Ranking the Steelers AFCCGs

[MJG75]

I noticed this being done in the local press and thought it would be fun to discuss here. Little short on time so will just rank the games for now and come back later with some more explanation. I do think being of a certain age may alter the rankings and that's totally understandable. Just a caveat: all the wins are great because we won; all the losses suck because we lost. No matter how you rank 'em.
Here go the wins in my order of appreciation:

1. 1974 vs Raiders
2. 1975 vs Raiders
3. 2008 vs Ravens
4. 1978 vs Oilers
5. 2005 vs Broncos
6. 1979 vs Oilers
7. 1995 vs. Colts
8. 2010 vs Jets

And the losses in my order of disappointment:

1. 1976 vs Raiders
2. 1994 vs Chargers
3. 2001 vs Pat's
4. 1997 vs Broncos
5. 1972 vs Dolphins
6. 2004 vs Pat's
7. 1984 vs Dolphins
8. 2015 vs Pats

[Sir Lambert]

I notice that your 2 least favorite AFCCG wins were the 2 that were followed up with a SB loss. I would definitely put those at the bottom too. In fact, I'd rate those 2 below the AFCCG losses.

[W&M_Steeler]

For me, the five most disappointing Steelers losses in my lifetime were:

1. The 1994 AFFC game against the Chargers
2. The 2001 AFFC game against the Pats
3. The 2017 AFC Divisional game against the Jags
4. XLV against the Packers
5. XXX against the Cowboys

[Sir Lambert]

Here is my personal ranking of the AFCCGs:

1. 1978-9 vs Oilers
2. 2008-9 vs Ravens
3. 1974-5 vs Raiders
4. 2005-6 vs Broncos
5. 1975-6 vs Raiders
6. 1979-80 vs Oilers
7. 1972-3 vs Dolphins
8. 1984-5 vs Dolphins
9. 2016-7 vs Patriots
10. 2010-1 vs Jets
11. 1976-7 vs Raiders
12. 2001-2 vs Patriots
13.1997-8 vs Broncos
14. 1994-5 vs Chargers
15. 1995-6 vs Colts
16. 2004-5 vs Patriots

[Who Dee Knee]

The greatest AFCCG had to be the 1974 game against Oakland. People who weren’t alive then have no idea how bitter this rivalry was. It makes Steelers/Ravens (which I appreciate) like a titty-jousting contest.

Just the week before, in a last-second TD, the Raiders had defeated the two-time champion Dolphins. That was before Noll told the team the best team in the world was in their locker room, and the players went wild.

Go back and watch this game. It was brutal but the Steelers were dominant, on their way to their first championship.

[jeemie]

The greatest AFCCG had to be the 1974 game against Oakland. People who weren’t alive then have no idea how bitter this rivalry was. It makes Steelers/Ravens (which I appreciate) like a titty-jousting contest.

Just the week before, in a last-second TD, the Raiders had defeated the two-time champion Dolphins. That was before Noll told the team the best team in the world was in their locker room, and the players went wild.

Go back and watch this game. It was brutal but the Steelers were dominant, on their way to their first championship.

And it still took a 21 point 4th Quarter outburst to win…for all the dominance, the Steelers still trailed 10-3 entering that final period.

Barely remember this game, but yes the Steelers and Raiders hated each other.

Joe Greene said after Noll made that comment, he was ready to suit up and play right then. He said the comment resonated as well because it was so unlike Noll to say something like that…so they knew he wanted it.

Definitely would rank this #1.

[shellwagnerblount]

The greatest AFCCG had to be the 1974 game against Oakland. People who weren’t alive then have no idea how bitter this rivalry was. It makes Steelers/Ravens (which I appreciate) like a titty-jousting contest.

Just the week before, in a last-second TD, the Raiders had defeated the two-time champion Dolphins. That was before Noll told the team the best team in the world was in their locker room, and the players went wild.

Go back and watch this game. It was brutal but the Steelers were dominant, on their way to their first championship.

Oh boy...do I agree with this. Raiders/Steelers was legalized "attempted murder"...lol. On another level from even the Cowboy SB encounters..a layer of malice there absent from Boys/Steelers.

[fractalsteel]

The 1974 AFC championship game had so many subplots going on through the contest.
One matchup was Blount on Branch. Cliff not only ate Blounts lunch all game, he went over(if I recall correctly) 200 yards receiving which was incredible back in that era.
At one point, Blount was so fed up that he threw Branch onto his head after grabbing him. Do what he did that day

The other was the game played by Jack Ham. He had 2 huge interceptions that kept the Steelers in the game.

Steelers shut down the Raiders run game all game. I don't think they even got to 30 yards rushing for the game.

It was a destructive affair full of hate and intended violence.

Every NFL sports reporter had the Raiders winning that game. I can still hear that TOOL Al DeRogatis basically rooting for the Raiders during the broadcast. Curt Gowdy wasn't much better.

[jeemie]

https://www.mcmillenandwife.com/1974_AF ... rs_13.html

Missing just a few plays…the most complete video of the game that exists that I know of.

[bradshaw2ben]

The 1974 AFC championship game had so many subplots going on through the contest.
One matchup was Blount on Branch. Cliff not only ate Blounts lunch all game, he went over(if I recall correctly) 200 yards receiving which was incredible back in that era.
At one point, Blount was so fed up that he threw Branch onto his head after grabbing him. Do what he did that day

The other was the game played by Jack Ham. He had 2 huge interceptions that kept the Steelers in the game.

Steelers shut down the Raiders run game all game. I don't think they even got to 30 yards rushing for the game.

It was a destructive affair full of hate and intended violence.

Every NFL sports reporter had the Raiders winning that game. I can still hear that TOOL Al DeRogatis basically rooting for the Raiders during the broadcast. Curt Gowdy wasn't much better.

Few game announcers have loved a team the way DeRogatis loved any team playing Pittsburgh. He loved the Raiders and the Cowboys. Closest thing to it is Nance with the Patriots.

[Jobu]

The 1974 AFC championship game had so many subplots going on through the contest.
One matchup was Blount on Branch. Cliff not only ate Blounts lunch all game, he went over(if I recall correctly) 200 yards receiving which was incredible back in that era.
At one point, Blount was so fed up that he threw Branch onto his head after grabbing him. Do what he did that day

The other was the game played by Jack Ham. He had 2 huge interceptions that kept the Steelers in the game.

Steelers shut down the Raiders run game all game. I don't think they even got to 30 yards rushing for the game.

It was a destructive affair full of hate and intended violence.

Every NFL sports reporter had the Raiders winning that game. I can still hear that TOOL Al DeRogatis basically rooting for the Raiders during the broadcast. Curt Gowdy wasn't much better.

Few game announcers have loved a team the way DeRogatis loved any team playing Pittsburgh. He loved the Raiders and the Cowboys. Closest thing to it is Nance with the Patriots.

DeRogatis definitely loved the Raiders, but I don’t think anything matches Nance’s Patriots boner. It’s fucking nauseating!

