
Sipe passed the Browns to an 83-yard scoring drive that included a fourth down completion before Reggie Rucker pulled in an 18-yard reception to reduce Cleveland’s deficit to 13 points.
When the Browns’ next series stalled with Sipe’s fourth down pass falling incomplete, the Steeler made the best of a short field and Stallworth finished the drive with a 32-yard touchdown completion for a final score giving the Steelers the 34-14 victory.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 34 vs the Cleveland Browns 14
Municipal Stadium October 15 1978; 81,302
Passing: Bradshaw 10-21-2TD-0INT-175
Sipe 17-30-2TD-2INT-213
Rushing: Bleier 13-57-1TD, Harris 15-41, Deloplaine 3-34, Thornton 5-38, Bradshaw 1-0
Receiving: Stallworth 2-68-1TD, Swann 5-76-1TD, Grossman 2-25, Bell 1-6, Kruczek 1-(-2)
Larry Anderson returns a kickoff 95 yardsCoach Noll acknowledged Larry Anderson’s kickoff return as, “The most important play of the game,” before conceding, “It got us fired up. That was the turning point. You have to win these kinds of games if you are going to have a great year. If you see yourself as a championship team, you have to match them stroke for stroke.”
Cleveland’s defensive end Mike St. Clair said, “There’s nothing fancy about the Steelers. They play basic football. They let you know what they are going to do and say, ‘Stop us.’”
On the ejection of Lambert, Cleveland’s head Coach Sam Rutigliano quipped, “I thought that was the best part of our offense.”
Cleveland’s quarterback Brian Sipe, “We could have put the kill on them in the first half and let them off the hook. We breathed life back into them.”
FILM PROVES LAMBERT DIDN’T SPEAR BROWNS QUARTERBACK
When Jack Lambert was ejected late in the first half of the Steelers game Sunday, it was after an altercation with Cleveland guard Henry Sheppard that was brought about by Lambert’s alleged spearing on the Browns quarterback Brian Sipe.
Lambert was penalised 15 yards, but it was his continuing remonstration over the penalty that drew a second foul and his ejection. “A guy like Jack Ham could take a penalty and just walk away,” Lambert offered. “I can’t. I am what I am.”
At Coach Noll’s weekly press conference, he produced a film that proved that Lambert did not use his helmet on Sipe and that it was Sheppard who instigated the exchange between the players by coming onto the field to taunt Lambert. The television pictures broadcast on the day appeared to cast a dark shadow over Lambert’s sportsmanship, but fresh film from a different angle absolved him of any intent.
Coach Noll said he wouldn’t be discussing the incident with Lambert personally, but acknowledged, “We’ll talk to the whole squad, but what can I say when I don’t agree with him being thrown out? I don’t have any quarrel with Lambert on this and I don’t want to take emotionalism out of our play.”
The coach used the film footage to highlight the double standard in the officiating with infringements by the Browns players being ignored. “They had a lot of players rolling up our defensive linemen’s legs, going after knees,” he told reporters. “You do that kind of thing; you’re going to have problems. Have touchdowns called back. Penalties are usually mistakes. If you got to do it wantonly, you’re going to have problems.”
Morris Berman's photo of some of Jack Lambert's fans
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NEXT FOR THE STEELERS
Franco Harris performs well in front of a national TV audience with five 100-yard games and 806 yards in eight Monday Night games. The Steelers next opponents were the Houston Oilers in front of the Monday Night cameras.
After just seven games of the season, Houston’s coach Bum Phillips was ready to concede the AFC Central Division title to the Steelers. “I don’t think anybody can catch them,” he told reporters. “They’d have to lose four games; because I don’t think that realistically we can expect to win all the rest of our games. They’re too good a team to lose four games.”
Phillips figures the Oilers are in position for a wild card spot admitting the Steelers were “head and shoulders” above the rest of the field in the AFC. “They’re the one team that has something wrapped up,” he acknowledged, “but we’ve got just as good a chance as everybody else.”
