1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season

Pittsburgh Steelers 42nd US football season August 2023 March 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers 1974 10–3–1 1st AFC Central Chuck Noll Art Rooney Daniel M. Rooney Three Rivers Stadium Won Divisional Playoffs(vs. Bills) 32–14Won AFC Championship(at Raiders) 24–13Won Super Bowl IX(vs. Vikings) 16–6 border:none; padding:0; 6 PK Roy Gerela DT Joe Greene DE L. C. Greenwood LB Jack Ham RB Franco Harris LB Andy Russell border:none; padding:0; 4 Joe Greene (1st team) L. C. Greenwood (1st team) Jack Ham (1st team) Roy Gerela (2nd team) Glen Edwards Jack Lambert Steelers seasons The 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 42nd in the National Football League (NFL). They improved to a 10–3–1 regular-season record, won the AFC Central division title, sending them to the playoffs for the third consecutive season, and won a Super Bowl championship, the first league title in Steelers' history. This was the first of six consecutive AFC Central division titles for the Steelers, and the first of four Super Bowl championships in the same time period. The Steelers also made history by playing in the NFL's first-ever regular season overtime game, the league having introduced a 15-minute sudden-death period to break ties. Their Week 2 contest against the Denver Broncos nevertheless ended in a 35–35 tie. As of 2023 no other team has ever won the Super Bowl after recording a tie in the overtime era. On March 9, 2007, NFL Network aired an episode of America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions that covered the 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers, with team commentary from Franco Harris, Joe Greene, and Andy Russell, and narrated by Ed Harris. Offseason NFL draft During the offseason, the Steelers held their training camp in St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. During the 1974 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers would draft WR Lynn Swann in Round 1, LB Jack Lambert in Round 2, WR John Stallworth in Round 4, and C Mike Webster in Round 5, and they also signed S Donnie Shell as an undrafted free agent. All five would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As of 2025, the 1974 Steelers are the only team in NFL history to select four Hall of Fame players in one single draft and acquire five in a single rookie class. 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers 1 21 Lynn Swann WR USC given #88 yes yes 2 46 Jack Lambert LB Kent State 1974 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, given #58 yes yes 4 82 John Stallworth WR Alabama A&M given #82 yes yes 4 100 Jimmy Allen S UCLA given #45 yes 5 125 Mike Webster C Wisconsin Alternated with Ray Mansfield for the rest of Ray's career, given #52 yes yes 6 149 Jim Wolf DE Prairie View A&M given #62 yes 6 150 Rick Druschel Guard North Carolina State given #46 yes 7 165 Allen Sitterle T North Carolina State 7 179 Scott Garske TE Eastern Washington 8 204 Mark Gefert LB Purdue 9 223 Tommy Reamon RB Missouri played for the WFL in 1974 9 229 Charlie Davis DT TCU given #77 yes 10 243 Jim Kregel G Ohio State 10 254 Dave Atkinson DB BYU 11 283 Dick Morton RB Arkansas 12 308 Hugh Lickiss LB Simpson 13 333 Frank Kolch QB Eastern Michigan 14 333 Bruce Henley DB Rice 15 387 Larry Hunt DT Iowa State 16 412 Octavus Morgan LB Illinois 17 437 Larry Moore DE Angelo State Preseason In the 1974 preseason, the Steelers went 6–0 and were the only undefeated team in the NFL. However, most of the talk was centered around the NFL's first successful black quarterback, Joe Gilliam. Chuck Noll started Gilliam in the preseason and after it ended, Noll started him for the first few games of the regular season. Gilliam's stellar performance in the preseason sparked a quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh. Regular season Following playoff appearances in both of the two previous seasons, the Steelers appeared to be in great shape after finishing the preseason as the only undefeated team in the NFL. After the first two regular season games, the Steelers had scored a total of 65 points and were 1–0–1, but then lost to the Oakland Raiders at home. The play of the Steelers' starting quarterback at the time, Joe Gilliam, continually deteriorated. By week 7, the Steelers were 4–1–1 and Gilliam was benched for Terry Bradshaw during a win against the Atlanta Falcons. Bradshaw won the next two games, but after a loss in Cincinnati, Noll benched Bradshaw again, this time in favor of Terry Hanratty (who had been selected in the 1969 draft). However, Hanratty played horribly in Cleveland. The offense was struggling, but the Steelers had won those tough games behind the