[El Kabong]

Here is my personal ranking of the AFCCGs:

1. 1978-9 vs Oilers
2. 2008-9 vs Ravens
3. 1974-5 vs Raiders
4. 2005-6 vs Broncos
5. 1975-6 vs Raiders
6. 1979-80 vs Oilers
7. 1972-3 vs Dolphins
8. 1984-5 vs Dolphins
9. 2016-7 vs Patriots
10. 2010-1 vs Jets
11. 1976-7 vs Raiders
12. 2001-2 vs Patriots
13.1997-8 vs Broncos
14. 1994-5 vs Chargers
15. 1995-6 vs Colts
16. 2004-5 vs Patriots

You have some losses ranked ahead of wins.

[Sir Lambert]

I'm aware of that. I'm not glad the Steelers were in Super Bowl 30, or Super Bowl 45. This is about the era I grew up in. In my formative years, my favorite team had a 4-0 record in Super Bowl play. I took great pride in the fact that the Steelers won every Super Bowl they played in. That all came crashing down on January 28, 1996.

Remember this is a subjective ranking. Nobody else has to agree with me. There's not a wrong way to do it.

[MJG75]

Here is with some narrative/explanation:


1. 1974 vs Raiders

Even if you are a young-un, and even if this game isn't your top enjoyable AFC CG, it has to be considered by any Steelers fan as the most important game ever played. While the Immaculate Reception game started things off, it was this game and this year that really established the dynasty that was to come. Against our bitter rivals (which only lasted about a decade in intensity, but it was more intense than any other in football, more than the Ravens, more than the old Browns, more than any, and much, much more violent). Not to mention, it was a great game, we dominated on the ground, both offensively and defensively, but trailed going into the 4th Q. It was an exciting finish. And we were not expected to win it, not by most, as the Raiders had just defeated the 2 time SB champs, Dolphins. The Raiders had handed us our lunch the last two times we faced one another, in the 73 playoffs, and shut us out at home in TRS earlier in 74. They felt they had our number and were overconfident going into the game, not realizing how f-ing fired up the Steelers were for this game. It also featured the legendary story of Noll using a brief, and extremely rare, inspirational speech the week before the game. As Mean Joe said, it was the only time he felt he was "in the zone". Great game, and if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend a watch--thanks Jeemie for the link to it at McMillen's site.

2. 1975 vs Raiders

Anytime we beat the Raiders in a big game, it is one of my favorites. I loved this sloppy game, played in an "Ice Bowl" of a field, and sub-freezing temperatures, there were something like 11 turnovers, and it was a close, defensive battle for most of the 60 minutes, until both teams scored several times late in the 4th quarter. One of my all time favorite in person games, and one of the few times I ran onto the field afterward. This felt like a coronation and is my favorite home victory of any of our teams of all time. I've since seen this game on video and I agree with everyone about how DeRo, as he was called, was an Oakland homer. Actually he was pretty anti-Steeler most of the time. But damn, it was great to beat the Fat Fuck Madden and Al "Satan" Davis for the second year in the row, denying the "best team in football" yet again! If only we had done it again in 76 and denied that Fat Fuck altogether!

3. 2008 vs Ravens

The more modern version of Raiders/Steelers, this rivalry was also intense and this is probably my favorite all time game from the days when this rivalry was in full swing (not so much lately, though it still carries some weight). This is also our last SB victory year so it has that going for it as well. The Troy INT for a pick six that turns the tide and cements our victory has to be one of the most exciting moments in AFCCG history.

4. 1978 vs Oilers

We only lost twice in 78, and one of those was to this team and at TRS to boot. The game turned into a laugher and is one of my favorite dominating performances in a post-season game, and also I'd say the coldest I've ever been because of how wet it was throughout the game. The Oilers were defeated by the conditions as much as by our play, but I'll take it. I happen to think our 75 season is a greater team than 78 for a number of reasons, but this 78 team simply dominated in the post-season leading up to the SB. Loved this game, and is another of those rare times when I ran onto the field to celebrate the victory.

5. 2005 vs Broncos

From one of my favorite post-season runs, this one capped it off on the road to XL! Ben simply took it to the Broncos in this game, along with our D, and it is only the second time we won one of these on the road, with the first being all the way back to 74!

6. 1979 vs Oilers

This year, the Oilers were even better than 78, and posed a true threat to our dominance of the division and conference, but when you look at the game, their only decent drive was the one that ended in the infamous Renfro non-catch. Our D dominated their run game and held their passing game mostly in check; they were only in position to tie the game because of an early pick-6. Their D also held tight for most of the game, but as we had done all season long, and through the SB, we OWNED the 4th Q. One of our strongest rivals for the last two dynasty years, this game capped that off nicely. I didn't get to go to this one, but it's one of the best. I hate the hub-bub over the non-catch, whether he caught it or not, no way we lose this game. The Oilers did a little bit of a favor for us in helping us to a home game, as we struggled away from TRS all season long. I used to not care for the 79 season as much because our D had clearly slipped a little bit and that was always my favorite part of our game, but the longer I go, the more I appreciate this season for what it was, and our offense for what it accomplished this season, along with a D that could still dominate at times when it had to (such as in the post-season, shutting down the heavy run games they faced).

7. 1995 vs. Colts

Heart-stopping finish, but this ranks lower on my list because of two reasons: We didn't win the SB after, plus the game should have never come down to that. We should have dominated this team at home. Same with the next game---->

8. 2010 vs Jets

Same thing, it took a huge 3rd down play to ensure the win when we should have had this victory sewn up by the 4th quarter, as we dominated the first half, and should have dominated all game. Not one of my favorites, but I loved that we won, of course.

And the losses in my order of disappointment:

1. 1976 vs Raiders

This is the most disappointing, not only because it's the f-ing Raiders, but also because of the historical implications. It was our best chance to 3-peat and make no argument who had the best all time dynasty team, and who had the best all time defense (for one season). I make the argument still, but it IS an argument and not a slam dunk as it should have been had we won this game and went on to beat the Vikes (something I was sure we'd do). The standard view is that due to Rocky, Franco and Roy being out, we would have won if we had been healthy. I'm not so sure, but we'll never know. The Raiders were not like in 74, they didn't underestimate us this time and they were hungry for us all season long. Still, they probably shouldn't have been the team we faced, as the Raiders lucked out with a call late against the Pats in the divisional round. They had their problems with the Pats that year and should have lost, and we probably knock them out even without Franco and Rocky, but I don't know, maybe not. Brad was very inconsistent his entire career, and this year, after he was knocked into the turf head first by Turkey Jones in the 5th game, he never really seemed to right his ship in a consistent way. He was on fire against the Colts in the divisional round, but he was very off in the AFCCG. If Brad plays better, no matter what else, we may have had a fighting chance, but again, without the ground game that had been our bread and butter all season, and particularly after we went 1-4, we went into this game a crippled team. We also didn't have our PK, nor was Frenchy able to play more than a few plays. So yeah, I'd love to see this game played when we were at full strength, but we'll never truly know. I feel we wasted two years (76 and 77) when our D and our team was more in its prime than it was in 78/79, and that sucks. There was no way we were doing a 3peat in 1980, age and injuries were too much for us by that time.

