| 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Art Rooney |
| General manager | Daniel M. Rooney |
| Head coach | Chuck Noll |
| Home stadium | Three Rivers Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 10–3–1 |
| Division place | 1stAFC Central |
| Playoffs | WonDivisional Playoffs (vs.Bills) 32–14 WonAFC Championship (atRaiders) 24–13 WonSuper Bowl IX (vs.Vikings) 16–6 |
| All-Pros | 4
|
| Pro Bowlers | |
| Team MVP | Glen Edwards |
| Team ROY | Jack Lambert |
The1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 42nd in theNational Football League (NFL). They improved to a 10–3–1 regular-season record, won theAFC Central division title, sending them to the playoffs for the third consecutive season, and won aSuper 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 35–35tie. 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 ofAmerica's Game: The Super Bowl Champions that covered the1974Pittsburgh Steelers, with team commentary fromFranco Harris,Joe Greene, andAndy Russell, and narrated byEd Harris.
During theoffseason, the Steelers held theirtraining camp inSt. Vincent College inLatrobe, Pennsylvania.
During the1974 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers would draftWRLynn Swann in Round 1,LBJack Lambert in Round 2, WRJohn Stallworth in Round 4, andCMike Webster in Round 5, and they also signedSDonnie Shell as anundrafted free agent. All five would later be inducted into thePro Football Hall of Fame. As of 2014, the 1974 Steelers are the only team in NFL history to select four Hall of Fame players in one single draft.
| 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers draft | |||||
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 | Lynn Swann † | WR | USC | given #88 |
| 2 | 46 | Jack Lambert † | LB | Kent State | 1974NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, given #58 |
| 4 | 82 | John Stallworth † | WR | Alabama A&M | given #82 |
| 4 | 100 | Jimmy Allen | S | UCLA | given #45 |
| 5 | 125 | Mike Webster † | C | Wisconsin | Alternated withRay Mansfield for the rest of Ray's career, given #52 |
| 6 | 149 | Jim Wolf | DE | Prairie View A&M | given #62 |
| 6 | 150 | Rick Druschel | Guard | North Carolina State | given #46 |
| 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 theWFL in 1974 |
| 9 | 229 | Charlie Davis | DT | TCU | given #77 |
| 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 | |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least onePro Bowl during career | |||||
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.
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 theOakland 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 forTerry Bradshaw during a win against theAtlanta Falcons. Bradshaw won the next two games, but after a loss inCincinnati, Noll benched Bradshaw again, this time in favor ofTerry Hanratty (who had been selected in the1969 draft). However, Hanratty played horribly inCleveland. The offense was struggling, but the Steelers had won those tough games behind the still-maturingSteel Curtain defense. When Bradshaw was brought back into the starting lineup, the Steelers beat theCleveland Browns and theNew Orleans Saints (in a game in which Bradshaw ran for more yards than he passed for). After a loss toHouston, the Steelers played the most important game of their regular season inNew 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 theCincinnati Bengals, and awaited theplayoffs.
In thedivisional round of the playoffs, the Steelers played theBuffalo Bills.Sports Illustrated'sDan Jenkins wrote that Pittsburgh was "the only team to reach the playoffs without a quarterback".[1] However, the Steelers dominated Buffalo and held its star running backO. J. Simpson to 49 yards rushing (it was Simpson's only playoff game appearance).
In the1974 AFC Championship game, the Steelers played an old foe, theOakland Raiders. Each year, their rivalry was escalating: they had met in the playoffs the previous two seasons. In1972, theSteelers won in Pittsburgh; in1973, theRaiders 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 "Stunt4–3 defense" the Steelers held the Raiders to 29 yards rushing as the Steelers themselves ran for over 200 yards in Oakland. After aFranco Harris touchdown run, the Steelers clinched their first Super Bowl appearance in club history (and their first league championship game appearance).
The Steelers metthe Minnesota Vikings inSuper Bowl IX. Both teams had a hard time in the rough weather conditions at oldTulane Stadium inNew Orleans. After many exchanges of punts, the Steelers finally scored asafety on a bobbled handoff by Viking quarterbackFran Tarkenton. The score at the half was 2–0. The Steel Curtain continually dominated the Vikings. Vikings coachBud 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 inSteelers history.