Houston’s record under Phillips against the Steelers wasn’t a good one and the coach joked that one method to beat them would be to tie Terry Bradshaw’s right arm behind him. “I’ve always thought he’s a winner,” said Phillips. “He’s a winner in a lot of ways. Right now, Terry’s throwing the ball better than he’s ever thrown it.”
LARRY ANDERSON ENJOYING BEING IN THE LIMELIGHT
After he made the highlight reels with his kickoff return against the Browns, Larry Anderson was enjoying his moment of fame. “It’s beautiful, unbelievable,” Anderson told reporters after a Steelers practice. “I can’t describe the way I feel. I’m an emotional person anyway.”
After watching his run on the Monday Night Football halftime highlights, Anderson thought he looked bigger on TV. “I was watching it with Ron Johnson and we went wild. And my Mom called and she was more excited than I was.”
JOHN BANASZAK OR STEVE FURNESS TO START AGAINST THE OILERS?
Fortunately for Steelers defensive coordinator George Perles, the team has depth at defensive tackle. John Banaszak had started the last six games while Steve Furness had been healthy only for a week.
Four-year veteran Banaszak began the season as backup to Furness. A freak accident during the warm up for the season opener when Ted Petersen stepped on his ankle saw second year Tom Beasley replace Furness.
The following week, Banaszak started and showed sufficient prowess to retain the position while Furness was recovering. Now Furness was fit to play, Coach Noll emphasised, “We have two starters.”
The position is not an easy one for either player. Furness admits, “They haven’t told me anything, but I have to get back in there,” while Banaszak acknowledges, “It hasn’t exactly been a happy relationship. It’s been hard on both of us. We both have our feelings.”
Coach Noll is now faced with a dilemma. Does he change a defense that is first in total defense in the AFC and second against the run? They have 24 sacks and have allowed opponents just over 100 yards rushing a game.
Banaszak was expecting to play. “I think I deserve that,” he explained. “But, on the other hand, Steve deserves to play too. It’s really amazing that the situation would be like this. Steve finally had a job coming into camp and something like this had to happen.”
John Banaszak copyright Pittsburgh Steelers
OILERS CEMENT THEIR RUNNING GAME
A cement driver who drove every day to an apartment complex being built near the Oilers offices walked in and asked a secretary if he could see Coach Phillips about a tryout. The secretary went and told the coach about the request and perhaps his sense of humour took over when he invited the driver into his office.
“You’re kidding,” quipped Phillips, but he went along with the joke and gave the driver a tryout. After he ran a 4.5 40, Coach Phillips decided it wasn’t a joke and Johnnie Durden will line up against the Steelers on Monday Night Football.
“Everybody kept saying, ‘You’re kidding,’ the whole time I was there,” Durden told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The would be NFL wide receiver dropped out of high school in his senior year to get a job because his parents were ill.
Four years later, he enrolled at Sam Houston State University because his wife was enrolled on a music scholarship. “My friends told me I was crazy to try to go to college, play football and support a family,” Durden acknowledged. “They said I couldn’t do it. They were right.” After two years, he dropped out and worked various jobs until he found the one with the cement company where he earns $5.10 an hour.
He didn’t leave football entirely behind, playing semi-pro and once received a cheque for $7. Playing pro football was just a dream, but he has now earned his shot. “I thought I had potential, but I didn’t think I could play pro football,” he accepted. “My wife kept saying, ‘You can do it’” On impulse, he walked into the Oilers office.
“It’s fantastic, I just can’t believe it,” Durden said. “I’m so excited that they have to tie me down with a rope when we go out on the field because I’m so hyper.” He is be part of the Oilers special teams, running back kick returns and has averaged 28.2 yards on 14 kicks.