2. 1994 vs Chargers

We should have smoked these suckers and gone onto the SB. This is one of the more disappointing losses.

3. 2001 vs Pat's

Same here, plus we probably win the SB if we had gone. ST messed up, and Kordell just didn't have it in big games. Joey just misses a pick 6.

4. 1997 vs Broncos

Same again, we should have won this game, but bad play calling in the red zone, and Kordell showing he wasn't ready for prime time doomed us here.

5. 1972 vs Dolphins

We probably shouldn't have been in this game (and the game should have been played in Miami, but before 74, they had a round robin where they rotated home field in the post-season, it wasn't based upon record), but we were in it until the end. If not for a ST gaffe (sound familiar), and if Brad didn't get injured for most of the middle portion of the game, we may have upset the undefeated Phins and gone on to win another SB in the decade, quite possibly, even without the historic draft class that came two years later. Remember, our strongest defense years were 1971-1976, and this was an era when you could possibly win with a great defense and run game, with an average passing game.

6. 2004 vs Pat's

Disappointing, but after we barely squeaked by the Jets in the divisional round, I didn't have a ton of confidence in our ability to win this game with our sensational, but still a rookie, Big Ben at QB. Cheating may have also played a part in this one, but we probably weren't winning it, though I loved our team that year, and thought we had a shot in the SB.

7. 1984 vs Dolphins

We put up a game for a half, but soon fell back against Marino. None of our QBs between Brad and Ben were capable of coming up big in big post-season games. I didn't have a ton of hope for this game, but still, I think if we had won, we might have possibly beat the 49ers, who Noll knew how to beat. He had the WCO's number, having faced it a ton of times against Cincy in the 70s. Heh, probably not, but you never know!

8. 2015 vs Pats

This is the game I felt we had the least chance in of all of these appearances, just too many key injuries and I had very little confidence that we'd get past this team. 2018 is the year we should have been in it, but blew some regular season games that we should have easily won.

[MJG75]

I notice that your 2 least favorite AFCCG wins were the 2 that were followed up with a SB loss. I would definitely put those at the bottom too. In fact, I'd rate those 2 below the AFCCG losses.

That's certainly one reason that I put the 95 and 10 AFCCG's so low. The other is as I put when I stated my reasons, both of those should have been dominant performances (the 10 game vs the Jets was for the first half, but not the second), and both were much closer than they should have been.

[MJG75]

The 1974 AFC championship game had so many subplots going on through the contest.
One matchup was Blount on Branch. Cliff not only ate Blounts lunch all game, he went over(if I recall correctly) 200 yards receiving which was incredible back in that era.
At one point, Blount was so fed up that he threw Branch onto his head after grabbing him. Do what he did that day

The other was the game played by Jack Ham. He had 2 huge interceptions that kept the Steelers in the game.

Steelers shut down the Raiders run game all game. I don't think they even got to 30 yards rushing for the game.

It was a destructive affair full of hate and intended violence.

Every NFL sports reporter had the Raiders winning that game. I can still hear that TOOL Al DeRogatis basically rooting for the Raiders during the broadcast. Curt Gowdy wasn't much better.

Few game announcers have loved a team the way DeRogatis loved any team playing Pittsburgh. He loved the Raiders and the Cowboys. Closest thing to it is Nance with the Patriots.

DeRo was also a joke and always seemed to like most the flavor of the month, which in the 70s, the Raiders won the most games of any team, even more than us. He was a bandwagoner, and also made some of the most idiotic comments (Dandy Don would call him out on most of them too). Other than Myron and Jack, I didn't really have any favorite "announcing teams" from that era. I liked some individuals, like John Brodie and Frank Gifford, and Don Criqui wasn't bad, when paired with Brodie. I didn't like Gowdy back then, but when I watch old games now I do sort of like hearing his voice, as it is kind of nostalgic. I remember he would mess up Franco's name all the time, and called the Terrible Towels the "dirty towels", he was kind of a f*ck up, but it's fun to hear him years later. He did do a nice job calling the 71 World Series with The Gunner.

[MJG75]

For me, the five most disappointing Steelers losses in my lifetime were:

1. The 1994 AFFC game against the Chargers
2. The 2001 AFFC game against the Pats
3. The 2017 AFC Divisional game against the Jags
4. XLV against the Packers
5. XXX against the Cowboys

The two SB losses were tough to swallow, particularly since we had a good chance of winning both of them. XXX was probably tougher, because I still had a hatred of the f-ing America's Team, plus we had the MO and all signs were pointing to a huge upset in the 2nd half, until NOD's second INT. The Rams in SB XIV probably thought the same thing around that time until Brad and Stalls and Jack L put the dagger through their hearts late in the 4th.

I didn't have the same disdain for the Pack, I lived in an era where you respected that team, though they were hardly Lombardi's team since the late 60s, of course. But they had that same aura about them for a while after the 60s that the Steelers had after the 70s. But I wanted that for 7 (and we'd be ahead in the SB wins category again), and for #7 to cement his legacy. Too bad they couldn't get on the same page for that final drive. After SB 43, I had high hopes for a last minute victory.

The 2001 AFCCG was a tough one because we likely win the SB that year if we made it. Well, maybe. Kordell just wilted in the big lights, so maybe not.

[jeemie]

The Jags loss is my most disappointing playoff loss…bar none.

The 2017-18 Steelers were legit contenders. I have no doubt they would have beat the Pats (we would have been steaming because of the regular season loss) and then we would have had a Steelers/Eagles Super Bowl, which would have been fucking awesome.

And…Shazier loss notwithstanding, there was no fucking excuse for the Jags’ O to roll us for 38 points.

None whatsoever.

After this, the Saints loss in the 2018 regular season was the most disappointing loss in recent times…because that loss made me bolt the Tomlin Train. And, unlike what Cowher did in 2005 after I bolted from HIS train with the field goal decision in the 2004 AFCCG, Tomlin has done zilch to bring me back on board.

2017-18 ought to have produced at least one Lombardi…maybe even two.

[Deebo]

Here is with some narrative/explanation:


1. 1974 vs Raiders

Even if you are a young-un, and even if this game isn't your top enjoyable AFC CG, it has to be considered by any Steelers fan as the most important game ever played. While the Immaculate Reception game started things off, it was this game and this year that really established the dynasty that was to come. Against our bitter rivals (which only lasted about a decade in intensity, but it was more intense than any other in football, more than the Ravens, more than the old Browns, more than any, and much, much more violent). Not to mention, it was a great game, we dominated on the ground, both offensively and defensively, but trailed going into the 4th Q. It was an exciting finish. And we were not expected to win it, not by most, as the Raiders had just defeated the 2 time SB champs, Dolphins. The Raiders had handed us our lunch the last two times we faced one another, in the 73 playoffs, and shut us out at home in TRS earlier in 74. They felt they had our number and were overconfident going into the game, not realizing how f-ing fired up the Steelers were for this game. It also featured the legendary story of Noll using a brief, and extremely rare, inspirational speech the week before the game. As Mean Joe said, it was the only time he felt he was "in the zone". Great game, and if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend a watch--thanks Jeemie for the link to it at McMillen's site.