still-maturing Steel Curtain defense. When Bradshaw was brought back into the starting lineup, the Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Saints (in a game in which Bradshaw ran for more yards than he passed). After a loss to Houston, the Steelers played the most important game of their regular season in New England. A win over the Patriots would clinch the AFC Central division title for the Steelers and put them in the playoffs for the third straight year. The Steelers defeated the Patriots, then beat the Cincinnati Bengals, and awaited the playoffs. Playoffs In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Steelers played the Buffalo Bills. Sports Illustrateds Dan Jenkins wrote that Pittsburgh was "the only team to reach the playoffs without a quarterback".For Openers, Super Bowl VIII½ Dan Jenkins Dan Jenkins December 23, 1974 https://www.si.com/vault/1974/12/23/628157/for-openers-super-bowl-viii Sports Illustrated However, the Steelers dominated Buffalo and held its star running back O. J. Simpson to 49 yards rushing (it was Simpson's only playoff game appearance). In the 1974 AFC Championship game, the Steelers played an old foe, the Oakland Raiders. Each year, their rivalry was escalating: they had met in the playoffs the previous two seasons. In 1972, the Steelers won in Pittsburgh; in 1973, the Raiders returned the favor in Oakland. In this third playoff meeting, the Steelers were ready for anything the Raiders could throw at them. Using the new "Stunt 4–3 defense" the Steelers held the Raiders to 29 yards rushing as the Steelers themselves ran for over 200 yards in Oakland. After a Franco Harris touchdown run, the Steelers clinched their first Super Bowl appearance in club history (and their first league championship game appearance). Super Bowl IX The Steelers met the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX. Both teams had a hard time in the rough weather conditions at old Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. After many exchanges of punts, the Steelers finally scored a safety on a bobbled handoff by Viking quarterback Fran Tarkenton. The score at the half was 2–0. The Steel Curtain continually dominated the Vikings. Vikings coach Bud Grant tried to run at the strength of the Steel Curtain, but they were shut down. The only points Minnesota scored came from a blocked punt that the Vikings recovered in the end zone for a touchdown; the subsequent extra point attempt was blocked. After the MVP performance by running back Franco Harris (34 carries for a then-Super Bowl-record 158 yards and a touchdown), the Steelers came away with a 16–6 victory. It was the first league title in Steelers history. Personnel Staff 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers #08214A white #EEC607 President – Arthur J. Rooney Vice president – John R. McGinley Vice president – Daniel M. Rooney Vice president – Arthur J. Rooney, Jr. Public relations director – Ed Kiely Traveling secretary – James A. Boston Controller – Robert P. Quinn Accountant – Dennis P. Thimons Publicity director – Joe Gordon Ticket manager – Joseph H. Carr Director of player personnel – Dick Haley Assistant director of player personnel – Bill Nunn Director of professional scouting – V. Timothy Rooney Head coach – Chuck Noll Offensive backfield – Dick Hoak Offensive line – Dan Radakovich Receivers – Lionel Taylor Defensive coordinator – Bud Carson Defensive line – George Perles Linebackers – Woody Widenhofer Strength – Louis Riecke Flexibility – Paul Uram Team physician, orthopedic – Dr. John Best Team Physician, M.D. – Dr. David S. Huber Team dentist – Dr. Robert Gray Trainer – Ralph Berlin Equipment manager – Anthony Parisi Field manager – Jack Hart 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide Roster 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers 47 2 12 Terry Bradshaw 17 Joe Gilliam  5 Terry Hanratty 20 Rocky Bleier 35 Steve Davis running back 32 Franco Harris 46 Reggie Harrison y 26 Preston Pearson 86 Reggie Garrett y 43 Frank Lewis American football 25 Ronnie Shanklin 82 John Stallworth y 88 Lynn Swann y 87 Larry Brown tight end, born 1949 84 Randy Grossman y 89 John McMakin 50 Jim Clack G 57 Sam Davis American football G 73 Rick Druschel y G 71 Gordon Gravelle T 55 Jon Kolb T 56 Ray Mansfield C 72 Gerry Mullins G 74 Dave Reavis y T 52 Mike Webster y C 77 Charlie Davis defensive tackle y DT 64 Steve Furness DT 75 Joe Greene DT 68 L. C. Greenwood DE 63 Ernie Holmes DT 78 Dwight White DE 62 Jim Wolf American football y DE 38 Ed Bradley linebacker MLB 59 Jack Ham OLB 54 Marv Kellum y OLB 58 Jack Lambert American football y MLB 34 Andy Russell American football OLB 51 Loren Toews OLB 45 Jimmy Allen American football y CB 47 Mel