1978 Pittsburgh Steelers season

Pittsburgh Steelers 46th US football season February 2012 March 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers 1978 14–2 1st AFC Central Chuck Noll Dick Haley Art Rooney Three Rivers Stadium Won Divisional Playoffs(vs. Broncos) 33–10Won AFC Championship(vs. Oilers) 34–5 Won Super Bowl XIII(vs. Cowboys) 35–31 border:none; padding:0; 10 CB Mel Blount QB Terry Bradshaw DT Joe Greene DE L. C. Greenwood LB Jack Ham RB Franco Harris LB Jack Lambert S Donnie Shell WR John Stallworth C Mike Webster border:none; padding:0; 5 Terry Bradshaw (1st team) Jack Ham (1st team) Lynn Swann (1st team) Mike Webster (1st team) Mel Blount (2nd team) Terry Bradshaw Steelers seasons The 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League (NFL). The season concluded with the team winning Super Bowl XIII to become the first franchise in the NFL to win three Super Bowl titles.http://www.nfl.com/history/chronology/1971-1980 NFL History 1971–1980 NFL.com April 1, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100410121449/http://www.nfl.com/history/chronology/1971-1980 April 10, 2010 dead The championship run was led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw and the team's vaunted Steel Curtain defense. This team is regarded as one of the greatest defensive teams of all time and one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Bradshaw put together the best year of his career to that point, becoming only the second Steeler to win the NFL MVP award. Ten Steelers players were named to the Pro Bowl team, and four were judged as first-team All-Pros by the AP. Head coach Chuck Noll returned for his tenth season—moving him ahead of Walt Kiesling as the longest tenured head coach in the team's history to that point.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rBsvAAAAIBAJ&dq=bills%20steelers&pg=2432%2C395329 Full speed ahead: Chuck Noll even relaxes hard Emert Rich September 3, 1978 The Beaver County Times C-1 April 6, 2010 The Steelers entered the season as defending champions of the AFC Central Division, coming off a 9–5 record in 1977.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1977.htm 1977 Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Football Reference April 1, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100412044358/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1977.htm April 12, 2010 live Their two losses were by a combined 10 points. Despite winning their division, the previous season was a difficult one for the team (both on and off the field) which culminated in a division round playoff loss to the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve. The team began the 1978 season with seven straight victories, a franchise-best start to a season that stood for 42 years, before losing to the Houston Oilers in prime time on Monday Night Football. They finished the season with a league-best 14–2 record, including a 5-game winning streak to close the season. This record assured them they would play at home throughout the 1978 mid. It was also the best record compiled in the team's history (since surpassed only by a 15–1 mark in 2004).https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/ Pittsburgh Steelers Franchise Encyclopedia Pro Football Reference April 8, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100322204037/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/ March 22, 2010 live The 1978 Steelers team was rated the thirty-fifth best team in the history of the NFL (to September 2015) by FiveThirtyEight, a polling aggregation and statistical service. The rating is based upon FiveThirtyEight's proprietary Elo rating system algorithm. Only two Steelers teams were rated higher: the 1975 team at twelfth and the 2005 team one slot ahead of the 1978 team at thirty-fourth.Paine Neil The Best NFL Teams Of All Time, According To Elo https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-best-nfl-teams-of-all-time-according-to-elo/ FiveThirtyEight ESPN October 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150930054713/http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-best-nfl-teams-of-all-time-according-to-elo/ September 30, 2015 September 18, 2015 In 2007, the 1978 Steelers were ranked as the 3rd greatest Super Bowl champions on the NFL Network's documentary series America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions, with team commentary from Rocky Bleier, Mel Blount, Randy Grossman and Joe Greene, and narrated by Bruce Willis. They also were #3 on the 100 greatest teams of all time presented by the NFL on its 100th anniversary.NFL Top 100 Teams https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nfl-top-100-teams.htm Pro Football Reference100 Greatest Teams: Numbers 100-1 SUPERCUT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzU600OwVc NFL.com For that, commentary was provided by actor Jon Hamm, radio personality Jon Hein, and players Tony Dungy, Franco Harris, Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Lynn Swann. 3 Offseason League rule changes 1978 NFL season#Major rule changes The NFL instituted several major changes for the 1978 season. Chief among these were the extension of the regular season and playoff expansion. The regular season was extended from 14 to 16 games, with an offsetting decrease in the number of preseason games from six to four. Two playoff slots were added expanding the field from eight teams to ten, with each conference adding a second wild card entrant.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=x-ULAAAAIBAJ&pg=5439%2C3780934 It's Money, Says Rozelle March 30, 1977 Evening Independent 3–C April 6, 2010 Additionally, several rules were changed to help open up the offense, particularly the passing game.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Io4sAAAAIBAJ&pg=5099%2C1008678 Rozelle Feels League Needs Rule Changes March 5, 1978 The Ledger C3 April 6, 2010 One rule which prohibited defenders from contacting receivers more than five yards from the line of scrimmage, came to be known as the "Mel Blount rule" after the Steelers notably physical cornerback.http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09078/956738-66.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20090322064323/http://post-gazette.com/pg/09078/956738-66.stm dead March 22, 2009 Ward's hit may bring change Bouchette Ed March 19, 2009 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette April 6, 2010 Another rule allowed offensive linemen to use their hands in blocking.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7IAqAAAAIBAJ&pg=3519%2C6307541 Noll: Some rule changes unnecessary Sheeley Glenn March 15, 1978 Pittsburgh Press C-20 April 7, 2010 The rule changes upset coach Noll, who years later said of the teams who supported the changes, They ganged up on us the way they legislated the rules. People were trying to win a championship through legislation. I don't think you do that. ... But whatever the rules are, you have to adjust to them and play with them. ... When they changed the rules Terry (Bradshaw) took advantage and his passing game blossomed. And all that happened to Mel (Blount) is that he got more interceptions.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BqkcAAAAIBAJ&pg=6068%2C3612101 Steel Rulers: Blount, Bradshaw make it with super play Hubbard Steve January 25, 1989 Pittsburgh Press C-1, C-2 7 April 2010 In the end, though, the Steelers were one of the quickest teams to adjust to the new rules; the team's offense benefited more from the changes than the defense was hampered by them. The rule changes catalyzed the team's transition from a power running game to more of an air attack.http://www.hulu.com/watch/123684/americas-game-1978-pittsburgh-steelers?team=dallas-cowboys America's Game: 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers video NFL Films April 22, 2010 via Hulu https://web.archive.org/web/20100409091137/http://www.hulu.com/watch/123684/americas-game-1978-pittsburgh-steelers?team=dallas-cowboys April 9, 2010 dead Coaching staff changes The Steelers coaching staff went through a number of changes after the 1977 season. Principle among these was the loss of Chuck Noll's top assistant, Bud Carson, who had served as the team's defensive coordinator since 1973.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PDQcAAAAIBAJ&pg=4928%2C3125459 Carson Jumps to LA February 24, 1978 Pittsburgh Press B-4 April 14, 2010 Carson interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at his alma mater, the University of North Carolina.,https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tPojAAAAIBAJ&pg=5544%2C2033659 Miami Of Ohio's Crum New Tar Heels' Coach January 21, 1978 Sarasota Herald-Tribune 3–D April 14, 2010 and was also a candidate for the St. Louis Cardinals top coaching job. When he didn't land either of those positions (the Tar Heels hired Dick Crum, and the Cardinals lured legendary Oklahoma Sooners coach Bud Wilkinson out of retirement after 14 seasons as an analyst for ABC college football broadcasts) he decided to take a job as the defensive backs coach of the Los Angeles Rams (Carson was hired by George Allen, who was fired after two exhibition games; defensive coordinator Ray Malavasi was named Allen's successor). Defensive line coach George Perles added the defensive coordinator role to his responsibility with the line.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5oAqAAAAIBAJ&pg=3643%2C2974402 Steelers Hire Aide, Promote Coaches Sheeley Glenn March 8, 1978 Pittsburgh Press C-19 April 14, 2010 Offensive line coach Dan Radakovich, who had served in that capacity with the Steelers since 1974, resigned to take a position as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=I90NAAAAIBAJ&pg=4188%2C1772311 Radakovich Proves Twain Does Meet February 13, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 16 April 14, 2010https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PoMqAAAAIBAJ&pg=2020%2C3375437 Radakovich Leaves Steelers February 11, 1978 Pittsburgh Press A-6 April 14, 2010 Radakovich was credited with turning the Pittsburgh Steelers line into one of the league's best.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MF8vAAAAIBAJ&pg=1196%2C2330105 Bad Rad's Act Emert Rich February 13, 1978 The Beaver County Times B-1 April 14, 2010 Rollie Dotsch was hired to replace Radakovich. Dotsch had recently been let go along with the rest of the Detroit Lions coaching staff.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gzgPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6266%2C257784 Sports Briefs January 11, 1978 Kingsport Daily News 5 April 14, 2010 He had coached the Lions linebackers the previous season.March 15, 1977 Lions Staff Completed https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vIUwAAAAIBAJ&pg=3058%2C5489160 April 14, 2010 Ludington Daily News Google News UPI 5 In the team's final coaching change of the offseason, Dick Walker was hired to coach the defensive backs.