2. 1975 vs Raiders

Anytime we beat the Raiders in a big game, it is one of my favorites. I loved this sloppy game, played in an "Ice Bowl" of a field, and sub-freezing temperatures, there were something like 11 turnovers, and it was a close, defensive battle for most of the 60 minutes, until both teams scored several times late in the 4th quarter. One of my all time favorite in person games, and one of the few times I ran onto the field afterward. This felt like a coronation and is my favorite home victory of any of our teams of all time. I've since seen this game on video and I agree with everyone about how DeRo, as he was called, was an Oakland homer. Actually he was pretty anti-Steeler most of the time. But damn, it was great to beat the Fat Fuck Madden and Al "Satan" Davis for the second year in the row, denying the "best team in football" yet again! If only we had done it again in 76 and denied that Fat Fuck altogether!

3. 2008 vs Ravens

The more modern version of Raiders/Steelers, this rivalry was also intense and this is probably my favorite all time game from the days when this rivalry was in full swing (not so much lately, though it still carries some weight). This is also our last SB victory year so it has that going for it as well. The Troy INT for a pick six that turns the tide and cements our victory has to be one of the most exciting moments in AFCCG history.

4. 1978 vs Oilers

We only lost twice in 78, and one of those was to this team and at TRS to boot. The game turned into a laugher and is one of my favorite dominating performances in a post-season game, and also I'd say the coldest I've ever been because of how wet it was throughout the game. The Oilers were defeated by the conditions as much as by our play, but I'll take it. I happen to think our 75 season is a greater team than 78 for a number of reasons, but this 78 team simply dominated in the post-season leading up to the SB. Loved this game, and is another of those rare times when I ran onto the field to celebrate the victory.

5. 2005 vs Broncos

From one of my favorite post-season runs, this one capped it off on the road to XL! Ben simply took it to the Broncos in this game, along with our D, and it is only the second time we won one of these on the road, with the first being all the way back to 74!

6. 1979 vs Oilers

This year, the Oilers were even better than 78, and posed a true threat to our dominance of the division and conference, but when you look at the game, their only decent drive was the one that ended in the infamous Renfro non-catch. Our D dominated their run game and held their passing game mostly in check; they were only in position to tie the game because of an early pick-6. Their D also held tight for most of the game, but as we had done all season long, and through the SB, we OWNED the 4th Q. One of our strongest rivals for the last two dynasty years, this game capped that off nicely. I didn't get to go to this one, but it's one of the best. I hate the hub-bub over the non-catch, whether he caught it or not, no way we lose this game. The Oilers did a little bit of a favor for us in helping us to a home game, as we struggled away from TRS all season long. I used to not care for the 79 season as much because our D had clearly slipped a little bit and that was always my favorite part of our game, but the longer I go, the more I appreciate this season for what it was, and our offense for what it accomplished this season, along with a D that could still dominate at times when it had to (such as in the post-season, shutting down the heavy run games they faced).

7. 1995 vs. Colts

Heart-stopping finish, but this ranks lower on my list because of two reasons: We didn't win the SB after, plus the game should have never come down to that. We should have dominated this team at home. Same with the next game---->

8. 2010 vs Jets

Same thing, it took a huge 3rd down play to ensure the win when we should have had this victory sewn up by the 4th quarter, as we dominated the first half, and should have dominated all game. Not one of my favorites, but I loved that we won, of course.

And the losses in my order of disappointment:

1. 1976 vs Raiders

This is the most disappointing, not only because it's the f-ing Raiders, but also because of the historical implications. It was our best chance to 3-peat and make no argument who had the best all time dynasty team, and who had the best all time defense (for one season). I make the argument still, but it IS an argument and not a slam dunk as it should have been had we won this game and went on to beat the Vikes (something I was sure we'd do). The standard view is that due to Rocky, Franco and Roy being out, we would have won if we had been healthy. I'm not so sure, but we'll never know. The Raiders were not like in 74, they didn't underestimate us this time and they were hungry for us all season long. Still, they probably shouldn't have been the team we faced, as the Raiders lucked out with a call late against the Pats in the divisional round. They had their problems with the Pats that year and should have lost, and we probably knock them out even without Franco and Rocky, but I don't know, maybe not. Brad was very inconsistent his entire career, and this year, after he was knocked into the turf head first by Turkey Jones in the 5th game, he never really seemed to right his ship in a consistent way. He was on fire against the Colts in the divisional round, but he was very off in the AFCCG. If Brad plays better, no matter what else, we may have had a fighting chance, but again, without the ground game that had been our bread and butter all season, and particularly after we went 1-4, we went into this game a crippled team. We also didn't have our PK, nor was Frenchy able to play more than a few plays. So yeah, I'd love to see this game played when we were at full strength, but we'll never truly know. I feel we wasted two years (76 and 77) when our D and our team was more in its prime than it was in 78/79, and that sucks. There was no way we were doing a 3peat in 1980, age and injuries were too much for us by that time.

2. 1994 vs Chargers

We should have smoked these suckers and gone onto the SB. This is one of the more disappointing losses.

3. 2001 vs Pat's

Same here, plus we probably win the SB if we had gone. ST messed up, and Kordell just didn't have it in big games. Joey just misses a pick 6.

4. 1997 vs Broncos

Same again, we should have won this game, but bad play calling in the red zone, and Kordell showing he wasn't ready for prime time doomed us here.

5. 1972 vs Dolphins

We probably shouldn't have been in this game (and the game should have been played in Miami, but before 74, they had a round robin where they rotated home field in the post-season, it wasn't based upon record), but we were in it until the end. If not for a ST gaffe (sound familiar), and if Brad didn't get injured for most of the middle portion of the game, we may have upset the undefeated Phins and gone on to win another SB in the decade, quite possibly, even without the historic draft class that came two years later. Remember, our strongest defense years were 1971-1976, and this was an era when you could possibly win with a great defense and run game, with an average passing game.

6. 2004 vs Pat's

Disappointing, but after we barely squeaked by the Jets in the divisional round, I didn't have a ton of confidence in our ability to win this game with our sensational, but still a rookie, Big Ben at QB. Cheating may have also played a part in this one, but we probably weren't winning it, though I loved our team that year, and thought we had a shot in the SB.

7. 1984 vs Dolphins

We put up a game for a half, but soon fell back against Marino. None of our QBs between Brad and Ben were capable of coming up big in big post-season games. I didn't have a ton of hope for this game, but still, I think if we had won, we might have possibly beat the 49ers, who Noll knew how to beat. He had the WCO's number, having faced it a ton of times against Cincy in the 70s. Heh, probably not, but you never know!

8. 2015 vs Pats

This is the game I felt we had the least chance in of all of these appearances, just too many key injuries and I had very little confidence that we'd get past this team. 2018 is the year we should have been in it, but blew some regular season games that we should have easily won.

MJ- I always appreciate your posts. I was born in '78 so I didn't get to see many of the games you listed. Thanks for the glimpse and summary.

The 2008 gave vs the Rats. This one I will always remember vidvidly.