Blount CB 22 Dick Conn y FS 27 Glen Edwards safety FS 31 Donnie Shell y SS 24 J. T. Thomas defensive back CB 23 Mike Wagner SS 10 Roy Gerela K 39 Bobby Walden P/H 53 Henry Davis American football LB IR 33 John Fuqua RB IR 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1974_roster.htm 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers Pro-Football-Reference.com 2014-12-17 1974 schedules Preseason schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue 1 August 3, 1974 at New Orleans Saints W 26–7 1–0 Tulane Stadium 2 August 12, 1974 Chicago Bears W 50–21 2–0 Three Rivers Stadium 3 August 17, 1974 at Philadelphia Eagles W 33–30(OT) 3–0 Veterans Stadium 4 August 24, 1974 New York Giants W 17–7 4–0 Three Rivers Stadium 5 August 30, 1974 at Washington Redskins W 21–19 5–0 RFK Stadium 6 September 5, 1974 Dallas Cowboys W 41–15 6–0 Texas Stadium Regular season schedule Week Date Opponent TV Result Record Venue 1 September 15 Baltimore Colts NBC W 30–0 1–0 Three Rivers Stadium 2 September 22 at Denver Broncos NBC T 35–35(OT) 1–0–1 Mile High Stadium 3 September 29 Oakland Raiders NBC L 0–17 1–1–1 Three Rivers Stadium 4 October 6 at Houston Oilers NBC W 13–7 2–1–1 Astrodome 5 October 13 at Kansas City ChiefsNBC W 34–24 3–1–1 Arrowhead Stadium 6 October 20 Cleveland Browns NBC W 20–16 4–1–1 Three Rivers Stadium 7 October 28, 1974 Atlanta Falcons ABC W 24–17 5–1–1 Three Rivers Stadium 8 November 3 Philadelphia Eagles CBS W 27–0 6–1–1 Three Rivers Stadium 9 November 10 at Cincinnati Bengals NBC L 10–17 6–2–1 Riverfront Stadium 10 November 17 at Cleveland Browns NBC W 26–16 7–2–1 Cleveland Municipal Stadium 11 November 25, 1974 at New Orleans Saints ABC W 28–7 8–2–1 Tulane Stadium 12 December 1 Houston Oilers NBC L 10–13 8–3–1 Three Rivers Stadium 13 December 8 at New England Patriots NBC W 21–17 9–3–1 Schaefer Stadium 14 December 14, 1974 Cincinnati Bengals NBC W 27–3 10–3–1 Three Rivers StadiumNote: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Postseason schedule Week Date Opponent TV Result Record Venue Divisional December 22 Buffalo Bills NBC W 32–14 11–3–1 Three Rivers Stadium AFC Championship December 29 at Oakland Raiders NBC W 24–13 12–3–1 Oakland Coliseum Super Bowl IX January 12 Minnesota Vikings NBC W 16–6 13–3–1 Old Tulane Stadium Standings Game summaries Week 1 (Sunday, September 15, 1974): vs. Baltimore Colts Pittsburgh Steelers 1974 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 1: Baltimore Colts (0–1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1–0) September 15, 1974 1:00 p.m. EDT Colts (0–1) 0 0 0 0 Steelers (1–0) 3 13 7 7 Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 48,890 72 °F °C 1 or, relative humidity 69%, wind 9 mph km/h knots (Partly Cloudy) Gordon McCarter NBC Jay Randolph (play by play) and Paul Maguire (color commentator) Baltimore Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 15th, 1974 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197409150pit.htm 2025-03-08 Pro-Football-Reference.com en right Baltimore Colts BAL Pittsburgh Steelers PIT Bert Jones 8/17, 100 YDS, 2 INTs Lydell Mitchell 9 CAR, 44 YDS Glenn Doughty 3 CAR, 58 YDS Joe Gilliam 18/37, 289 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT Franco Harris 13 CAR, 49 YDS, 1 TD Randy Grossman 3 REC, 52 YDS BAL PIT collapsed 1 Steelers FG 31 Gerela 0 3 2 Steelers RecTD Swann Gilliam 61 no good Gerela 0 9 2 Steelers RecTD Lewis Gilliam 4 good Gerela 0 16 3 Steelers RushTD Harris 4 good Gerela 0 23 4 Steelers RushTD Fuqua 4 good Gerela 0 30 0 30 Point spread: Over/under: Time of game: 0 hours, 0 minutes ColtsGame statisticsSteelers11 First downs 1834–118 Rushes–yards 29–103102 Passing yards 2899–20–2 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 18–37–16–54 Sacked–yards 0–048 Net passing yards 289166 Total yards 39298 Return yards 738–33.3 Punts Number–Average yardage 4–45.53–2 Fumbles–lost 3–13–20 Penalties–yards 4–32 In week 1, the Steelers started #17 Joe Gilliam as he completed 17 of his 31 passes for 257 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception. Gilliam became the first African-American quarterback in league history to play in a game as the designated opening-day starter. The defense held Baltimore to 166 total yards and forced 4 turnovers in the shutout win. Week 2 (Sunday, September 22, 1974): at Denver Broncos Pittsburgh Steelers 1974 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 2: Pittsburgh Steelers (1–0–1) at Denver Broncos (0–1–1) September 22, 1974 4:00 p.m. EDT Steelers (1–0–1) 7 7 14 7 0 Broncos (0–1–1) 21 0 7 7 0 Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado 51,068 57 °F °C 1 or, relative humidity 48%, wind 7 mph km/h knots (Sunny) Tommy Bell NBC Jay Randolph (play by play) and