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
| Defensive coaches
Strength and conditioning
|
| Quarterbacks(QB) Running backs(RB) Wide receivers(WR) Tight ends(TE) | Offensive linemen(OL) | Linebackers(LB) Defensive backs(DB)
Special teams(ST) | Reserve lists Rookies in italics |
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 3 | atNew Orleans Saints | W 26–7 | 1–0 | Tulane Stadium |
| 2 | August 12 | Chicago Bears | W 50–21 | 2–0 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 3 | August 17 | atPhiladelphia Eagles | W 33–30(OT) | 3–0 | Veterans Stadium |
| 4 | August 24 | New York Giants | W 17–7 | 4–0 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 5 | August 30 | atWashington Redskins | W 21–19 | 5–0 | RFK Stadium |
| 6 | September 5 | Dallas Cowboys | W 41–15 | 6–0 | Texas Stadium |
| Week | Date | Opponent | TV | Result | Record | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 15 | Baltimore Colts | NBC | W 30–0 | 1–0 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 2 | September 22 | atDenver 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 | atHouston Oilers | NBC | W 13–7 | 2–1–1 | Astrodome |
| 5 | October 13 | atKansas City Chiefs | NBC | 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 | 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 | atCincinnati Bengals | NBC | L 10–17 | 6–2–1 | Riverfront Stadium |
| 10 | November 17 | atCleveland Browns | NBC | W 26–16 | 7–2–1 | Cleveland Municipal Stadium |
| 11 | November 25 | atNew 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 | atNew England Patriots | NBC | W 21–17 | 9–3–1 | Schaefer Stadium |
| 14 | December 14 | Cincinnati Bengals | NBC | W 27–3 | 10–3–1 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| Note: Intra-division opponents are inbold text. | ||||||
| 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 |
| AFC Central | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 10 | 3 | 1 | .750 | 4–2 | 7–3–1 | 305 | 189 | W2 |
| Houston Oilers | 7 | 7 | 0 | .500 | 4–2 | 7–4 | 236 | 282 | W1 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 7 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 5–6 | 283 | 259 | L3 |
| Cleveland Browns | 4 | 10 | 0 | .286 | 1–5 | 3–8 | 251 | 344 | L2 |
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colts (0–1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steelers (1–0) | 3 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 30 |
atThree Rivers Stadium •Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAL | Passing | Bert Jones | 8/17, 100 YDS, 2 INTs |
| Rushing | Lydell Mitchell | 9 CAR, 44 YDS | |
| Receiving | Glenn Doughty | 3 CAR, 58 YDS | |
| PIT | Passing | Joe Gilliam | 18/37, 289 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Franco Harris | 13 CAR, 49 YDS, 1 TD | |
| Receiving | Randy Grossman | 3 REC, 52 YDS |
| Scoring summary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Colts | Game Statistics | Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | First downs | 18 |
| 34–118 | Rushes–yards | 29–103 |
| 102 | Passing yards | 289 |
| 9–20–2 | Passes | 18–37–1 |
| 6–54 | Sacked–yards | 0–0 |
| 48 | Net passing yards | 289 |
| 166 | Total yards | 392 |
| 98 | Return yards | 73 |
| 8–33.3 | Punts | 4–45.5 |
| 3–2 | Fumbles–lost | 3–1 |
| 3–20 | 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.
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers (1–0–1) | 7 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 35 |
| Broncos (0–1–1) | 21 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 35 |
atMile High Stadium •Denver, Colorado
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIT | Passing | Joe Gilliam | 31/50, 348 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs |
| Rushing | Franco Harris | 20 CAR, 70 YDS | |
| Receiving | Franco Harris | 9 REC, 84 YDS | |
| DEN | Passing | Charley Johnson | 6/15, 129 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Otis Armstrong | 19 CAR, 131 YDS | |
| Receiving | Otis Armstrong | 5 REC, 86 YDS, 2 TDs |
| Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Steelers | Game Statistics | Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | First downs | 20 |
| 40–160 | Rushes–yards | 37–156 |
| 348 | Passing yards | 191 |
| 31–50–2 | Passes | 12–27–2 |
| 3–24 | Sacked–yards | 3–15 |
| 324 | Net passing yards | 176 |
| 484 | Total yards | 332 |
| 121 | Return yards | 145 |
| 6–41.7 | Punts | 7–44.4 |
| 3–2 | Fumbles–lost | 1–1 |
| 12–91 | 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 Summaries | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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week 3: vs. Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders (1–1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1–0–1)
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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 (1–1–1) at Houston Oilers (1–2–1)
atHouston Astrodome,Houston, Texas
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 (2–1–1) at Kansas City Chiefs (2–2)
atArrowhead Stadium,Kansas City, Missouri
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 Cleveland Browns (1–4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3–1–1)
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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 theSteel 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 Atlanta Falcons (2–4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4–1–1)
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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 Philadelphia Eagles (4–3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5–1–1)
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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 (6–1–1) at Cincinnati Bengals (5–3)
atRiverfront Stadium,Cincinnati, Ohio
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 (6–2–1) at Cleveland Browns (3–6)
atCleveland Municipal Stadium,Cleveland, Ohio
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 (7–2–1) at New Orleans Saints (4–6)
atTulane Stadium,New Orleans, Louisiana
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 than he passed. 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 Houston Oilers (5–6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8–2–1)
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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 (8–3–1) at New England Patriots (7–5)
atSchaefer Stadium,Foxboro, Massachusetts
In week 13, #75 Joe Greene became frustrated and threatened to quit the Steelers after losing to the Oilers the previous week. 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 Cincinnati Bengals (7–6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9–3–1)
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In week 14, the Steelers beat the Bengals in a meaningless game with their offense rolling and their defense dominating. (10–3–1) |
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 |
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| Steelers | 3 | 26 | 0 | 3 | 32 |
atThree Rivers Stadium,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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.
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers (12–3–1) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 21 | 24 |
| Raiders (13–3) | 3 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 13 |
atOakland–Alameda County Coliseum •Oakland, California
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.|-
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | 0 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 16 |
| Vikings | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
at Tulane Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana
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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 coachBud 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.