I live in Ohio so all my memories of Conference Championship football was that it was cold outside my house. It just coincides with the time of year ya know? Well during this game I was down in Orlando for Nationals in Flag Football (we came in 4th place if anyone is wondering ). Anyway it's super weird watching a Conference Title Game with the windows open and it being 75 degrees out. I'll always remember Ray Rice getting knocked the fuck out (I believe it was Ryan Clark who KO'd him). Man that was freaking awesome. Then of course the Troy pick 6 to ice it. Most of my teammates were Browns fans so they were all pissed...damn I can remember it like it was yesterday. I capped that day off by getting hammered, hooking up with some random chick in the club bathroom and eating 2 Firehouse subs before passing out.

[El Kabong]

Here is with some narrative/explanation:


1. 1974 vs Raiders

Even if you are a young-un, and even if this game isn't your top enjoyable AFC CG, it has to be considered by any Steelers fan as the most important game ever played. While the Immaculate Reception game started things off, it was this game and this year that really established the dynasty that was to come. Against our bitter rivals (which only lasted about a decade in intensity, but it was more intense than any other in football, more than the Ravens, more than the old Browns, more than any, and much, much more violent). Not to mention, it was a great game, we dominated on the ground, both offensively and defensively, but trailed going into the 4th Q. It was an exciting finish. And we were not expected to win it, not by most, as the Raiders had just defeated the 2 time SB champs, Dolphins. The Raiders had handed us our lunch the last two times we faced one another, in the 73 playoffs, and shut us out at home in TRS earlier in 74. They felt they had our number and were overconfident going into the game, not realizing how f-ing fired up the Steelers were for this game. It also featured the legendary story of Noll using a brief, and extremely rare, inspirational speech the week before the game. As Mean Joe said, it was the only time he felt he was "in the zone". Great game, and if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend a watch--thanks Jeemie for the link to it at McMillen's site.

2. 1975 vs Raiders

Anytime we beat the Raiders in a big game, it is one of my favorites. I loved this sloppy game, played in an "Ice Bowl" of a field, and sub-freezing temperatures, there were something like 11 turnovers, and it was a close, defensive battle for most of the 60 minutes, until both teams scored several times late in the 4th quarter. One of my all time favorite in person games, and one of the few times I ran onto the field afterward. This felt like a coronation and is my favorite home victory of any of our teams of all time. I've since seen this game on video and I agree with everyone about how DeRo, as he was called, was an Oakland homer. Actually he was pretty anti-Steeler most of the time. But damn, it was great to beat the Fat Fuck Madden and Al "Satan" Davis for the second year in the row, denying the "best team in football" yet again! If only we had done it again in 76 and denied that Fat Fuck altogether!

3. 2008 vs Ravens

The more modern version of Raiders/Steelers, this rivalry was also intense and this is probably my favorite all time game from the days when this rivalry was in full swing (not so much lately, though it still carries some weight). This is also our last SB victory year so it has that going for it as well. The Troy INT for a pick six that turns the tide and cements our victory has to be one of the most exciting moments in AFCCG history.

4. 1978 vs Oilers

We only lost twice in 78, and one of those was to this team and at TRS to boot. The game turned into a laugher and is one of my favorite dominating performances in a post-season game, and also I'd say the coldest I've ever been because of how wet it was throughout the game. The Oilers were defeated by the conditions as much as by our play, but I'll take it. I happen to think our 75 season is a greater team than 78 for a number of reasons, but this 78 team simply dominated in the post-season leading up to the SB. Loved this game, and is another of those rare times when I ran onto the field to celebrate the victory.

5. 2005 vs Broncos

From one of my favorite post-season runs, this one capped it off on the road to XL! Ben simply took it to the Broncos in this game, along with our D, and it is only the second time we won one of these on the road, with the first being all the way back to 74!

6. 1979 vs Oilers

This year, the Oilers were even better than 78, and posed a true threat to our dominance of the division and conference, but when you look at the game, their only decent drive was the one that ended in the infamous Renfro non-catch. Our D dominated their run game and held their passing game mostly in check; they were only in position to tie the game because of an early pick-6. Their D also held tight for most of the game, but as we had done all season long, and through the SB, we OWNED the 4th Q. One of our strongest rivals for the last two dynasty years, this game capped that off nicely. I didn't get to go to this one, but it's one of the best. I hate the hub-bub over the non-catch, whether he caught it or not, no way we lose this game. The Oilers did a little bit of a favor for us in helping us to a home game, as we struggled away from TRS all season long. I used to not care for the 79 season as much because our D had clearly slipped a little bit and that was always my favorite part of our game, but the longer I go, the more I appreciate this season for what it was, and our offense for what it accomplished this season, along with a D that could still dominate at times when it had to (such as in the post-season, shutting down the heavy run games they faced).

7. 1995 vs. Colts

Heart-stopping finish, but this ranks lower on my list because of two reasons: We didn't win the SB after, plus the game should have never come down to that. We should have dominated this team at home. Same with the next game---->

8. 2010 vs Jets

Same thing, it took a huge 3rd down play to ensure the win when we should have had this victory sewn up by the 4th quarter, as we dominated the first half, and should have dominated all game. Not one of my favorites, but I loved that we won, of course.

And the losses in my order of disappointment:

1. 1976 vs Raiders

This is the most disappointing, not only because it's the f-ing Raiders, but also because of the historical implications. It was our best chance to 3-peat and make no argument who had the best all time dynasty team, and who had the best all time defense (for one season). I make the argument still, but it IS an argument and not a slam dunk as it should have been had we won this game and went on to beat the Vikes (something I was sure we'd do). The standard view is that due to Rocky, Franco and Roy being out, we would have won if we had been healthy. I'm not so sure, but we'll never know. The Raiders were not like in 74, they didn't underestimate us this time and they were hungry for us all season long. Still, they probably shouldn't have been the team we faced, as the Raiders lucked out with a call late against the Pats in the divisional round. They had their problems with the Pats that year and should have lost, and we probably knock them out even without Franco and Rocky, but I don't know, maybe not. Brad was very inconsistent his entire career, and this year, after he was knocked into the turf head first by Turkey Jones in the 5th game, he never really seemed to right his ship in a consistent way. He was on fire against the Colts in the divisional round, but he was very off in the AFCCG. If Brad plays better, no matter what else, we may have had a fighting chance, but again, without the ground game that had been our bread and butter all season, and particularly after we went 1-4, we went into this game a crippled team. We also didn't have our PK, nor was Frenchy able to play more than a few plays. So yeah, I'd love to see this game played when we were at full strength, but we'll never truly know. I feel we wasted two years (76 and 77) when our D and our team was more in its prime than it was in 78/79, and that sucks. There was no way we were doing a 3peat in 1980, age and injuries were too much for us by that time.

2. 1994 vs Chargers

We should have smoked these suckers and gone onto the SB. This is one of the more disappointing losses.

3. 2001 vs Pat's

Same here, plus we probably win the SB if we had gone. ST messed up, and Kordell just didn't have it in big games. Joey just misses a pick 6.

4. 1997 vs Broncos

Same again, we should have won this game, but bad play calling in the red zone, and Kordell showing he wasn't ready for prime time doomed us here.