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dkwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7047%2C2567932 Blood Disorder Hits J.T., May Sit Out Season Stellino Vito July 20, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 16, 19 April 21, 2010 Walker had previously served in a similar role with the New England Patriots. Roster moves Several players who played significant roles in the Steelers recent success would not return for 1978. Among the departed were: defensive tackle Ernie Holmes (traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 10th and 11th round picks in the 1978 draft)https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EOEhAAAAIBAJ&dq=steelers%20ernie-holmes%20tampa&pg=3169%2C680850 Steelers Trade Holmes To Tampa May 3, 1978 Pittsburgh Press D-1 April 2, 2010 guard Jim Clack (traded to the New York Giants along with wide receiver Ernie Pough in exchange for offensive lineman John Hicks)https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3h0vAAAAIBAJ&dq=jim-clack&pg=5629%2C5321510 Western Pa. very familiar to new Steelers Emert Rich April 18, 1978 The Beaver County Times B-1 April 2, 2010 wide receiver Frank Lewis (traded to the Buffalo Bills for tight end Paul Seymour)https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SMkdAAAAIBAJ&dq=steelers%20frank-lewis&pg=3546%2C3872399 Steelers Return Seymour Sheeley Glenn August 24, 1978 Pittsburgh Press D-1 April 2, 2010 running back Reggie Harrison (cut)https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TuINAAAAIBAJ&dq=steelers%20reggie-harrison&pg=6730%2C2970750 Harrison Packs His Suitcase As Steelers Slice Roster to 53 Stellino Vito August 22, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette April 2, 2010 safety Jimmy Allen (traded to the Detroit Lions for a fourth-round selection in the 1979 draft)https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kGEyAAAAIBAJ&dq=steelers%20jimmy-allen&pg=5530%2C2070124 Lions Get a Defensive Back July 21, 1978 Argus-Press 8 April 2, 2010https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ye0NAAAAIBAJ&dq=steelers%20glen-edwards&pg=6993%2C1403282 Even in Transition, Steelers Look Familiar Stellino Vito March 9, 1979 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 23 April 2, 2010 safety Glen Edwards (traded to the San Diego Chargers for a 1979 6th rounder).https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e_gjAAAAIBAJ&dq=steelers%20glen-edwards&pg=3705%2C5953345 Edwards Finally Goes Emert Rich August 23, 1978 The Beaver County Times D-1 April 2, 2010 Several of these moves were made in the name of eliminating "distractions". Ernie Holmes, Jimmy Allen and Glen Edwards had all had contract disputes which saw them leave the team for brief periods during the previous season.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tZQzAAAAIBAJ&pg=3878%2C290616 Steelers 'Distractions' Gone August 29, 1978 Gettysburg Times 14 April 9, 2010 Holmes, Edwards and Frank Lewis had all lost their starting jobs.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BEENAAAAIBAJ&pg=4647%2C427307 Don't Hold Breath; Steelers Eye Trades Stellino Vito March 29, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 29 April 12, 2010 None of the moves brought the Steelers a player who had a significant impact on the team in 1978. The Frank Lewis trade was a complete flop for the Steelers. Paul Seymour failed his physical when the Steelers learned he'd had surgery on both arches within the past five months. His rehabilitation from the surgery was not complete and he was unable to run.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fPgjAAAAIBAJ&pg=2641%2C6461762 Seymour Blasts Buffalo Emert Rich August 25, 1978 The Beaver County Times B-1 April 9, 2010 Seymour was returned to the Bills who released him, and the two teams failed to work out any other compensation for Lewis. Lewis was the Steelers first round draft choice in 1971, but was unlikely to have made the Steelers roster anyway due to the ascendancy of John Stallworth opposite Lynn Swann and the training camp performance of the younger Jim Smith and Randy Reutershan.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dfgjAAAAIBAJ&dq=steelers%20lewis&pg=1024%2C3853888 Steelers deal from strength Emert Rich August 16, 1978 D-1 April 9, 2010 Lewis did have some football left in him; he made the 1982 Pro Bowl for the Bills.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1981/probowl.htm 1981 Pro Bowl Roster Pro Football Reference April 9, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100509210301/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1981/probowl.htm May 9, 2010 live The Jim Clack trade also netted the Steelers nothing when John Hicks was injured in the pre-season and placed on the injured reserve list. Meanwhile, both Clack and Ernie Pough made the Giant's 45-man roster, Clack as a starter on the offensive line, where he would be directly involved with that season's Miracle at the Meadowlands between the Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S8kdAAAAIBAJ&pg=3889%2C6683591 Giants Trade A Real Clunker Sheeley Glenn August 30, 1978 Pittsburgh Press D-1 April 12, 2010 Longtime Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette called the Lewis and Clack trades Chuck Noll's "two worst trades in his 23 seasons with the Steelers."Bouchette Ed The Pittsburgh Steelers 1994 St. Martin's Press New York 978-0-312-11325-4 40 https://books.google.com/books?id=qMqnE6Rboe4C&q=Ernie+pough&pg=PA40 1st December 20, 2011 In addition to the players traded away and cut, J. T. Thomas was lost for the season to a blood disorder known as Boeck's Sarcoidosis.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sBsvAAAAIBAJ&pg=3472%2C1802479 J.T. Thomas not down & out: 'I've got a lot of good memories' Emert Rich September 10, 1978 The Beaver County Times C-2 April 21, 2010 Thomas had been the team's starting left cornerback (opposite Mel Blount) and his loss coupled with the Jimmy Allen trade left the team thin at the cornerback position. Finally, longtime punter Bobby Walden retired, leaving Rocky Bleier as the last player on the roster who was with the team prior to the arrival of Noll in 1969. Walden, who had turned 40 in the offseason and was the team's oldest player, was replaced by Craig Colquitt, who like Walden would go on to a successful tenure with the team. Draft 1978 NFL draft The 1978 NFL Draft was held on May 2–3, in the ballroom of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FAsfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5345%2C230022 NFL Draft continues into mopping up stage Lowitt Bruce May 3, 1978 Park City Daily News 12A April 13, 2010 The Steelers selected fourteen players. They also traded their selection in the fifth round (pick 128 overall) to the Green Bay Packers for defensive tackle Dave Pureiforyhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EOEhAAAAIBAJ&pg=5606%2C680479 Did Noll Win Draft Lottery? Sheeley Glenn May 3, 1978 Pittsburgh Press D-1 April 2, 2010 (Pureifory was later traded during training camp to the New England Patriots for their sixth-round selection in the 1979 draft).http://digitalnewspapers.libraries.psu.edu/Default/Skins/BasicArch/Client.asp?Skin=BasicArch&&AppName=2&enter=true&BaseHref=DCG/1983/01/11&EntityId=Ar01004 Woodruff Voted Pittsburgh MVP January 11, 1983 The Daily Collegian (Penn State) April 12, 2010 April 3, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120403233201/http://digitalnewspapers.libraries.psu.edu/Default/Skins/BasicArch/Client.asp?Skin=BasicArch&&AppName=2&enter=true&BaseHref=DCG%2F1983%2F01%2F11&EntityId=Ar01004 dead Coming out of the draft it appeared that the team had addressed perceived needs at punter, defensive back, defensive line and running back. 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers 1 22 Ron Johnson Cornerback Eastern Michigan yes 2 49 Willie Fry Defensive end Notre Dame no 3 76 Craig Colquitt Punter Tennessee yes 4 101 Larry Anderson Cornerback Louisiana Tech yes 6 160 Randy Reutershan Wide receiver Pittsburgh yes 7 187 Mark Dufresne Tight end Nebraska no 8 208 Rick Moser Running back Rhode Island from St. Louisa a a yes 8 214 Andre Keys Wide receiver Cal Poly no 9 241 Lance Reynolds Offensive tackle BYU no 10 268 Doug Becker Linebacker Notre Dame no 10 276 Tom Jurich Kicker Northern Arizona from Tampa Bayb b b no 11 279 Nat Terry Defensive back Florida State from Tampa Bayb b b yes 11 300 Tom Brzoza Center Pittsburgh no 12 327 Brad Carr Linebacker Maryland no no nohttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1978_draft.htm 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers draft Pro Football Reference April 1, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100305140957/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1978_draft.htm March 5, 2010 live Notes: a a apick from St. Louis Cardinals for Marv Kellumhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=u1YdAAAAIBAJ&pg=5623%2C5493389 Pin The Blame On The Agent Sheeley Glenn April 27, 1978 Pittsburgh Press C-1 April 12, 2010http://www.prosportstransactions.com/football/DraftTrades/1978.htm 1978 NFL Draft Pick Transactions Pro Sports Transactions April 12, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20091212160959/http://www.prosportstransactions.com/football/DraftTrades/1978.htm December 12, 2009 dead mdy-all b b bpick from Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Ernie Holmes Undrafted free agents + 1978 undrafted free agents of notePlayerPositionCollegeFred AndersonDefensive EndPrairie View A&MRoscoe ColesRunning backVirginia TechAnnise DavisRunning backMissouriDave GillespieRunning backNebraskaLarry McCartneyCenterLouisiana TechJack PhelanDefensive backSaint FrancisJimmy RandolphCornerbackUT MartinMike RhodesWide receiverMiami (OH)Wayne SchwalbachTight end/PunterCentral MichiganRon ScottRunning backNorth Carolina A&TClay SingletaryCenterWest VirginiaGary SitlerPunterWittenbergRobert ThompsonCornerbackGeorgiaBradley WagnerDefensive backKansas State "Shouldergate" The 1978 season began with some controversy, when players were caught wearing shoulder pads in off-season drills in violation of league rules. The infraction occurred during a late May rookie camp and was uncovered and reported by Pittsburgh Press reporter John Clayton.