STEELERS HOST DIVISION RIVALS
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette previewed the visit of Houston as a clash between Earl Campbell and the Steel Curtain. With the 1977 Heisman Trophy winner already collecting four 100-yard games in his rookie season, the Steelers defense would have their hands full.
The 1976 Heisman winner Tony Dorsett was held to 73 yards when the Steelers overwhelmed the Cowboy in his first year so Pittsburgh are confident they can contain Campbell.
The Post-Gazette felt the duel between Oilers’ receiver Ken Burrough and the Steelers rookie corner Ron Johnson would be critical to the result. The Oilers made no secret they would like to see Burrough go against Johnson with their press release noting they would be looking to get a mismatch between Burrough and Johnson.
Johnson was philosophical about his chances saying, “I expect they’ll come out throwing at me, but I think I’m prepared. I’ve been studying the films a lot this week. I haven’t been apprehensive since the first exhibition game.”
The Steelers corner was hoping for a big game acknowledging, “I’ve learned a lot of things and I need a big game if I’m going to make rookie of the year.”
The Oilers were the only AFC Central team to win in Three Rivers Stadium and managed it twice, in 1970 and 1974 although their record on Monday games was 0-4.
1978 Game 8: The (7-0) Pittsburgh Steelers vs the (4-3) Houston Oilers
Both defenses were on top in the opening quarter although Roy Gerela missed an opportunity to put the Steelers ahead when he missed a "chip-shot" field goal attempt. It wasn’t until the second period that Houston moved the chains 80 yards finishing with Earl Campbell’s 1-yard touchdown run to put the first points on the board.
Pittsburgh hit back with Terry Bradshaw’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Lynn Swann. After Donnie Shell recovered a Houston fumble, the Steelers were kept to a 30-yard field goal to take a lead. Houston kicked a field goal of 39 yards in the last seconds of the half to tie the game 10-10.
It was Campbell who put Houston back in front six minutes into the third period and then in the final quarter, Campbell extended the Oilers advantage to 24-10 with his 1-yard touchdown run. A Steelers fumble recovery during Houston’s scoring drive was nullified by an offside penalty.
The Steelers closed the deficit with a 50-yard drive that was completed by Swann’s second touchdown, this one from 6 yards. After holding Houston on their next drive series, the Steelers gained a first down on the Oilers 14 with less than a minute left. With no timeouts remaining, the task was too much and the Steelers suffered their first loss of the season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 17 vs the Houston Oilers 24
Three Rivers Stadium October 23 1978; 48,021
Passing: Bradshaw 17-33-2TD-1INT-226
Pastorini 13-19-0TD-0INT-160
Rushing: Harris 16-56, Bleier 12-31, Bradshaw 2-26, Thornton 1-0
Receiving: Grossman 9-116, Stallworth 2-55, Swann 3-32-2TD, Harris 2-15, Bleier 1-8
Jack Lambert and Tony Dungy tackle Ronnie Coleman (AP)
“I never had any doubts that we were a contender,” revealed Dan Pastorini. “It’s going to be an interesting race now. They’re two games ahead and now we just have to hope that somebody else knocks them off. It was the most thrilling win I’ve had in my right years in the league.”
“I don’t know how much of it was Earl Campbell,” conceded Mike Wagner, “but he was a bitch to bring down. They stuck it to us pretty well. I didn’t think anybody could.”
“We had opportunities and we didn’t do it,” admitted Coach Noll. The Steelers moved to Houston’s 15 twice in the final five minutes, but were stopped by a strong Oilers defense. “I thought they executed very well, ran very hard, did all the things you have to do to run the football.”
Randy Grossman, who was starting only his second game of the season, caught 9 passes for 116 and said, “It’s a good feeling, but it deflates rather quickly when the final gun goes off and it’s all for naught.”
AFC Central
Cincinnati Bengals 0 Buffalo Bills 5
Cleveland Browns 3 Kansas City 17Pittsburgh 7-1
Houston 4-4
Cleveland 4-4
Cincinnati 0-8