5. 1972 vs Dolphins

We probably shouldn't have been in this game (and the game should have been played in Miami, but before 74, they had a round robin where they rotated home field in the post-season, it wasn't based upon record), but we were in it until the end. If not for a ST gaffe (sound familiar), and if Brad didn't get injured for most of the middle portion of the game, we may have upset the undefeated Phins and gone on to win another SB in the decade, quite possibly, even without the historic draft class that came two years later. Remember, our strongest defense years were 1971-1976, and this was an era when you could possibly win with a great defense and run game, with an average passing game.

6. 2004 vs Pat's

Disappointing, but after we barely squeaked by the Jets in the divisional round, I didn't have a ton of confidence in our ability to win this game with our sensational, but still a rookie, Big Ben at QB. Cheating may have also played a part in this one, but we probably weren't winning it, though I loved our team that year, and thought we had a shot in the SB.

7. 1984 vs Dolphins

We put up a game for a half, but soon fell back against Marino. None of our QBs between Brad and Ben were capable of coming up big in big post-season games. I didn't have a ton of hope for this game, but still, I think if we had won, we might have possibly beat the 49ers, who Noll knew how to beat. He had the WCO's number, having faced it a ton of times against Cincy in the 70s. Heh, probably not, but you never know!

8. 2015 vs Pats

This is the game I felt we had the least chance in of all of these appearances, just too many key injuries and I had very little confidence that we'd get past this team. 2018 is the year we should have been in it, but blew some regular season games that we should have easily won.

MJ- I always appreciate your posts. I was born in '78 so I didn't get to see many of the games you listed. Thanks for the glimpse and summary.

The 2008 gave vs the Rats. This one I will always remember vidvidly.

I live in Ohio so all my memories of Conference Championship football was that it was cold outside my house. It just coincides with the time of year ya know? Well during this game I was down in Orlando for Nationals in Flag Football (we came in 4th place if anyone is wondering ). Anyway it's super weird watching a Conference Title Game with the windows open and it being 75 degrees out. I'll always remember Ray Rice getting knocked the fuck out (I believe it was Ryan Clark who KO'd him). Man that was freaking awesome. Then of course the Troy pick 6 to ice it. Most of my teammates were Browns fans so they were all pissed...damn I can remember it like it was yesterday. I capped that day off by getting hammered, hooking up with some random chick in the club bathroom and eating 2 Firehouse subs before passing out.

Now THAT is a good day.

[MJG75]

MJ- I always appreciate your posts. I was born in '78 so I didn't get to see many of the games you listed. Thanks for the glimpse and summary.

The 2008 gave vs the Rats. This one I will always remember vidvidly.

I live in Ohio so all my memories of Conference Championship football was that it was cold outside my house. It just coincides with the time of year ya know? Well during this game I was down in Orlando for Nationals in Flag Football (we came in 4th place if anyone is wondering ). Anyway it's super weird watching a Conference Title Game with the windows open and it being 75 degrees out. I'll always remember Ray Rice getting knocked the fuck out (I believe it was Ryan Clark who KO'd him). Man that was freaking awesome. Then of course the Troy pick 6 to ice it. Most of my teammates were Browns fans so they were all pissed...damn I can remember it like it was yesterday. I capped that day off by getting hammered, hooking up with some random chick in the club bathroom and eating 2 Firehouse subs before passing out.

Now THAT is a good day.

Indeed it is!

Deebo, thanks. That 2008 game was incredible and I do rank it higher than any AFCCG victory with the exception of our 2 Raiders victories. Though I think those were much more violent, games between the Ravens and Steelers, particularly back in that era of the 2000's, were physical as all get out. You are right in that it was Ryan Clark who did the honors with knocking the f out of Ray Rice. Troy's pick 6 is the stuff of legendary Steelers lore.

[MJG75]

The Jags loss is my most disappointing playoff loss…bar none.

The 2017-18 Steelers were legit contenders. I have no doubt they would have beat the Pats (we would have been steaming because of the regular season loss) and then we would have had a Steelers/Eagles Super Bowl, which would have been fucking awesome.

And…Shazier loss notwithstanding, there was no fucking excuse for the Jags’ O to roll us for 38 points.

None whatsoever.

After this, the Saints loss in the 2018 regular season was the most disappointing loss in recent times…because that loss made me bolt the Tomlin Train. And, unlike what Cowher did in 2005 after I bolted from HIS train with the field goal decision in the 2004 AFCCG, Tomlin has done zilch to bring me back on board.

2017-18 ought to have produced at least one Lombardi…maybe even two.

Can't disagree with any of that. That Jags loss was very disappointing, didn't include it as I was focusing on AFCCG's,but yeah, it ranks high on the list of disappointing games for me. Agree also that we should have come away from 2017 and 2018 with at least one SB appearance, if not victory. I see the 2011-2020 decade as sort of a "lost" decade, and we have to wonder why. 1980-1991 was as well, but at least we could see that our QBs during that period of time were largely undermanned and underwhelming, to say the least, and the transition from legendary HOF players to not so much was a rough and lengthy one. I guess you could argue the same for the 2000's players and coaches (LeBeau particularly), it was a rough and lengthy transition, but you could see in the middle to late 2010's that we certainly still had the QB, and now had an offensive attack that should have been unrivaled during the period, ground and air. This is why 2010 and our loss in that SB could go higher on my list of disappointments, because though it didn't seem it at the time (we went 12-4 in 2011), it was probably the last stand for that particular group of veteran players (and LeBeau as coach as well), with the exception of Big Ben, who would play well into the next decade.

2017's playoff loss was a stunner as well, never expected a Steelers team to give up that many points in a big game, though it's happened a time or so before, that seemed unwarranted in this game as you say. Though it seems commonplace since then, giving up that many points in a big game seemed uncharacteristic. And 2018 was simply a lost and wasted season. Honestly after 2018, and 2019, my interest in NFL football generally waned even more, and has been gradually ever since the rules changes of 2010. I also go back and blame those rule changes in the MIDDLE Of the fucking season for why we struggled through and ultimately lost the championship that year. We can look at the game and all, but making us lose our mojo mid-season and transition that way was no easy task. Before that we were beating people the f*ck up and taking no prisoners. After the changes, not as much. It would be like implementing the Mel Blount rule in the middle of the 1978 season instead of prior. The Steelers probably can't adjust in time to win a championship, no matter how good your HC and his staff are.