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rzIcAAAAIBAJ&dq=john-clayton&pg=6910%2C207658 Steelers' Secret Slips Out Clayton John June 1, 1978 Pittsburgh Press C-10 April 2, 2010 "That story had no news value whatsoever. The thing that made it very bad was that the story was of no news to the people of Pittsburgh. So I have to assume that he [referring to John Clayton] is working for the competition. He certainly wasn't working in the interest of the paper or the fans. As far as I'm concerned he was working for the other people. The only way I can read it is espionage. I know for a fact that other people use other media for their interests, to spy." – Head coach Chuck Noll's reaction to the "Shouldergate" story. 260px right Clayton was not the paper's regular Steelers beat writer at the time, but was just filling in that day.Wexell Jim Tales from Behind the Steel Curtain Sports Publishing LLC September 1, 2004 48–49 III 978-1-58261-536-3 https://books.google.com/books?id=WccXEAAOKuwC&q=shouldergate&pg=PA48 April 2, 2010 While the practice in which the violation occurred was closed to the media by head coach Chuck Noll, Clayton uncovered the story in interviews with players whom he found wearing pads in the locker room. Clayton contacted the league office for clarification on the rule, which stated that teams must have "no contact work or use of pads (except helmets) in an off-season training camp." The story caused an uproar among the team's local fanbase, with most of the vitriol directed at Clayton for reporting the story, rather than at Noll and the team for breaking the rule.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sjIcAAAAIBAJ&dq=john-clayton&pg=7050%2C2464789 To Report Or Not – That Is The Question McHugh Roy June 5, 1978 Pittsburgh Press C-1 April 2, 2010 This sentiment was stoked by Noll's angry reaction to the story, in which he referred to the reporting as "espionage."https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sjIcAAAAIBAJ&dq=john-clayton&pg=6855%2C947802 Noll Charges 'Espionage' In Pads Issue Sheeley Glen June 4, 1978 Pittsburgh Press D-1 April 2, 2010 Even some members of the local media spoke of Clayton as a traitor to the Steeler cause.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C0ENAAAAIBAJ&dq=john-clayton&pg=6804%2C1122412 Shoulderpads Hassle Musick Phil June 6, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette April 2, 2010 The precedent for punishment of such a rule violation was set by an earlier incident for which the Green Bay Packers were stripped of a fourth-round draft pick. The Packers were able to argue at that time that they were unaware of the rule they broke. The Steelers had no such defense, since the team's president, Dan Rooney, was instrumental in negotiations to get the "no pads" rule included in the collective bargaining agreement with the league's players.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sjIcAAAAIBAJ&dq=john-clayton&pg=7125%2C957112 Rooney Admits To No Defense Livington Pat June 4, 1978 Pittsburgh Press D-3 April 2, 2010 NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle eventually stripped the Steelers of their third-round selection in the 1979 draft for the transgression.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HUENAAAAIBAJ&dq=pads%20draft%20steelers&pg=4141%2C3968058 Tarnish on the Black and Gold Reputation Musick Phil June 27, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 9 April 2, 2010July 2026 InternetArchiveBot Training camp After putting the distractions of the 1977 season and Shouldergate behind them, the Steelers had a very productive training camp in 1978. All-Pro defensive end Joe Greene noted the renewed focus, saying The biggest difference in this camp compared to last year is that this camp is about football, not gossip. Everything that's happening in this camp is about football. That's not saying we’re going to go out there and kick butts, but that's saying we’re going to be going about our business, what we’re being paid for.http://www.steelersdigestonline.com/archive/2003/9_20/page23.pdf The Preseason: Focus Totally on Football Labriola Bob September 20, 2003 Steelers Digest 2 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110716133852/http://www.steelersdigestonline.com/archive/2003/9_20/page23.pdf July 16, 2011 dead Personnel Staff 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers #08214A white #EEC607 Chairman of the board – Arthur J. Rooney President – Daniel M. Rooney Vice president – John R. McGinley Vice president – Arthur J. Rooney, Jr. Public relations director – Ed Kiely Traveling secretary – James A. Boston Publicity director – Joe Gordon Controller – Dennis P. Thimons Assistant controller – James S. Maund Director of ticket sales – Geraldine Glenn Director of player personnel – Dick Haley Assistant director of player personnel – Bill Nunn Director of professional scouting – V. Timothy Rooney Talent scout – West Coast – Bob Schmitz Head coach – Chuck Noll Offensive line – Rollie Dotsch Offensive backfield – Dick Hoak Receivers – Tom Moore Defensive coordinator – George Perles Defensive assistant – Dick Walker Linebackers & Secondary – Woody Widenhofer Strength – Louis Riecke Flexibility – Paul Uram Physician, M.D. – Dr. David S. Huber Physician, M.D. – Dr. Anthony P. Yates Physician, orthopedic – Dr. Paul B. Steele, Jr. Dentist – Dr. George P. Boucek Trainer – Ralph Berlin Assistant trainer – Robert Milie Equipment manager – Anthony Parisi Field manager – Jack Hart Film director – Bob McCartney Photographer – Harry Homa 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide Roster 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers 45 5 12 Terry Bradshaw 15 Mike Kruczek 18 Cliff Stoudt 20 Rocky Bleier 35 Jack Deloplaine 32 Franco Harris 39 Rick Moser y 38 Sidney Thornton 83 Theo Bell 86 Jim Smith wide receiver 82 John Stallworth 88 Lynn Swann 89 Bennie Cunningham 84 Randy Grossman 87 Jim Mandich 79 Larry Brown tight end, born 1949 T 77 Steve Courson G 57 Sam Davis American football G 55 Jon Kolb T 72 Gerry Mullins G 66 Ted Petersen C 74 Ray Pinney T 52 Mike Webster C 69 Fred Anderson American football y DE 76 John Banaszak DE/DT 65 Tom Beasley DT/DE 67 Gary Dunn DT 64 Steve Furness DT 75 Joe Greene DT 68 L. C. Greenwood DE 78 Dwight White DE 56 Robin Cole OLB 59 Jack Ham OLB 58 Jack Lambert American football MLB 51 Loren Toews OLB 53 Dennis Winston MLB 30 Larry Anderson American football y CB 47 Mel Blount CB 21 Tony Dungy FS 29 Ron Johnson cornerback y CB 25 Ray Oldham SS 31 Donnie Shell SS 23 Mike Wagner FS  5 Craig Colquitt y P 10 Roy Gerela K 63 Thom Dornbrook C/G IR 62 Willie Fry y DE/DT IR -- Andre Keys y no WR IR 40 Randy Reutershan y KR IR 24 J. T. Thomas defensive back CB IR 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1978_roster.htm 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers Pro-Football-Reference.com 2014-12-17 Preseason Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 August 5, 1978at Baltimore ColtsW 22–101–0Memorial Stadiumhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QeINAAAAIBAJ&pg=7164%2C893456 Noll Sees 'Progress' Despite Poor Kicking Game Stellino Vito August 7, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 12 April 5, 2010 2 August 12, 1978Atlanta FalconsW 13–72–0Three Rivers Stadiumhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R-INAAAAIBAJ&pg=4114%2C1949315 It's Like Old Times for Steelers Defense Stellino Vito August 14, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 5, 2010 3 August 19, 1978at New York GiantsL 6–132–1Giants Stadiumhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TeINAAAAIBAJ&pg=4112%2C2859741 Stumbling Steelers Stumped Stellino Vito August 21, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 5, 2010 4 August 26, 1978at Dallas CowboysL 13–162–2Texas Stadiumhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=U-INAAAAIBAJ&pg=7048%2C3914538 Steelers Searching for Lost Offense Stellino Vito August 28, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 14 April 5, 2010 The Steelers exhibition schedule did not start off smoothly, despite coming away with a 22–10 victory against the Baltimore Colts. Starting quarterback Terry Bradshaw suffered a broken nose on a scramble in the first quarter of the game. In addition, the kicking game was unimpressive and the team committed a considerable number of penalties including three personal fouls. The second pre-season game against the Atlanta Falcons was the Steelers' lone home exhibition contest. The defense led the way, as they had so many times in the team's back-to-back championship seasons in 1974 and 1975. The defensive strength was illustrated in the first quarter when a blocked punt gave the Falcons the ball on the Steelers three-yard line. After failing to gain yardage on two running plays, the Falcons' third-down pass was intercepted by Donnie Shell (one of five Steelers interceptions on the evening). The Falcons' offense was held scoreless, their only points in the 13–7 loss came off a fumble recovery. The next game, against the New York Giants, was a completely different story. The game seemed to be over almost before it started when the Giants scored on a 78-yard touchdown pass in just the second play of the evening. The Giants went on to control the game en route to a 13–6 victory over the listless and mistake-prone Steelers. Coach Noll said of the opening score, "We didn't recover, and that's not a good sign. They outdid us all down the line. They hit harder." In the fourth and final pre-season game, the Steelers' defense once again played well, but the offense was the weak link in a 16–13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys (in what would turn out to be a preview of the Super Bowl XIII matchup). The Steelers had difficulty running the ball, with six players combining for just 101 yards on 29 rushing attempts. Despite the offensive sluggishness, the Steelers led 13–3 after three quarters. Unfortunately, the defense was worn out (they faced a staggering 82 plays in the game) and they gave up two touchdown passes to Roger Staubach in the fourth quarter. The lack of offensive rhythm led Terry Bradshaw to comment, "I feel terrible. I'm concerned. It's easy to say that it'll come. But I don't want to go into the Buffalo game worried about the offense. ... If you looked at this, you'd have to say we have a lot of work to do." At the end of the preseason, the Steelers were listed by oddsmakers at Harrah's casino in Las Vegas as 5–1 to win the American Football Conference (AFC). The favorites were the Oakland Raiders at 7–5, followed by the New England Patriots at 3–1 and then the Steelers and Baltimore Colts at 5–1.