Paul Maguire (color commentator) Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos - September 22nd, 1974 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197409220den.htm 2025-03-08 Pro-Football-Reference.com en right Pittsburgh Steelers PIT Denver Broncos DEN Joe Gilliam 31/50, 348 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs Franco Harris 20 CAR, 70 YDS Franco Harris 9 REC, 84 YDS Charley Johnson 6/15, 129 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT Otis Armstrong 19 CAR, 131 YDS Otis Armstrong 5 REC, 86 YDS, 2 TDs PIT DEN collapsed 1 11:10 Broncos 1 45 0:07 RecTD Armstrong Johnson 45 good Turner 0 7 1 9:52 Steelers 3 73 1:18 RecTD Davis Gilliam 61 good Gerela 7 7 1 7:07 Broncos 8 59 2:45 RecTD Moses Johnson 7 good Turner 7 14 1 5:44 Broncos 1 1 0:07 RushTD Keyworth 1 good Turner 7 21 2 0:52 Steelers 17 87 8:06 RushTD Gilliam 1 good Gerela 14 21 3 9:36 Steelers 7 37 4:24 RushTD Davis 1 good Gerela 21 21 3 3:12 Broncos 3 41 1:41 RecTD Odoms Ramsey 3 good Turner 21 28 3 0:07 Steelers 6 73 3:05 RushTD Davis 1 good Gerela 28 28 4 13:01 Steelers 4 16 1:48 RushTD Fuqua 1 good Gerela 35 28 4 7:08 Broncos 3 50 2:21 RecTD Armstrong Ramsey 23 good Turner 35 35 35 35 Point spread: Over/under: Time of game: 3 hours, 7 minutes SteelersGame statisticsBroncos33 First downs 2040–160 Rushes–yards 37–156348 Passing yards 19131–50–2 Passes Completions–Attempts–Interceptions 12–27–23–24 Sacked–yards 3–15324 Net passing yards 176484 Total yards 332121 Return yards 1456–41.7 Punts Number–Average yardage 7–44.43–2 Fumbles–lost 1–112–91 Penalties–yards 7–61 In week 2, the Steelers were carried to a 35–35 OT tie with #32 Franco Harris' running game and #17 Joe Gilliam's 348 passing yards. It was the first regular season overtime game in NFL history. Denver coach John Ralston said of Gilliam that "it was possibly the finest performance I have ever seen by a quarterback." Game Summariesweek 3: vs. Oakland Raiders Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Oakland Raiders (1–1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1–0–1) Sunday, September 29 4 p.m., ET Raiders 7 10 0 0 Steelers 0 0 0 0 Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 48,304 66 °F °C 1 or (Light Rain) Pat Haggerty NBC Oakland – Stabler 1 run (Blanda kick) 0–7 Oakland – Branch 19 pass from Stabler (Blanda kick) 0–14 Oakland – FG Blanda 35 0–17 In week 3, after 2 brilliant games by #17 Joe Gilliam, the Raiders came to Pittsburgh for a rematch of the 1973 Divisional Round Playoff game in which Oakland won. However, a fluttering Gilliam completed 10 of his 31 passed which laid the first defeat on Pittsburgh. To make things worse, #32 Franco Harris was injured and would miss the next 2 games. Damp and dark weather hung over the stadium and Terry Bradshaw's relief of Gilliam with a little under 2 minutes left in the game drew cheers from remaining fans. (1–1–1) week 4: at Houston Oilers Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Pittsburgh Steelers (1–1–1) at Houston Oilers (1–2–1) Sunday, October 6 2 p.m., ET Steelers 0 3 3 7 Oilers 0 7 0 0 Houston Astrodome, Houston, Texas 30,049 Dome (indoors) Bob Frederic NBC Houston – B. Johnson 47 run (Butler kick) 0–7 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 37 3–7 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 27 6–7 Pittsburgh – Pearson 9 run (Gerela kick) 13–7 In week 4, the Steelers recovered from the loss at home by beating Houston. #17 Joe Gilliam didn't recover completely; he threw for only 202 yards and 2 interceptions. However, on the game's lone touchdown drive, Gilliam completed 4 consecutive passes. Without #32 Franco Harris, the offense would continuously fall apart. (2–1–1) week 5: at Kansas City Chiefs Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Pittsburgh Steelers (2–1–1) at Kansas City Chiefs (2–2) Sunday, October 13 2 p.m., ET Steelers 7 17 10 0 Chiefs 3 7 7 7 Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 65,517 55 °F °C 1 or Bernie Ulman NBC Kansas City – FG Stenerud 31 0–3 Pittsburgh – Bleier 2 run (Gerela kick) 7–3 Kansas City – Pearson 13 pass from Livingston (Stenerud kick) 7–10 Pittsburgh – Pearson 3 run (Gerela kick) 14–10 Pittsburgh – Edwards 49 interception return (Gerela kick) 21–10 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 32 24–10 Kansas City – Taylor 10 pass from Livingston (Stenerud kick) 24–17 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 45 27–17 Pittsburgh – Lewis 31 pass from Gilliam (Gerela kick) 34–17 Kansas City – Wright 13 pass from Livingston (Stenerud kick) 34–24 In week 5, the Steelers came away from Kansas City with a 10-point win, 34–24, behind #27 Glen Edwards' 49-yard interception return. The Chiefs used a combined three quarterbacks to throw 7 interceptions. However, #17 Joe Gilliam's play was still deteriorating, and after the horrible performance in next week's game he was benched. (3–1–1) week 6: vs. Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Cleveland Browns (1–4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3–1–1) Sunday, October 20 1 p.m., ET Browns 0 13 0 3 Steelers 7 7 3 3 Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 48,100 42 °F °C 1 or (Cloudy) Ben Dreith NBC Pittsburgh – Pearson 6 run (Gerela kick) 7–0 Pittsburgh – Harris 1 run (Gerela kick) 14–0 Cleveland – Phipps 18 run (Cockroft kick) 14–7 Cleveland – Morin 9 pass from Phipps (kick blocked) 14–13 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 31 17–13 Cleveland – FG Cockroft 21 17–16 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 26 20–16 In week 6, the Steelers offense continued to flutter with #17 Joe Gilliam's 5 out of 18 and 78 yard passing performance (despite the return of #32 Franco Harris). In the 3 games after the loss to Oakland, the defense forced 15 turnovers, and that is how the Steelers managed to win all 3 games. The front four of #78 Dwight White, #63 Ernie Holmes, #75 Joe Greene, and #68 L. C. Greenwood had become dominant. Together, they became known as the Steel Curtain. After 6 games, the Steelers were 4–1–1, however, the offense was going to need some help if they were to become a contender. In week 7, the Steelers found that help. (4–1–1) week 7: vs. Atlanta Falcons Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Atlanta Falcons (2–4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4–1–1) Monday, October 28 9 p.m., ET Falcons 0 14 0 3 Steelers 14 0 3 7 Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 48,094 55 °F °C 1 or (Clear) Jim Tunney ABC Pittsburgh – Bleier 10 run (Gerela kick) 7–0 Pittsburgh – Bradshaw 1 run (Gerela kick) 14–0 Atlanta – Dodd 9 pass from Lee (Mike-Mayer kick) 14–7 Atlanta – Burrow 24 pass from Lee (Mike-Mayer kick) 14–14 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 33 17–14 Pittsburgh – Harris 7 run (Gerela kick) 24–14 Atlanta – FG Mike-Mayer 32 24–17 In week 7, #12 Terry Bradshaw replaced the failing #17 Joe Gilliam. By 1974, the 5-year veteran was known as the unpredictable and inconsistent quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was often overlooked by fans and coaches for making mistakes. It was at this time Bradshaw was going through some emotional problems. He had lost his starting job and fans and players continuously doubted and sometimes mocked him. A failing relationship with his head coach continued to decline. He was often in seclusion at his home as well. Yet, his team did miss him after he watched the first 6 games from the sidelines. However, on a Monday night against Atlanta, Bradshaw returned. The backfield that would start 4 of the next 6 Super Bowls was finally in place. Runningbacks #32 Franco Harris and #20 Rocky Bleier combined for over 200 yards rushing as the Steelers rolled to a 24–17 win. (5–1–1) week 8: vs. Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Philadelphia Eagles (4–3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5–1–1) Sunday, November 3 1 p.m., ET Eagles 0 0 0 0 Steelers 7 10 10 0 Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 47,996 71 °F °C 1 or (Light Rain) Tommy Bell CBS Pittsburgh – Lewis 8 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 7–0 Pittsburgh – Harris 5 run (Gerela kick) 14–0 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 35 17–0 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 28 20–0 Pittsburgh – Blount 52 interception return (Gerela kick) 27–0 In week 8, the Steelers won behind another shutout by the defense that included a 52-yard interception return by #47 Mel Blount. It was one of two career interceptions returned for touchdowns by the Hall of Famer. #12 Terry Bradshaw was still a colt who had not yet been broken; Chuck Noll's patience with him continued to disappear. (5–1–1) week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Pittsburgh Steelers (6–1–1) at Cincinnati Bengals (5–3) Sunday, November 10 4 p.m., ET Steelers 0 3 0 7 Bengals 0 10 7 0 Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio 57,532 48 °F °C 1 or Norm Schachter NBC Cincinnati – Williams 2 run (Muhlmann kick) 0–7 Cincinnati – FG Muhlmann 30 0–10 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 24 3–10 Cincinnati – Williams 1 run (Muhlmann kick) 3–17 Pittsburgh – Pearson 1 run (Gerela kick) 10–17 In week 9, the Steelers lost to division rival Cincinnati, 17–10. The offense was again struggling, and #12 Terry Bradshaw was benched again, in favor of 5-year veteran #5 Terry Hanratty. (5–2–1) week 10: at Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Pittsburgh