1976's loss to the Raiders remains my most disappointing post-season loss, bar none. If for no other reason than it was the Raiders and that was more why I was disappointed at the time. In retrospect, it's also more because of the historical implications, and knowing now that we'd be done by 1980. Dunno though, if we had a 3peat, would 78 and 79 still happen? One never knows. The loss in 76 caused Noll to start changing up the offense a bit, even before the Mel Blount rule in 78, we were passing more in 77. We also had to change up the D with the departure of Bud Carson and the coming changes, which Noll, smart man that he was, was already anticipating, along with recognizing that his defensive line wasn't getting any younger. We would start blitzing more and playing more zone. I guess if I think of how we were so crippled on offense, it shouldn't be that disappointing after all, but it was anyway. I think if we had lost 10-7 or 14-7, I wouldn't be so disappointed in our defense, but 24 points seemed like 45 when you consider how much we were shutting teams down over the past 10 games, including the divisional playoff against the offensive juggernaut like the Colts were that year. The Raiders wanted it though, they didn't pass a lot but ran it down our throats, while sitting on the pass all day long, Brad had a terrible day, throwing nearly 40 times and completing less than 50% of his passes. When you run like we did in the 74 post-season, and like the Raiders did in that 76 AFCCG loss, you want it. Your offensive line, and the Raiders had a great one, is firing off the ball and it's a matter of "want-to". We just didn't seem to have that same motivation in that game, no matter the injuries. And that was what was so disappointing when it's all said and done.

This was one of the closest to a 3peat for us, but there were some others. The Dolphins in 74 could argue that if they hadn't been picked over by the fledgling WFL, they might have gone on to win that year. The 1990 49ers came within a hair of returning to the SB and probably winning it. The Cowboys of the early 90s and the Pats of the early 2000's each won 3 of 4, and could have had a 3peat in there. That's probably it, though. On paper we had a shot in 1980 as well, but when we got to about 1/3 of that season, you could clearly see we just didn't have it that year, particularly on defense, which had slipped badly due to age and injuries, along with a need to make adjustments that those players just didn't have the ability to do that particular season. Still, we were about 4 f*cked up kicks from Matt Bahr away from winning the division, and heading into the playoffs a 9th straight season. With the way our D played all season though, I just don't see us getting very far that year, even if he had made those kicks and we had appeared.

[Deebo]

I seriously say this without any snark. But we're lucky to have MJ here...always love his recount and atmosphere commentary surrounding the games

[W&M_Steeler]

The Jags loss is my most disappointing playoff loss…bar none.

The 2017-18 Steelers were legit contenders. I have no doubt they would have beat the Pats (we would have been steaming because of the regular season loss) and then we would have had a Steelers/Eagles Super Bowl, which would have been fucking awesome.

And…Shazier loss notwithstanding, there was no fucking excuse for the Jags’ O to roll us for 38 points.

None whatsoever.

After this, the Saints loss in the 2018 regular season was the most disappointing loss in recent times…because that loss made me bolt the Tomlin Train. And, unlike what Cowher did in 2005 after I bolted from HIS train with the field goal decision in the 2004 AFCCG, Tomlin has done zilch to bring me back on board.

2017-18 ought to have produced at least one Lombardi…maybe even two.

I was not alive for the 70s dynasty, and my earliest Steelers memory is the 1989 Wildcard game against the Oilers.

The 1994 Chargers loss is still the worst in my mind. The Steelers were two TD favorites and should have stomped them. I have no idea how they managed to lose that one, and the name Alfred Pupunu still pisses me off. Maybe it's because I was still a kid at the time, but the Chargers loss is still the worst to me. I get the argument that the Chargers loss wasn't so bad because the Steelers likely would have lost to the 49ers in the Super Bowl, but they should have at least had the shot. At worst, I don't think it would have been the non-competitive slaughter the 49ers-Chargers turned out to be. The Rod Woodson, Greg Lloyd, Kevin Greene, Levon Kirkland, Carnell Lake era Steelers D would have roughed up the 49ers, at least.

The 2001 AFCC loss against the Pats and the 2017 Jags game come next and are close in my mind. I was convinced the 2001 Steelers were Super Bowl bound, but the Steelers managed to give up 2 special teams TDs to eke out a loss against the underdog Patriots (who were only there because of the Tuck Rule). I don't think I was as ever as angry during any game as I was during that game. When the Pats ran back the blocked field goal, I kicked a metal chair across the room barefooted. Then, when the Steelers had the ball with 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter and a chance to tie, I knew that Kordell would fall short. Right before the Steelers' O took the field, the camera panned to Kordell, and he looked like he wanted to go hide under a rock. He then promptly went out and threw an interception. Watch this link starting at about 2:14:45 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImAU0lJ8BN0 I was so glad when the Korky era came to an end. I doubt the Kordell Steelers would have beaten the Rams in the Super Bowl, but, again, I wish we could have seen them try.

Oddly, I wasn't as angry during the Jags loss. I think this is mostly because during the game I didn't think the Steelers were going to lose. The O kept scoring and scoring, and I felt like it was only a matter of time before the Steelers pulled ahead. But then all the sudden the clock ran out and the Steelers had lost. This loss angers me more in retrospect, as the 2017 Steelers team was the best team of the wasted 2014-2018 window, and the Steelers blew it to a team lead by Blake fucking Bortles and rookie Leonard Fournette

I didn't find the loss against the Saints to be nearly as disappointing as other losses that year. I didn't expect the Steelers to beat the Saints, as that Saints team was stacked and favored, and we were playing in their dome. Tomlin & co had already basically blown the season by that point, having turned a huge lead against the Browns week 1 into a tie, then blowing the Broncos and Raiders games despite those teams not being very good and the Steelers being favored. The wheels came off the bus that year, starting when Xavier "X-Man" Grimble got blasted while showboating in Denver and fumbled away a sure TD. The Steelers were the #1 seed going into the Denver game. By the time the Saints game came around, it was going to take a miracle for the 2018 Steelers team to make the playoffs.

The 2017 loss to the Jags followed by the 2018 collapse should have led to Tomlin's firing. Instead, he's been extended and extended. I doubt the Steelers will be contenders again any time soon.

[W&M_Steeler]

For me, the five most disappointing Steelers losses in my lifetime were:

1. The 1994 AFFC game against the Chargers
2. The 2001 AFFC game against the Pats
3. The 2017 AFC Divisional game against the Jags
4. XLV against the Packers
5. XXX against the Cowboys

The two SB losses were tough to swallow, particularly since we had a good chance of winning both of them. XXX was probably tougher, because I still had a hatred of the f-ing America's Team, plus we had the MO and all signs were pointing to a huge upset in the 2nd half, until NOD's second INT. The Rams in SB XIV probably thought the same thing around that time until Brad and Stalls and Jack L put the dagger through their hearts late in the 4th.

I didn't have the same disdain for the Pack, I lived in an era where you respected that team, though they were hardly Lombardi's team since the late 60s, of course. But they had that same aura about them for a while after the 60s that the Steelers had after the 70s. But I wanted that for 7 (and we'd be ahead in the SB wins category again), and for #7 to cement his legacy. Too bad they couldn't get on the same page for that final drive. After SB 43, I had high hopes for a last minute victory.

The 2001 AFCCG was a tough one because we likely win the SB that year if we made it. Well, maybe. Kordell just wilted in the big lights, so maybe not.

The two Super Bowl losses were bitter for me, but XLV against the Packers was worse. Not so much because I disdain the Packers, but more because that was the end of the 2000s team's window and the chance to turn it into a real dynasty with the 3rd win in 7 years. I thought the Pack presented a tough match-up, but I thought the Steelers were going to win. But the game itself was so frustrating, with the Steelers digging themselves a big hole, the scratching back only to have Tomlin trot Sean Suisham out to miss a 54-yard field goal wide left by a mile, followed by the Mendy fumble.