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fvgjAAAAIBAJ&dq=steelers&pg=5900%2C7369243 Dallas listed at 6–5 favorites to take AFC crown August 29, 1978 The Beaver County Times B-1 April 6, 2010 Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 September 3at Buffalo BillsW 28–171–0Rich Stadium Recap2 September 10Seattle SeahawksW 21–102–0Three Rivers StadiumRecap 3 September 17at Cincinnati BengalsW 28–33–0Riverfront Stadium Recap 4 September 24Cleveland BrownsW 15–9 (OT)4–0Three Rivers Stadium Recap 5 October 1at New York JetsW 28–175–0Shea StadiumRecap 6 October 8Atlanta FalconsW 31–76–0Three Rivers StadiumRecap 7 October 15at Cleveland BrownsW 34–147–0Cleveland Municipal Stadium Recap 8 October 23, 1978Houston OilersL 17–247–1Three Rivers StadiumRecap 9 October 29Kansas City ChiefsW 27–248–1Three Rivers Stadium Recap 10 November 5New Orleans SaintsW 20–149–1Three Rivers StadiumRecap 11 November 12at Los Angeles RamsL 7–109–2L.A. Memorial ColiseumRecap 12 November 19Cincinnati BengalsW 7–610–2Three Rivers StadiumRecap 13 November 27, 1978at San Francisco 49ersW 24–711–2Candlestick ParkRecap 14 December 3at Houston OilersW 13–312–2AstrodomeRecap 15 December 9, 1978Baltimore ColtsW 35–1313–2Three Rivers StadiumRecap 16 December 16, 1978at Denver BroncosW 21–1714–2Mile High StadiumRecap Standings Game summaries Week 1: at Buffalo Bills Week One: Pittsburgh Steelers (0–0) at Buffalo Bills (0–0) – Game information Sunday, September 3 at 1:00 pm (EDT) Game weather: Cool, 67 °F °C Referee: Fred Silva Point spread: Steelers by 10½https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NEwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2574%2C184091 Latest Line September 2, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 12, 2010 Game attendance: 64,147 at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York TV announcers: (NBC) Jay Randolph (play by play), Mike Haffner (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Steelers 0 14 0 14 Bills 0 0 0 17 The Steelers came into the season opener as heavy favorites over the Buffalo Bills, who were 2–12 in 1976 and 3–11 in 1977. The Steel Curtain defense was dominant early, holding the Bills to just 59 total yards and only six first downs in first three quarters of play. New defensive coordinator George Perles employed the blitz to a much greater degree than the team had in the past.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NUwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4194%2C330069 Steelers Defense Brings Back Memories Musick Phil September 4, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17 April 13, 2010 Bills quarterback Joe Ferguson, who was coming off a knee injury suffered in the exhibition season, struggled with just three completions and 20 yards on ten passing attempts before being pulled from the game.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NUwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5178%2C330702 Buffalo's Rally Falls Short As Steelers Romp, 28–17 Stellino Vito September 4, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17–18 April 13, 2010 Meanwhile, the Steelers scored two second-quarter touchdowns, the first coming on a throw from Terry Bradshaw to John Stallworth. Stallworth caught three passes of twenty yards or longer in the Steelers first two possessions. The Steelers second score came on a one-yard plunge by Franco Harris. When the Steelers scored again on a Sidney Thornton rush at the start of the fourth quarter to go up 21–0, the game appeared to be all but over. However, Seahawks castoff Bill Munson came into the game in relief of Ferguson and sparked the Bills, playing their first game under new coach Chuck Knox, to two quick scores that brought the Bills to within 11 points. The Steelers put the game away with a 73-yard drive capped by Bradshaw's second touchdown of the game. Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 28 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Franco Harris 1 yard run (Gerela kick) Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter Pittsburgh – Sidney Thornton 2 yard run (Gerela kick) Buffalo – Frank Lewis 22 yard pass from Bill Munson (Tom Dempsey kick) Buffalo – Dempsey 32 yard field goal Pittsburgh – Theo Bell 15 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Buffalo – Reuben Gant 3 yard pass from Munson (Dempsey kick)SteelersGame statisticsBills21 First downs 1643–142 Rushes–yards 29–100217 Passing yards 16414–19–1 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 13–26–139 Return yards −104–39 Punts Number–Average yardage 6–430–0 Fumbles–lost 0–05–54 Penalties–yards 9–62 Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks Week Two: Seattle Seahawks (0–1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1–0) – Game information Sunday, September 10 at 1:00 pm (EDT) Game weather: Sunny, 81 °F °C Referee: Jim Tunney Point spread: Steelers by 13½https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OkwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6375%2C1555368 Latest Line September 9, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 11 April 12, 2010 Game attendance: 48,277 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (NBC) Sam Nover (play by play), Mike Haffner (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Seahawks 0 7 3 0 Steelers 0 14 0 7 This game marked the second ever meeting between the Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, who were playing in just their third NFL season. The Seahawks entered the game hoping to stop the Steelers running game – while that effort was largely successful the Steelers and quarterback Terry Bradshaw won with the passing game.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wHkqAAAAIBAJ&pg=3630%2C4937917 Pass Does The Trick With Run Stymied Sheeley Glenn September 11, 1978 Pittsburgh Press C-1–C-2 April 19, 2010 After a scoreless first quarter, the Steelers took a 14–0 lead which they wouldn't relinquish on a pair of Bradshaw touchdown passes.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O0wNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6749%2C1713415 Steelers Ice Seattle Stellino Vito September 11, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 15, 17 April 14, 2010 Linebacker Jack Lambert led the Steelers defense with an interception, a fumble recovery and five solo tackles. The first quarter saw Bradshaw injure his throwing hand when he jammed his index finger on a helmet. However, he played through the soreness and threw the two second-quarter scoring passes to Lynn Swann and Sidney Thornton. The Seahawks scored on a David Sims rushing touchdown to stay within one score at halftime. The Seahawks caught the Steelers off guard with a successful onside kick following the Sims score, however the subsequent drive ended in a missed field goal. In the third quarter, the Seahawks narrowed the lead to just four points off an Effren Herrera field goal. At the start of the fourth quarter Franco Harris, who was hampered in the game by a bruised thigh, was stopped less than a yard short of the goal line on a third down play. Coach Chuck Noll initially sent the field-goal team on, but after a timeout he reconsidered and sent the offense back out. Harris ran behind the right guard and pushed the ball across the plane of the goalline before being pushed back. The play was ruled a touchdown, though the Seahawks disputed the call. The win gave the Steelers a 2–0 record – a mark they had achieved only once since 1956. Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter Pittsburgh – Lynn Swann 4 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Sidney Thornton 20 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Seattle – David Sims 1 yard run (Effren Herrera kick) Third quarter Seattle – Herrera 20 yard field goal Fourth quarter Pittsburgh – Franco Harris 1 yard run (Gerela kick)SteelersGame statisticsSeahawks26 First downs 1840–151 Rushes–yards 28–93185 Passing yards 15417–33–0 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 11–22–144 Return yards 473–42 Punts Number–Average yardage 4–382–1 Fumbles–lost 2–28–65 Penalties–yards 7–52 Week 3: at Cincinnati Bengals Week Three: Pittsburgh Steelers (2–0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0–2) – Game information Sunday, September 17 at 1:00 pm (EDT) Game weather: Cloudy, 76 °F °C Referee: Dick Jorgensen Point spread: Steelers by 4½https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QEwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3204%2C2574873 Latest Line September 16, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 12, 2010 Game attendance: 50,260 at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio TV announcers: (NBC) Curt Gowdy (play by play), John Brodie (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Steelers 14 7 7 0 Bengals 0 3 0 0 The Steelers entered the third week 2–0 and favored to win, though one sportswriter called the Steelers "convincing but not overpowering", and noted that they had not beaten the point spread in either of their first two games.Washington Post Falcons Should Be Favorites; It's Time to Go for Seven September 14, 1978 Gerald Strine F1 The Bengals came into the game without their starting quarterback, Ken Anderson who was nursing a broken finger.Sheeley Glenn Steelers Lance Tame Bengals, 28–3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gu8dAAAAIBAJ&pg=7010%2C1699448 March 30, 2011 Pittsburgh Press September 18, 1978 Steelers running back Franco Harris busted through the Bengals 3–4 defense for a 37-yard gain on the game's first offensive play. Five plays later, Rocky Bleier scored on a 5-yard run and the Steelers never looked back. The Steelers didn't punt for the first time until the end of the third quarter and they dominated statistically.Stellino Vito Steelers Nail Bengals, 28–3 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=y4BIAAAAIBAJ&pg=6615,2712336&hl=en March 30, 2011 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 18, 1978 Center Mike Webster noted, "From the first play on, everything worked." The Steelers players were beginning to feel that the team might be once again approaching the level of the Super Bowl teams. Bleier said after the game, "At some point, I don't know when, people are going to start saying, 'Hey, it's the Steelers again.'" When asked about his performance through the first three games, Bradshaw admitted he was playing the best football of his life, saying, "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 wantin' me to have." Linebacker Jack Lambert stated, "We're playing well and we've got a good attitude. Last year was no good. This is good." Coach Noll tried to tamp down expectations, saying "We're happy to be there. We'll take any kind of crumbs we can get." But even he had to admit that, "It was a good day for us." He added, "Our football team is functioning with a pretty good concept of what it's all about, what it takes. Things aren't out of perspective at all."Musick Phil Muscle Defined by Steelers in Webster https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zIBIAAAAIBAJ&pg=4825,2841828&hl=en March 30, 2011 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 19, 1978 The 28–3 final was the Steelers largest ever margin over the Bengals, eclipsing the 27–3 win from 1974. The 3–0 start to the season was only the third in the franchise's history and they stood tied atop the AFC Central division with the Cleveland Browns. Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – Rocky Bleier 5 yard run (Roy Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Franco Harris 15 yard run (Gerela kick) Second quarter Cincinnati – Chris Bahr 33 yard field goal Pittsburgh – Bennie Cunningham 26 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Third quarter Pittsburgh – Lynn Swann 12 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Fourth quarter No scoring playsSteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gu8dAAAAIBAJ&pg=1777%2C1700354 Steelers Summary September 17, 1978 Pittsburgh Press B-3 April 14, 2010Bengals26 First downs 949–212 Rushes–yards 19–56242 Passing yards 12314–20–1 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 17–37–2145 Return yards 1144–43.7 Punts Number–Average yardage 10–42.43–3 Fumbles–lost 1–06–46 Penalties–yards 7–99 Week 4: vs. Cleveland Browns Week Four: Cleveland Browns (3–0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3–0) – Game information Sunday, September 24 at 1:00 pm (EDT) Game weather: Cloudy, 66 °F °C Referee: Fred Wyant Point spread: Steelers by 8https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RkwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5573%2C3587428 The Latest Line September 23, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 11 April 12, 2010 Game attendance: 49,513Emert Rich https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vBsvAAAAIBAJ&pg=2690%2C5475876 'High School Right': Steelers Had Practiced Flea-flicker September 25, 1978 The Beaver County Times B1 February 28, 2013 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (NBC) Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Browns 0 6 3 0 0 Steelers 3 0 0 6 6 The Steelers and Browns came into their week four matchup tied atop the AFC Central standings, but Cleveland was without their four-time Pro Bowl running back Greg Pruitt who had been hospitalized by a leg contusion. The Browns had never previously won in the two teams' eight previous meetings in Three Rivers Stadium. Coach Noll predicted, however, that the Browns would remain competitive without Pruitt, going so far as to say that the game "is their Super Bowl."Emert Rich https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uxsvAAAAIBAJ&pg=1756%2C5141697 Browns Confident they can KO Steelers September 24, 1978 The Beaver County Times C1 February 27, 2013 The Browns contained the Steelers offense all game, and after four quarters the game was tied at 9 with neither team managing to score a touchdown in regulation. The Browns had two apparent scores nullified by penalty: a 61-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter was called back when it was ruled that Browns quarterback Brian Sipe had crossed the line of scrimmage prior to releasing the ball and later a 17-yard pass was nullified by a holding penalty.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8G0aAAAAIBAJ&pg=6806%2C3253586 Sputtering Steeler Offense Gets Tricky to Beat Brown September 25, 1978 The Milwaukee Journal 11 (Part 2) February 27, 2013 A Hail Mary attempt by the Browns on the final play of the fourth quarter was intercepted by Steelers defensive back Tony Dungy.Emert Rich Vranes Marc https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vBsvAAAAIBAJ&pg=3923%2C5481740 Steeler Notes: Jack Lambert Loved It September 25, 1978 The Beaver County Times B2 February 28, 2013 The Steelers won the overtime coin toss and chose to receive the kickoff.Stellino Vito https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0YBIAAAAIBAJ&pg=6769%2C3750649 Steeler OT Razzle Dazzles Browns, 15–9 September 25, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17 February 28, 2013 On the kickoff, Steelers returner Larry Anderson lost the ball as he was being tackled. While the Browns felt that Anderson had fumbled (and replays later showed that it probably was a fumble), the officials ruled that Anderson was down and the play had been whistled dead before he lost the ball. Steelers retained possession at their 21-yard line.Emert Rich https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vBsvAAAAIBAJ&pg=4067%2C5477962 What Happened on the Fumble September 25, 1978 The Beaver County Times B1 February 28, 2013 A few plays later, the Steelers were forced into a fourth down situation just over mid-field with 1 yard to go. Coach Noll chose to go for the conversion, which was gained by a short Franco Harris run. When asked about the decision Noll said, "It wasn't that much of a gamble, especially when the players had such a strong conviction of going for it – when you want something you try that much harder to attain your goal." A few plays after the fourth-down conversion, a Steelers trick play turned out to be the game's final decisive play. On the play, Terry Bradshaw handed off to running back Rocky Bleier who gave the ball to wide receiver Lynn Swann on an apparent reverse. Swann, however, pitched the ball back to quarterback Terry Bradshaw who completed a 37-yard pass to tight end Bennie Cunningham for the decisive touchdown. Coach Noll revealed after the game that the flea flicker was actually a part of the team's specific game-plan for the Browns saying, "It was called high school right. We resurrected it this week and worked on it Wednesday and Thursday in practice." Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – Roy Gerela 19 yard field goal Second quarter Cleveland – Don Cockroft 43 yard field goal Cleveland – Cockroft 30 yard field goal Third quarter Cleveland – Cockroft 41 yard field goal Fourth quarter Pittsburgh – Gerela 33 yard field goal Pittsburgh – Gerela 36 yard field goal Overtime Pittsburgh – Bennie Cunningham 37 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (no kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R0wNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6813%2C3751058 Steeler OT Razzle Dazzles Browns, 15–9 Stellino Vito September 25, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17 April 14, 2010Browns18 First downs 1937–139 Rushes–yards 32–97200 Passing yards 10214–32–2 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 14–32–2100 Return yards 336–36 Punts Number–Average yardage 6–421–1 Fumbles–lost 1–011–119 Penalties–yards 8–68 Week 5: at New York Jets Week Five: Pittsburgh Steelers (4–0) at New York Jets (2–2) – Game information Sunday, October 1 at 1:00 pm (EDT) Game weather: Sunny, 66 °F °C Referee: Bob Frederic Point spread: Steelers by 12½https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TEwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2477%2C4575618 The Latest Line September 30, 1978 11 April 12, 2010 Game attendance: 52,058 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York TV announcers: (NBC) Sam Nover (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Steelers 7 7 14 0 Jets 0 10 7 0 The win brought the Steelers to 5–0 which was the best start to a season in the franchise's history.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TEwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1440%2C4568414 Historian Noll Hopes His Steelers Make It Stellino Vito September 30, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 8 April 12, 2010 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – Lynn Swann 10 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick) Second quarter New York Jets – Bruce Harper 11 yard run (Pat Leahy kick) Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 14 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) New York Jets – Leahy 47 yard field goal Third quarter Pittsburgh – Swann 26 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Sidney Thornton 1 yard run (Gerela kick) New York Jets – Kevin Long 2 yard run (Leahy kick) Fourth quarter No scoring playsSteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AwMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6749%2C84782 Steeler Aerial Circus Guns Down N.Y. Jets Stellino Vito October 2, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17, 21 April 20, 2010Jets20 First downs 1839–138 Rushes–yards 35–155189 Passing yards 14217–26–1 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 9–24–168 Return yards 02–43 Punts Number–Average yardage 4–421–1 Fumbles–lost 0–02–7 Penalties–yards 4–17 Week 6: vs. Atlanta Falcons Week Six: Atlanta Falcons (2–3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5–0) – Game information Sunday, October 8 at 1:00 pm (EDT) Game weather: Cloudy, 45 °F °C Referee: Don Wedge Point spread: Steelers by 9https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CAMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=4340%2C946533 The Latest Line October 7, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 11 April 12, 2010 Game attendance: 48,202 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (CBS) Bob Costas (play by play), Tom Matte (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Falcons 0 0 0 7 Steelers 3 14 7 7 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – Roy Gerela 21 yard field goal Second quarter Pittsburgh – Rocky Bleier 8 yard run (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Terry Bradshaw 6 yard run (Gerela kick) Third quarter Pittsburgh – Bleier 2 yard run (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 11 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Fourth quarter Atlanta – Wallace Francis 11 yard pass from Steve Bartkowski (Fred Steinfort kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CQMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6878%2C1122430 Steelers Running Game Ravages Atlanta Stellino Vito October 9, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17, 20 April 20, 2010Falcons28 First downs 2044–181 Rushes–yards 34–113206 Passing yards 14413–18–0 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 17–33–215 Return yards 242–35 Punts Number–Average yardage 3–344–3 Fumbles–lost 3–28–74 Penalties–yards 4–38 Week 7: at Cleveland Browns Week Seven: Pittsburgh Steelers (6–0) at Cleveland Browns (4–2) – Game information Sunday, October 15 at 1:00 pm (EDT) Game weather: Sunny, 47 °F °C Referee: Pat Haggertyhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DwMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=2924%2C2158651 Battling Lambert Misses Browns' War Musick Phil October 16, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 16, 19 April 21, 2010 Point spread: Steelers by 4https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DQMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=7147%2C1879787 The Latest Line October 13, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 14 April 12, 2010 Game attendance: 81,302 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio TV announcers: (NBC) Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Steelers 6 7 14 7 Browns 0 7 0 7 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – Roy Gerela 23 yard field goal Pittsburgh – Gerela 44 yard field goal Second quarter Cleveland – Dave Logan 17 ard pass from Brian Sipe (Don Cockroft kick) Pittsburgh – Larry Anderson 95 yard kickoff return (Gerela kick) Third quarter Pittsburgh – Lynn Swann 28 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Rocky Bleier 1 yard run (Gerela kick) Fourth quarter Cleveland – Reggie Rucker 18 yard pass from Sipe (Cockroft kick) Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 32 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DwMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6810%2C2158267 Anderson's TD Sets Steelers Fire, 34–14 Stellino Vito October 16, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 16, 19 April 21, 2010Browns20 First downs 1938–168 Rushes–yards 38–132153 Passing yards 22810–21–0 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 19–35–1181 Return yards 1635–40 Punts Number–Average yardage 4–314–0 Fumbles–lost 4–26–41 Penalties–yards 10–90 Week 8: vs. Houston Oilers Week Eight: Houston Oilers (4–3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7–0) – Game information Monday, October 23 at 9:00 pm (EDT) Game weather: Cloudy, 43 °F °Chttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FgMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6929%2C3535339 Meteorological report October 24, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 11 April 23, 2010 Referee: Ben Dreith Point spread: Steelers by 7½https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FQMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=7290%2C3386838 Latest Line October 23, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 19 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 48,021 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (ABC) Frank Gifford (play by play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Oilers 0 10 7 7 Steelers 0 10 0 7 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter Houston – Earl Campbell 1 yard run (Toni Fritsch kick) Pittsburgh – Lynn Swann 25 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Gerela 30 yard field goal Houston – Fritsch 39 yard field goal Third quarter Houston – Campbell 3 yard run (Fritsch kick) Fourth quarter Houston – Campbell 1 yard run (Fritsch kick) Pittsburgh – Swann 6 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FgMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6547%2C3561696 Steeler Summary October 24, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17 April 23, 2010Oilers21 First downs 2231–113 Rushes–yards 43–169215 Passing yards 16017–33–1 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 13–19–0120 Return yards 653–41 Punts Number–Average yardage 4–412–0 Fumbles–lost 2–17–53 Penalties–yards 6–51 Week 9: vs. Kansas City Chiefs Week Nine: Kansas City Chiefs (2–6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7–1) – Game information Sunday, October 29 at 1:00 pm (EST) Game weather: Sunny, 55 °F °Chttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GwMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=7077%2C4507065 Meteorological report October 30, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 19 April 23, 2010 Referee: Red Cashion Point spread: Steelers by 14https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GgMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=1708%2C4345443 The Latest Line October 28, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 14 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 48,185 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (NBC) Jay Randolph (play by play), Paul Maguire (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Chiefs 3 0 14 7 Steelers 7 13 7 0 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Kansas City – Jan Stenerud 25 yard field goal Pittsburgh – Franco Harris 1 yard run (Roy Gerela kick) Second quarter Pittsburgh – Harris 11 yard run (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 1 yard run (kick failed) Third quarter Kansas City – Ted McKnight 14 yard run (Stenerud kick) Kansas City – Tony Reed 16 yard run (Stenerud kick) Pittsburgh – Donnie Shell 17 yard fumble recovery return (Gerela kick) Fourth quarter Kansas City – Arnold Morgado 2 yard run (Stenerud kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QF4vAAAAIBAJ&pg=3614%2C7079580 Steeler Stats October 30, 1978 The Beaver County Times B-1 April 23, 2010Chiefs17 First downs 2040–135 Rushes–yards 38–186141 Passing yards 808–15–2 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 15–28–289 Return yards 1174–43.3 Punts Number–Average yardage 4–38.81–1 Fumbles–lost 2–110–79 Penalties–yards 10–100 Week 10: vs. New Orleans Saints Week Ten: New Orleans Saints (5–4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8–1) – Game information Sunday, November 5 at 1:00 pm (EST) Game weather: Sunny, 69 °F °Chttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WQMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6254%2C848682 Meteorological report November 6, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 10 April 23, 2010 Referee: Jerry Markbreit Point spread: Steelers by 10½https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WAMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=2938%2C722365 Latest Line November 4, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 48,526 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (CBS) Don Criqui (play by play), Hank Stram (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Saints 0 7 0 7 Steelers 3 0 10 7 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – Roy Gerela 27 yard field goal Second quarter New Orleans – Rich Mauti 5 yard pass from Archie Manning (Steve Mike-Mayer kick) Third quarter Pittsburgh – Lynn Swann 6 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Gerela 21 yard field goal Fourth quarter New Orleans – Tony Galbreath 5 yard run (Mike-Mayer kick) Pittsburgh – Rocky Bleier 6 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WQMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6707%2C881624 Steeler Summary November 6, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17 April 23, 2010Saints23 First downs 2034–145 Rushes–yards 32–81200 Passing yards 34416–23–1 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 22–32–1115 Return yards 621–28 Punts Number–Average yardage 2–602–1 Fumbles–lost 1–17–48 Penalties–yards 7–75 Week 11: at Los Angeles Rams Week Eleven: Pittsburgh Steelers (9–1) at Los Angeles Rams (8–2) – Game information Sunday, November 12 at 9:00 pm (EST) Game weather: Cool, 49 °F °C Referee: Fred Silva Point spread: Rams by 2½https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XAMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=1926%2C1933312 The Latest Line November 9, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 26 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 63,089 at L.A. Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles TV announcers: (ABC) Frank Gifford (play by play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Steelers 0 0 7 0 Rams 0 0 3 7 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter Pittsburgh – Lynn Swann 14 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick) Los Angeles – Frank Corral 37 yard field goal Fourth quarter Los Angeles – Willie Miller 10 yard pass from Pat Haden (Corral kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XwMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5746%2C2565003 Steeler Summary November 13, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17 April 23, 2010Rams12 First downs 1425–59 Rushes–yards 44–192115 Passing yards 12111–25–3 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 14–27–013 Return yards 837–41 Punts Number–Average yardage 7–272–0 Fumbles–lost 3–25–48 Penalties–yards 9–115 Week 12: vs. Cincinnati Bengals Week Twelve: Cincinnati Bengals (1–10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9–2) – Game information Sunday, November 19 at 4:00 pm (EST) Game weather: Cloudy, 44 °F °Chttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZQMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=7128%2C3699916 Meteorological report November 20, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 28 April 23, 2010 Referee: Bob Frederic Point spread: Steelers by 11https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZAMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6136%2C3488923 The Latest Line November 18, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 47,578 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (NBC) Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Bengals 3 3 0 0 Steelers 0 7 0 0 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Cincinnati – Chris Bahr 29 yard field goal Second quarter Pittsburgh – Rocky Bleier 1 yard run (Roy Gerela kick) Cincinnati – Bahr 48 yard field goal Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter No scoring playsSteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZQMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5629%2C3646390 Steeler Summary November 20, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17 April 23, 2010Bengals14 First downs 1534–70 Rushes–yards 31–9784 Passing yards 14212–30–4 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 14–29–229 Return yards 417–37 Punts Number–Average yardage 6–344–1 Fumbles–lost 4–32–34 Penalties–yards 5–44 Week 13: at San Francisco 49ers Week Thirteen: Pittsburgh Steelers (10–2) at San Francisco 49ers (1–11) – Game information Monday, November 27 at 9:00 pm (EST) Game weather: Clear, 49 °F °C Referee: Jim Tunney Point spread: Steelers by 8https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=awMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5107%2C5190915 Latest Line November 27, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 51,657 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco TV announcers: (ABC) Frank Gifford (play by play), Don Meredith & Howard Cosell (color commentators) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Steelers 3 14 0 7 49ers 0 0 7 0 The game proceeded as scheduled despite the murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk by former Supervisor Dan White earlier in the day. Dianne Feinstein, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, became Mayor upon Moscone's death. The Steelers defeated the 49ers 27–0 at Three Rivers Stadium on Monday Night Football to open the previous season. Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – Roy Gerela 42 yard field goal Second quarter Pittsburgh – Lynn Swann 22 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Swann 25 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Third quarter San Francisco – Paul Hofer 2 yard run (Ray Wersching kick) Fourth quarter Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 11 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bAMOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5817%2C5302421 Steeler Summary November 28, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 15 April 23, 201049ers22 First downs 1253–212 Rushes–yards 29–67168 Passing yards 7413–21–1 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 10–28–553 Return yards 533–42 Punts Number–Average yardage 5–405–3 Fumbles–lost 0–013–102 Penalties–yards 1–5 Week 14: at Houston Oilers Week Fourteen: Pittsburgh Steelers (11–2) at Houston Oilers (9–4) – Game information Sunday, December 3 at 4:00 pm (EST) Game weather: dome Referee: Pat Haggerty Point spread: Oilers by 3https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6UsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7083%2C177783 Latest Line December 2, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 11 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 54,261 at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas TV announcers: (NBC) Sam Nover (play by play), Len Dawson (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Steelers 3 0 3 7 Oilers 0 3 0 0 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – Roy Gerela 41 yard field goal Second quarter Houston – Toni Fritsch 37 yard field goal Third quarter Pittsburgh – Gerela 23 yard field goal Fourth quarter Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 5 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Gerela kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qm8vAAAAIBAJ&pg=1260%2C799291 Steelers have most survivors, win title Emert Rich December 4, 1978 The Beaver County Times B-1 April 23, 2010Oilers17 First downs 948–177 Rushes–yards 26–8174 Passing yards 8211–25–1 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 10–27–370 Return yards 345–40.2 Punts Number–Average yardage 5–47.81–1 Fumbles–lost 4–36–55 Penalties–yards 5–35 Week 15: vs. Baltimore Colts Week Fifteen: Baltimore Colts (5–9) at Pittsburgh Steelers (12–2) – Game information Saturday, December 9 at 1:00 pm (EST) Game weather: Snow, 26 °F °Chttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8EsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7089%2C1361814 Meteorological report December 11, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 10 April 22, 2010 Referee: Cal Lepore Point spread: Steelers by 10https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=70sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1539%2C1251461 Latest Line December 9, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 12 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 41,957 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (NBC) Curt Gowdy (play by play), John Brodie (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Colts 0 7 6 0 Steelers 7 14 7 7 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 31 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick) Second quarter Pittsburgh – Franco Harris 3 yard run (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Harris 2 yard run (Gerela kick) Baltimore – Roger Carr 5 yard pass from Bill Troup (Toni Linhart kick) Third quarter Baltimore – Derrell Luce 44 yard fumble recovery (kick failed) Pittsburgh – Randy Grossman 12 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Fourth quarter Pittsburgh – Jim Smith 29 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8EsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6875%2C1392571 Snow's Fun for Relaxed Steelers and Dirt Stellino Vito December 11, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 17 April 22, 2010Colts20 First downs 1148–139 Rushes–yards 26–100234 Passing yards 2912–21–2 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 8–19–2121 Return yards 1864–32.8 Punts Number–Average yardage 6–37.31–1 Fumbles–lost 5–36–35 Penalties–yards 6–50 Week 16: at Denver Broncos Week Sixteen: Pittsburgh Steelers (13–2) at Denver Broncos (10–5) – Game information Saturday, December 16 at 4:00 pm (EST) Game weather: Sunny, 26 °F °C Referee: Fred Wyant Point spread: Broncos by 1½https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9UsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4363%2C2292623 The Latest Line December 16, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 15 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 74,104 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado TV announcers: (NBC) Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Steelers 7 14 0 0 Broncos 0 0 7 10 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – Franco Harris 1 yard run (Roy Gerela kick) Second quarter Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 25 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Jim Smith 10 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Third quarter Denver – Haven Moses 25 yard pass from Norris Weese (Jim Turner kick) Fourth quarter Denver – Turner 45 yard field goal Denver – Riley Odoms 30 yard pass from Weese (Turner kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9ksNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7092%2C2426233 Bradshaw Busts Broncos to Enhance MVP Chances Stellino Vito December 18, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 16 April 22, 2010Broncos14 First downs 1938–116 Rushes–yards 26–74135 Passing yards 22613–19–2 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 15–26–167 Return yards 806–46.3 Punts Number–Average yardage 6–42.32–0 Fumbles–lost 2–16–82 Penalties–yards 10–72 Stats Passing Rushing Receiving Kicking Punting Kick Return Punt Return Defense & Fumbles Scoring Summary Team Quarter-by-quarter Quarter-by-quarter 1 2 3 4 OT T Steelers 63 135 76 76 6 356 Opponents 6 63 57 69 0 195 Playoffs Schedule Week Date Kickoff (ET) TV Opponent Result Game Site Divisional Sat. Dec. 3012:30 p.m.NBCDenver BroncosW 33–10Three Rivers Stadium AFC Championship Sun. Jan. 712:30 p.m.NBCHouston OilersW 34–5Three Rivers Stadium Super Bowl XIII Sun. Jan. 214:15 p.m.NBCvs. Dallas CowboysW 35–31Miami Orange Bowl Game summaries AFC Divisional Playoff: vs. Denver Broncos AFC Divisional Playoff: Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game information Saturday, December 30 at 12:30 pm (EST) Game weather: Light Rain,https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vm8vAAAAIBAJ&pg=1886%2C6733642 Road to Super Bowl gets a step shorter Emert Rich December 31, 1978 The Beaver County Times C-1 April 22, 2010 30 °F °Chttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sgIOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6791%2C173268 Meteorological report January 1, 1979 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 35 April 22, 2010 Referee: Gene Barth Point spread: Steelers by 7https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AUwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3191%2C4371232 Latest Line December 30, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 12 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 48,921 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (NBC) Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Broncos 3 7 0 0 Steelers 6 13 0 14 Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Denver Jim Turner 37 yard field goal Pittsburgh Franco Harris 1 yard run (kick failed) Second quarter Pittsburgh Harris 18 yard run (Roy Gerela kick) Pittsburgh Gerela 24 yard field goal Denver Dave Preston 3 yard run (Turner kick) Pittsburgh Gerela 27 yard field goal Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter Pittsburgh John Stallworth 45 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh Lynn Swann 38 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sgIOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6869%2C148237 Steelers Return to the Glory Days Stellino Vito January 1, 1979 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 30 April 21, 2010Broncos24 First downs 1540–153 Rushes–yards 27–87272 Passing yards 13116–29–1 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 12–22–093 Return yards 1102–36.0 Punts Number–Average yardage 6–34.04–1 Fumbles–lost 2–211–88 Penalties–yards 8–104 AFC Championship: vs. Houston Oilers AFC Championship: Houston Oilers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game information Sunday, January 7, 1979 at 12:30 pm (EST) Game weather: Freezing Rain, 32 °F °C Referee: Jim Tunney Point spread: Steelers by 7½https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=twIOAAAAIBAJ&pg=3136%2C894818 Latest Line January 6, 1979 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 11 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 49,417 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania TV announcers: (NBC) Curt Gowdy (play by play), Merlin Olsen & John Brodie (color commentators) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap Oilers 0 3 2 0 Steelers 14 17 3 0 On a wet, slick, and slippery field, the Steelers dominated the Oilers by forcing 9 turnovers and only allowing 5 points. Pittsburgh took the early lead by driving 57 yards to score on running back Franco Harris' 7-yard touchdown run. Then, linebacker Jack Ham recovered a fumble at the Houston 17-yard line, which led to running back Rocky Bleier's 15-yard rushing touchdown. In the second quarter, a 19-yard field goal by Oilers kicker Toni Fritsch cut the score 14–3, but then the Steelers scored 17 points during the last 48 seconds of the second quarter. First, Houston running back Ronnie Coleman lost a fumble, and moments later Pittsburgh wide receiver Lynn Swann caught a 29-yard touchdown reception. Then Johnnie Dirden fumbled the ensuing kickoff, which led to Steelers wide receiver John Stallworth's 17-yard reception. After the Oilers got the ball back, Coleman fumbled again, and Roy Gerela kicked a field goal to increase Pittsburgh's lead, 31–3. Houston would never pose a threat for the rest of the game as they turned over the ball 4 times in their 6 second-half possessions. Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh Franco Harris 7 yard run (Roy Gerela kick) Pittsburgh Rocky Bleier 15 yard run (Gerela kick) Second quarter Houston Toni Fritsch 19 yard field goal Pittsburgh Lynn Swann 29 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw Pittsburgh John Stallworth 17 yard pass from Bradshaw Pittsburgh Gerela 37 yard field goal Third quarter Pittsburgh Gerela 32 yard field goal Houston Safety, Ted Washington tackled Bleier in end zone Fourth quarter No scoring playsSteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uAIOAAAAIBAJ&pg=4772%2C1018678 Steeler Summary January 8, 1979 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 14 April 21, 2010Oilers21 First downs 1047–179 Rushes–yards 26–72200 Passing yards 7011–19–2 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 12–26–5217 Return yards 1791–53.0 Punts Number–Average yardage 6–39.56–3 Fumbles–lost 6–44–32 Penalties–yards 5–48 Super Bowl XIII: vs. Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl XIII: Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – Game information Sunday, January 21, 1979 at 4:15 pm (EST) Game weather: Cloudy, 71 °F °C Referee: Pat Haggerty Point spread: Steelers by 4https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wwIOAAAAIBAJ&pg=2678%2C2631538 Latest Line January 20, 1979 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 10 April 14, 2010 Game attendance: 78,656 at Miami Orange Bowl in Miami, Floridahttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r3kqAAAAIBAJ&pg=6990%2C2262854 Steelers Wipe Up Dallas, 35–31 Clayton John January 22, 1979 Pittsburgh Press D-1, D-6 April 21, 2010 TV announcers: (NBC) Curt Gowdy (play by play), Merlin Olsen & John Brodie (color commentators) Game coverage: Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recap, Pittsburgh Press recap Steelers 7 14 0 14 Cowboys 7 7 3 14 The Steelers won 35-31Super Bowl XIII Scoring drives and statistics:First quarter Pittsburgh – John Stallworth 28 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick) Dallas – Tony Hill 39 yard pass from Roger Staubach (Rafael Septién kick) Second quarter Dallas – Mike Hegman 37 yard fumble return (Septien kick) Pittsburgh – Stallworth 75 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Rocky Bleier 7 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Third quarter Dallas – Septien 27 yard field goal Fourth quarter Pittsburgh – Franco Harris 22 yard run (Gerela kick) Pittsburgh – Lynn Swann 18 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) Dallas – Billy Joe Dupree 7 yard pass from Staubach (Septien kick) Dallas – Butch Johnson 4 yard pass from Staubach (Septien kick)SteelersGame statisticshttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r3kqAAAAIBAJ&pg=7213%2C2290138 Super Bowl Summary January 22, 1979 Pittsburgh Press D-7 April 21, 2010Cowboys19 First downs 2024–66 Rushes–yards 32–141318 Passing yards 22817–30–1 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 17–30–135 Return yards 1583–43.0 Punts Number–Average yardage 5–39.62–2 Fumbles–lost 3–25–35 Penalties–yards 9–89 Personnel Staff / Coaches 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers Staff Front office Owners – Art Rooney President – Dan Rooney Vice president/ scouting – Art Rooney, Jr. Director of player personnel – Dick Haley Head coaches Head coach/ special teams – Chuck Noll Offensive coaches Offensive backfield – Dick Hoak Wide receivers – Tom Moore Offensive line – Rollie Dotsch Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator/ Def. line – George Perles Linebackers – Woody Widenhofer Defensive backs – Dick Walker Special teams coaches Flexibility/ kicking – Paul Uram Strength – Lou Riecke Roster 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers Roster Quarterbacks 12 Terry Bradshaw 15 Mike Kruczek 18 Cliff Stoudt Running backs 20 Rocky Bleier 35 Jack Deloplaine 32 Franco Harris 28 Alvin Maxson 39 Rick Moser y 38 Sidney Thornton Wide receivers 83 Theo Bell WR/PR 40 Randy Reutershan y 86 Jim Smith wide receiver 82 John Stallworth 88 Lynn Swann Tight ends 89 Bennie Cunningham 84 Randy Grossman 87 Jim Mandich TE/WB Offensive linemen 79 Larry Brown tight end, born 1949 Larry Brown T/TE 77 Steve Courson y G 57 Sam Davis American football G 55 Jon Kolb T/C 72 Gerry Mullins G/T 66 Ted Petersen T/C 74 Ray Pinney OL 52 Mike Webster C/G Defensive linemen 69 Fred Anderson American football DL y 76 John Banaszak DL 65 Tom Beasley DL y 67 Gary Dunn DL 64 Steve Furness DT 75 Joe Greene DT 68 L. C. Greenwood DE 78 Dwight White DE Linebackers 56 Robin Cole OLB/DE 59 Jack Ham OLB 58 Jack Lambert American football MLB 51 Loren Toews LB/DE 53} Dennis Winston LB Defensive backs 30 Larry Anderson American football y DB/KR 47 Mel Blount CB 21 Tony Dungy DB 36 Wentford Gaines y DB 29 Ron Johnson cornerback DB y 25 Ray Oldham DB 31 Donnie Shell S 34 Nat Terry DB y 23 Mike Wagner CB Special teams  5 Craig Colquitt P 10 Roy Gerela K Reserve lists 24 J. T. Thomas defensive back CB IR -- John Hicks American football G/T IR Rookies in italics Sources:https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1978_roster.htm 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers roster Pro Football Reference April 28, 2010 Pro-Set 4-3 Yes No No Terry Bradshaw Rocky Bleier Franco Harris Lynn Swann John Stallworth Randy Grossman Bennie Cunningham Jon Kolb Sam Davis Mike Webster Gerry Mullins Ray Pinney Larry Brown Loren Toews Robin Cole Loren Toews Robin Cole Jack Lambert Jack Ham Jack Ham Mike Wagner Donnie Shell Mel Blount Ron Johnson Dwight White John Banaszak Steve Furness Joe Greene L. C. Greenwood Roy Gerela Craig Colquitt Larry Anderson Theo Bell 85 85 No Awards, honors, and records Several Steelers players received individual honors in recognition of their play during the 1978 season. Terry Bradshaw swept the season's Most Valuable Player (MVP) recognition, earning both the regular season and Super Bowl honors as well as the team's internal MVP award. The team led the league with ten players selected to the 1979 Pro Bowl (a full quarter of the 40-player AFC squad).https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V8EdAAAAIBAJ&pg=5234%2C7614500 Webster Ends Pro Bowl Famine Sheeley Glenn December 14, 1978 Pittsburgh Press D-5, D-6 April 21, 2010 Among the Pro Bowlers were three offensive and two defensive starters. Eight Steeler performers were recognized as All-NFL by various publications and four others made All-Conference squads.Carroll Bob Michael Gershman David Neft John Thorn Total Football II: The Official Encyclopedia of the National Football League (v. 2) William Morrow August 4, 1999 418–419 978-0-06-270174-9 Pro Bowl Selections The following players were selected to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl. The team was selected on the basis of ballots submitted by each of the conference's 14 head coaches as well as a consensus of voting by each team's players.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YxYsAAAAIBAJ&pg=1108%2C5815779 Pro Bowl Team Colored With Pittsburgh Look December 14, 1978 Kentucky New Era 29 April 21, 2010 Starters: QB Terry Bradshaw (second Pro Bowl) WR Lynn Swann (third) C Mike Webster (first) DT Joe Greene (ninth) LB Jack Ham (sixth) Reserves: RB Franco Harris (seventh) DE L. C. Greenwood (fifth) LB Jack Lambert (fourth) S Donnie Shell1 1 1 (first) CB Mel Blount (third) 1 1 1Mike Wagner was originally announced as the reserve safety, but an error in the tabulation of the ballots was uncovered and Donnie Shell was named to the team instead.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9UsNAAAAIBAJ&&pg=6397%2C2282479 Pro Bowl Err Shells Wagner December 16, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 21, 2010 All-Pro Selections The following players were named to All-NFL or All-Conference squads designated by one or more of several publications and groups who identified the players judged to be the top performers of the 1978 season. PositionPlayerAll-NFLAll-AFCAP Associated PressNEA Newspaper Enterprise AssociationPFW Pro Football WeeklyPFWA Professional Football Writers of AmericaUPI United Press InternationalSN Sporting NewsPFW Pro Football Weekly1st AP First Team2nd AP Second Team1st NEA First Team2nd NEA Second Team1st UPI First Team2nd UPI Second TeamQuarterbackTerry BradshawXXXXXXXRunning backFranco HarrisXXWide receiverLynn SwannXXXXXXXCenterMike WebsterXXXXXXXTackleJon KolbXXDefensive EndL. C. GreenwoodXXDefensive tackleJoe GreeneXXLinebackerJack HamXXXXXXXLinebackerJack LambertXXXXXSafetyDonnie ShellXXSafetyMike WagnerXCornerbackMel BlountXX Individual honors and achievements Terry Bradshaw, Steelers MVP (selected by a vote of the team's players)https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8UsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6762%2C1520386 Terry Bradshaw: A Tough Soldier Musick Phil December 12, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 21, 2010 Bradshaw, Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awardhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ugIOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6477%2C1256993 Bradshaw Voted MVP by AP Musick Phil January 10, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 21, 2010 Bradshaw, Super Bowl MVPhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r3kqAAAAIBAJ&pg=6990%2C2262854 Steelers Wipe Up Dallas, 35–31 Clayton John January 22, 1979 Pittsburgh Press D-1, D-6 April 21, 2010 Bradshaw, Bert Bell Awardhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-ksNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5934%2C3062212 Maxwell Cites Bradshaw, Fusina December 22, 1978 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13 April 21, 2010 Bradshaw led league in touchdown passes (28).https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1978/leaders.htm 1978 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards Pro Football Reference April 28, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100527070840/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1978/leaders.htm May 27, 2010 live Bradshaw tied with Dan Fouts to lead league in yards per pass attempt (7.9 yds) . Team achievements/records Fewest points scored against in league (195 points).https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1978/ 1978 NFL Standings, Team & Offensive Statistics Pro Football Reference April 28, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100422231613/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1978/ April 22, 2010 live Surrendered zero first-quarter touchdowns in the regular season. See also History of the Pittsburgh Steelers List of Pittsburgh Steelers seasons List of Super Bowl champions References 30em External links 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers at Pro-football-reference.com 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers statistics at jt-sw.com 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers season at NFL.com 1978: A Look Back (from Steelers Digest), pg 1, pg 2, pg 3, pg 4, pg 5, pg 6, pg 7 SI.com – Sports Illustrated Covers – October 9, 1978 SI.com – Sports Illustrated Covers – January 15, 1979 SI.com – Sports Illustrated Covers – January 29, 1979 America's Game: 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers from NFL Films (via Hulu) Category:Pittsburgh Steelers seasons Category:American Football Conference championship seasons Category:Super Bowl champion seasons Pittsburgh Steelers Category:AFC Central championship seasons Pittsburgh Steel Category:1970s in Pittsburgh