Steelers (6–2–1) at Cleveland Browns (3–6) Sunday, November 17 1 p.m., ET Steelers 7 6 0 13 Browns 3 3 10 0 Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 77,195 42 °F °C 1 or Fred Silva NBC Cleveland – FG Cockroft 44 0–3 Pittsburgh – Shanklin 28 pass from Hanratty (Gerela kick) 7–3 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 32 10–3 Cleveland – FG Cockroft 35 10–6 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 32 13–6 Cleveland – Green 36 interception return (Cockroft kick) 13–13 Cleveland – FG Cockroft 18 13–16 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 23 16–16 Pittsburgh – Thomas 14 fumble recovery return (Gerela kick) 23–16 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 22 26–16 In this week 10 matchup, the Steelers defeated the hosting Browns team for the first time in Cleveland since 1964. However, #5 Terry Hanratty completed only 2 of his passes and threw 3 interceptions. He was relieved by Gilliam, and the quarterback controversy had become a real problem for Pittsburgh. However, the rest of the team was playing at a championship level following this madcap game. The turning point came on a miscue in the Browns backfield. Cleveland quarterback Brian Sipe collided with Billy Lefear on the handoff and the ball squirted loose. #74 Joe Greene barged in, grabbed the ball and looked to his left where J.T. Thomas was coming up fast. Greene flipped him the ball and Thomas ran it in from 14 yards out. Earlier in the game, Greene intercepted Sipe and rumbled down to the 14, setting up a Roy Gerela field goal. #32 Franco Harris ran for 156 yards and the defense forced 6 turnovers (overcoming 7 of their own) as the Steelers rallied to defeat the Browns and remain in first place in the AFC Central. (7–2–1) week 11: at New Orleans Saints Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Pittsburgh Steelers (7–2–1) at New Orleans Saints (4–6) Monday, November 25 9 p.m., ET Steelers 7 7 14 0 Saints 0 0 7 0 Tulane Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana 69,010 56 °F °C 1 or Ben Dreith ABC Pittsburgh – Lewis 31 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 7–0 Pittsburgh – Bradshaw 18 run (Gerela kick) 14–0 Pittsburgh – Swann 64 punt return (Gerela kick) 21–0 New Orleans – Seal 10 pass from Scott (McClard kick) 21–7 Pittsburgh – Brown 1 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 28–7 In week 11, #12 Terry Bradshaw was welcomed back into the lineup after the performance by #5 Terry Hanratty. However, in this 28–7 win over the Saints, Bradshaw ran for more yards (99) than he passed (80). In less than two months, Super Bowl IX was going to be played on the same field. (8–2–1) week 12: vs. Houston Oilers Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Houston Oilers (5–6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8–2–1) Sunday, December 1 1 p.m., ET Oilers 0 7 3 3 Steelers 3 7 0 0 Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 41,195 38 °F °C 1 or (Light Rain) Dick Jorgensen NBC Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 44 3–0 Houston – Willis 6 pass from Pastorini (Butler kick) 7–3 Pittsburgh – Harris 31 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 10–7 Houston – FG Butler 42 10–10 Houston – FG Butler 34 10–13 In week 12, #75 Joe Greene was allowed to use his new technique called the "Stunt 4–3." He would jump in the gap between the guard and the center, and then blow through the gap. Teams were forced to commit so many blockers to Greene, that his teammates often went unblocked. However, this still couldn't stop the lowly Oilers from beating them 13–10. (8–3–1) week 13: at New England Patriots Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Pittsburgh Steelers (8–3–1) at New England Patriots (7–5) Sunday, December 8 1 p.m., ET Steelers 0 12 7 2 Patriots 7 3 0 7 Schaefer Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts 52,107 50 °F °C or Jim Tunney NBC Pro-Football-Reference.com New England – Herron 17 pass from Plunkett (Smith kick)0–7 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 40 3–7 Pittsburgh – Harris 2 run (kick blocked) 9–7 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 27 12–7 New England – FG Smith 20 12–10 Pittsburgh – Swann 7 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 19–10 Pittsburgh – Safety, Greenwood tackled Plunkett in end zone 21–10 New England – Herron 5 run (Smith kick)21–17 In week 13, #75 Joe Greene became frustrated and threatened to quit the Steelers after losing to the Oilers the previous week and was pushed even further the next night (Dec. 2) when the Dolphins beat the Bengals on Monday Night Football. However, he returned for the most important game of the season in