1978 AFC Playoffs: Steelers vs Broncos (Dec 30, 1978)      






 






1978 Season

Game Stats

Comments


      Shared freely for the enjoyment of fans everywhere by www.mcmillenandwife.com > Go Back                  

        Comment on this game!


1978 AFC Playoffs: Steelers 33 vs Broncos 10
Complete NBC broadcast (including pregame, halftime show and postgame) with Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen calling the game


This playoff rematch features the NFL's top two defenses in a cold, misty rain. The Steelers dominate early, suffocating Craig Morton and jumping out to a 16-3 lead on the strength of a pair of Franco Harris TDs. Midway through the 2nd quarter, Norris Weese comes off the bench to lead a TD drive, and despite Pittsburgh's dominance, the game remains somewhat competitive at 19-10 after 3 quarters.

But in the 4th quarter, Terry Bradshaw suddenly and explosively bombs the Broncos into submission, connecting on a pair of beautiful deep TD strikes to Stallworth (45 yds) and Swann (38 yds) in a span of just 44 seconds.

With the Bronco's concentrating on stopping Lynn Swann via constant double coverage, John Stallworth is truly magnificent, undressing CB Steve Foley with one great catch after another en route to 156 yds on a playoff record 10 receptions. Meanwhile, Swannee works a little magic of his own with an unbelievable leaping TD grab at the goal line in spite of double coverage and having a Denver player draped all over him.

Franco Harris is in typical playoff form, scoring 2 TDs and rumbling for 105 yds on 24 carries to set up Pittsburgh's aerial assault. All-Pro defensive players fill both rosters (incredibly, the two defensive squads combined have all 11 Pro Bowler starters). But while Pittsburgh's offensive line controls the line of scrimmage, protects Bradshaw (0 sacks) and is able to move the ball up and down the field almost at will against the Orange Crush, the Steel Curtain absolutely SMOTHERS Denver's offensive efforts, sacking QB combo of Morton and Weese 6 times (2 by Joe Greene, who also blocks a FG) as the Broncos are outgained 425-218.

Note: There are two different versions of this game, both have outstanding video quality, especially the Fleming & Cope version. This version is the complete NBC broadcast (including pregame, halftime show and postgame) with Dick Enberg & Merlin Olsen calling the game. The other version is an incredible quality recording of the orignal NBC TV broadcast synced with the iconic WTAE radio call Jack Fleming and Myron Cope. Both versions feature lots of great post-game material including interviews with Swann and Stallworth.


Brought to you by mcmillenandwife.com