New England. With the win, the Steelers would win the division, as well as clinch their third straight playoff berth. The players were nervous and tense, however, the Steelers made quick work of the Patriots, 21–17. The Steeler offense was finally clicking. (9–3–1) week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Cincinnati Bengals (7–6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9–3–1) Saturday, December 14 1 p.m., ET Bengals 0 0 3 0 Steelers 7 10 7 3 Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 42,878 37 °F °C 1 or (Drizzle) Bernie Ulman NBC Pittsburgh – Stallworth 5 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 7–0 Pittsburgh – Mullins 7 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 14–0 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 26 17–0 Cincinnati – FG Muhlmann 32 17–3 Pittsburgh – Harris on 1 run (Gerela kick) 24–3 Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 42 27–3 In week 14, the Steelers beat the Bengals in a meaningless game with their offense rolling and their defense dominating. (10–3–1) Stats Passing Passing Player Pos G GS QBrec Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD TD% Int Int% Y/A AY/A Y/C Y/G Lng Rate Sk Yds NY/A ANY/A Sk% 4QC GWD Gilliam QB 9 6 4–1–1 96 212 45.3 1274 4 1.9 8 3.8 61 6.0 4.7 13.3 141.6 55.4 7 79 5.46 4.18 3.2 1 1 Bradshaw QB 8 7 5–2–0 67 148 45.3 785 7 4.7 8 5.4 56 5.3 3.8 11.7 98.1 55.2 10 104 4.31 2.92 6.3 Hanratty QB 3 1 1–0–0 3 26 11.5 95 1 3.8 5 19.2 35 3.7 -4.2 31.7 31.7 15.5 1 13 3.04 -4.56 3.7 1 0 Team Total 14 10–3–1 166 386 43 2154 12 3.1 21 5.4 61 5.6 3.8 13.0 153.9 48.9 18 196 4.5 4.85 3.10 2 1 Opp Total 14 147 339 43.4 1872 14 4.1 25 7.4 5.5 3.03 12.7 133.7 44.3 52 406 13.3 3.7 1.6 Rushing Rushing Player Pos G GS Att Yds TD Lng Y/A Y/G A/G Receiving Receiving Player Pos G GS Rec Yds Y/R TD Lng R/G Y/G Ctch% Kicking Kicking Games 0–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50+ Scoring Player Pos G GS FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM Lng FG% XPA XPM XP% Punting Punting Player Pos G GS Pnt Yds Lng Blck Y/P Kick Return Kick return Punt Return Punt return Sacks Sacks Player Pos G GS Sk Interceptions Interceptions Fumbles Fumbles Tackles Tackles Scoring Summary Scoring Summary Team Team Total Yds & TO Passing Rushing Penalties Player PF Yds Ply Y/P TO FL 1stD Cmp Att Yds TD Int NY/A 1stD Att Yds TD Y/A 1stD Pen Yds 1stPy Team Stats 305 4375 950 4.6 40 19 251 166 386 1958 12 21 4.8 98 546 2417 19 4.4 136 104 978 17 Opp. Stats 189 3074 863 3.6 47 22 200 147 339 1466 14 25 3.7 83 472 1608 7 3.4 87 76 575 30 Lg Rank Offense 6 8 24 25 9 10 21 15 14 20 4 2 5 4 Lg Rank Defense 2 1 1 1 3 6 1 13 3 1 12 6 2 4 Quarter-by-quarter Quarter-by-quarter Team 1 2 3 4 OT T Steelers 69 102 78 56 0 305 Opponents 41 74 44 30 0 189 Postseason summary Divisional (December 22, 1974): vs. Buffalo Bills Pittsburgh Steelers 1974 2; text-align:center collapsed AFC Divisional Playoff: Buffalo Bills (9–5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10–3–1) December 22 1:00 p.m. Bills 7 0 7 0 Steelers 3 26 0 3 Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 48,321 Light snow, 33 F C Norm Schachter NBC Jim Simpson and John Brodie Box Score First quarter PIT – Roy Gerela 21-yard field goal. Steelers 3–0. BUF – Paul Seymour 22-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (John Leypoldt kick). Bills 7–3. Second quarter PIT – Rocky Bleier 27-yard pass from Terry Bradshaw. Steelers 9–7. PIT – Franco Harris 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick). Steelers 16–7. PIT – Franco Harris 4-yard run. Steelers 22–7. PIT – Franco Harris 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick). Steelers 29–7. Third quarter BUF – O. J. Simpson 3-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (John Leypoldt kick). Steelers 29–14. Fourth quarter PIT – Roy Gerela 22-yard field goal. Steelers 32–14. Top passers BUF – Joe Ferguson – 11/26, 164 yards, 2 TD PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 12/19, 203 yards, TD Top rushers BUF – O. J. Simpson – 15 rushes, 49 yards PIT – Franco Harris – 24 rushes, 74 yards, 3 TD Top receivers BUF – J.D. Hill – 4 receptions, 59 yards PIT – Lynn Swann – 3 receptions, 60 yards In this Divisional Round playoff game, the Steelers were described as the only team in the playoffs without a quarterback and were expected to lose at home to Buffalo. The last time the Steelers faced the Bills, O. J. Simpson had rushed for 189 yards and the defense was concerned about him. However, by halftime the Steelers had dominated the line of scrimmage and the offense took time away from the Bills as the Steelers went up 29–7. #12 Terry Bradshaw was in the best game of his career. By the end of the game, O. J. was held to 49 yards rushing in his only playoff game of his career. After three weeks of solid performance by everyone, the Steelers were ready to rematch the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship Game. AFC Championship Game (Sunday, December 29, 1974): at Oakland Raiders Pittsburgh Steelers 1974 2; text-align:center collapsed AFC Championship Game: Pittsburgh Steelers (12–3–1) at Oakland Raiders (13–3) December 29, 1974 4:00 p.m. EST Steelers (12–3–1) 0 3 0 21 Raiders (13–3) 3 0 7 3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum • Oakland, California 53,515 53 F C 1 or, Partly cloudy Jim Tunney NBC Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, and Don Meredith In the 1974 AFC Championship Game, all the hype was centered around the Raiders who had ended Miami's reign in stunning a play that went into NFL Lore as the "Sea of Hands". Raiders coach, John Madden however went a little too far in his praising of both teams when he said that when the two best teams in professional football get together, Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raiders, great things will happen. Steelers stoic head coach Chuck Noll galvanized the team's spirit by making an unexpected comment. He said that the best team in the NFL was the team in this room. The Steelers would dominate the Raiders in Oakland by using the Stunt 4–3 and stopping the great Oakland offensive line. The Steelers rushed for over 200 yards as the Raiders rushed for a mere 29. Franco Harris ran for the final touchdown and sealed the first Super Bowl appearance in Steelers' history. This game would set the tone for what to come for the rest of the decade. |- Super Bowl IX (January 12, 1975): vs. Minnesota Vikings Super Bowl IX Pittsburgh Steelers; Pittsburgh Steelers;text-align:center; autocollapse Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Minnesota Vikings 6 Sunday, January 12 3:00 pm EST Steelers 0 2 7 7 Vikings 0 0 0 6 Tulane Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana 80,997 Overcast, 51 °F °C 1 or, wind 17 mph, relative humidity 72% Bernie Ulman NBC Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, and Don Meredith Pro-Football-Reference.com Pittsburgh – Safety: Dwight White downed Fran Tarkenton in end zone 2–0 PIT Pittsburgh – TD: Franco Harris 9 yard run (Roy Gerela kick) 9–0 PIT Minnesota – TD: Terry Brown recovered blocked punt in end zone (kick failed) 9–6 PIT Pittsburgh – TD: Larry Brown 4 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick) 16–6 PIT Approaching Super Bowl IX, Chuck Noll told his team to go out with no bed check and get the town out of their system. The team had a good time in New Orleans (everyone but #78 Dwight White, who was sick and in the hospital). By Wednesday, they were begging for a bed check. However, that time he gave them and the subsequent responsible attitude was a wonderful way to approach the big game. Noll's approach was in direct contrast to that of Vikings' head coach Bud Grant who had been to two previous Super Bowls, both of which the Vikings lost. The Vikings didn't have a relaxed atmosphere; they were very tense compared to the chilled and relaxed Steelers. Despite the trip to the hospital, #78 Dwight White played and scored the first points in the defensive battle on the first safety in Super Bowl history. The Steelers shut down the Minnesota run game that wanted to attack their opponent's strength the way the Steelers had against Oakland and Buffalo. The Vikings ran 20 times for 17 yards and #10 QB Fran Tarkenton completed just 11 of his 27 passes and threw three interceptions (1 to #75 Joe Greene though he didn't run very far). #32 Franco Harris ran farther than anyone ever had in the Super Bowl to that point, setting a record with 158 yards rushing. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The Steelers became champions for the first time in their 42-year history when #12 Terry Bradshaw threw a strike to #87 Larry Brown for a TD. Awards, honors and records #75 Joe Greene, National Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award #32 Franco Harris, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Most Hall of Famers selected in one draft #58 Jack Lambert, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year #88 Lynn Swann leader in punt return yards (577) References External links 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season at Profootballreference.com 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season statistics at jt-sw.com Pittsburgh Steelers Category:AFC Central championship seasons Category:American Football Conference championship seasons Category:Pittsburgh Steelers seasons Category:Super Bowl champion seasons Pittsburgh Steel