The Super Bowl XXX loss hurt, but not quite as much since few expected the Steelers to even be in that game. That was the era of the AFC being routinely destroyed by the NFC in the Super Bowl. Plus, that team nearly lost to the mediocre, Jim Harbaugh (!) led Colts in the AFCC game. The Cowboys were a legit, stacked dynasty, so it was somewhat of an accomplishment for the Steelers to play them so tough. Still, thinking of Neil O'donnell pisses me off.

[COR-TEN]

For me, the five most disappointing Steelers losses in my lifetime were:

1. The 1994 AFFC game against the Chargers
2. The 2001 AFFC game against the Pats
3. The 2017 AFC Divisional game against the Jags
4. XLV against the Packers
5. XXX against the Cowboys

The two SB losses were tough to swallow, particularly since we had a good chance of winning both of them. XXX was probably tougher, because I still had a hatred of the f-ing America's Team, plus we had the MO and all signs were pointing to a huge upset in the 2nd half, until NOD's second INT. The Rams in SB XIV probably thought the same thing around that time until Brad and Stalls and Jack L put the dagger through their hearts late in the 4th.

I didn't have the same disdain for the Pack, I lived in an era where you respected that team, though they were hardly Lombardi's team since the late 60s, of course. But they had that same aura about them for a while after the 60s that the Steelers had after the 70s. But I wanted that for 7 (and we'd be ahead in the SB wins category again), and for #7 to cement his legacy. Too bad they couldn't get on the same page for that final drive. After SB 43, I had high hopes for a last minute victory.

The 2001 AFCCG was a tough one because we likely win the SB that year if we made it. Well, maybe. Kordell just wilted in the big lights, so maybe not.

The two Super Bowl losses were bitter for me, but XLV against the Packers was worse. Not so much because I disdain the Packers, but more because that was the end of the 2000s team's window and the chance to turn it into a real dynasty with the 3rd win in 7 years. I thought the Pack presented a tough match-up, but I thought the Steelers were going to win. But the game itself was so frustrating, with the Steelers digging themselves a big hole, the scratching back only to have Tomlin trot Sean Suisham out to miss a 54-yard field goal wide left by a mile, followed by the Mendy fumble.

The Super Bowl XXX loss hurt, but not quite as much since few expected the Steelers to even be in that game. That was the era of the AFC being routinely destroyed by the NFC in the Super Bowl. Plus, that team nearly lost to the mediocre, Jim Harbaugh (!) led Colts in the AFCC game. The Cowboys were a legit, stacked dynasty, so it was somewhat of an accomplishment for the Steelers to play them so tough. Still, thinking of Neil O'donnell pisses me off.

I've never seen interviews nor heard of O'donnell's take on the two INT's. Especially the hot read dumbfuckery. I always wanted to know what was going through his mind.

[jeemie]

The first one he said got away from him.

The second one is the one where he said Corey Holliday (who was only playing because Ernie Mills suffered a terrible knee injury in the second half) messed up the hot read.

I almost buy these excuses, but not really for the second INT…O’Donnell was off target the entire Super Bowl…the stage, I think, got to him.

But if you really want to know, for me, the biggest mistake was running in the early part of the game with scatback Eric Pegram when the field was a fucking mud pit. If you were going to run at all, Morris should have been the guy from jump.

Other than that, I think SB XXX was one of Cowher’s better coaching jobs. And he was also new enough and young enough that when I saw the camera of him on the sidelines, I felt crushed for him. He took that loss fucking hard. I actually admired how he pulled it together enough so that when his wife and daughters came to console him, he didn’t lose it, but manned up.

[Deebo]

The first one he said got away from him.

The second one is the one where he said Corey Holliday (who was only playing because Ernie Mills suffered a terrible knee injury in the second half) messed up the hot read.

I almost buy these excuses, but not really for the second INT…O’Donnell was off target the entire Super Bowl…the stage, I think, got to him.

But if you really want to know, for me, the biggest mistake was running in the early part of the game with scatback Eric Pegram when the field was a fucking mud pit. If you were going to run at all, Morris should have been the guy from jump.

Other than that, I think SB XXX was one of Cowher’s better coaching jobs. And he was also new enough and young enough that when I saw the camera of him on the sidelines, I felt crushed for him. He took that loss fucking hard. I actually admired how he pulled it together enough so that when his wife and daughters came to console him, he didn’t lose it, but manned up.

Yea you kinda wonder how much the tone of the game would have been if Bam would have started. Would have given NOD some time to settle in...kept the defense off the field even more, etc. I mean the Cowboys could not stop Bam at all.

[El Kabong]

The first one he said got away from him.

The second one is the one where he said Corey Holliday (who was only playing because Ernie Mills suffered a terrible knee injury in the second half) messed up the hot read.

I almost buy these excuses, but not really for the second INT…O’Donnell was off target the entire Super Bowl…the stage, I think, got to him.

But if you really want to know, for me, the biggest mistake was running in the early part of the game with scatback Eric Pegram when the field was a fucking mud pit. If you were going to run at all, Morris should have been the guy from jump.

Other than that, I think SB XXX was one of Cowher’s better coaching jobs. And he was also new enough and young enough that when I saw the camera of him on the sidelines, I felt crushed for him. He took that loss fucking hard. I actually admired how he pulled it together enough so that when his wife and daughters came to console him, he didn’t lose it, but manned up.

Yea you kinda wonder how much the tone of the game would have been if Bam would have started. Would have given NOD some time to settle in...kept the defense off the field even more, etc. I mean the Cowboys could not stop Bam at all.

In the second half the Cowboys were exhausted from getting hammered by Bam. I remember Charles Haley on the sideline with his helmet off, sweat pouring down his face after Bam's TD.

[MJG75]

For me, the five most disappointing Steelers losses in my lifetime were:

1. The 1994 AFFC game against the Chargers
2. The 2001 AFFC game against the Pats
3. The 2017 AFC Divisional game against the Jags
4. XLV against the Packers
5. XXX against the Cowboys

The two SB losses were tough to swallow, particularly since we had a good chance of winning both of them. XXX was probably tougher, because I still had a hatred of the f-ing America's Team, plus we had the MO and all signs were pointing to a huge upset in the 2nd half, until NOD's second INT. The Rams in SB XIV probably thought the same thing around that time until Brad and Stalls and Jack L put the dagger through their hearts late in the 4th.

I didn't have the same disdain for the Pack, I lived in an era where you respected that team, though they were hardly Lombardi's team since the late 60s, of course. But they had that same aura about them for a while after the 60s that the Steelers had after the 70s. But I wanted that for 7 (and we'd be ahead in the SB wins category again), and for #7 to cement his legacy. Too bad they couldn't get on the same page for that final drive. After SB 43, I had high hopes for a last minute victory.

The 2001 AFCCG was a tough one because we likely win the SB that year if we made it. Well, maybe. Kordell just wilted in the big lights, so maybe not.

The two Super Bowl losses were bitter for me, but XLV against the Packers was worse. Not so much because I disdain the Packers, but more because that was the end of the 2000s team's window and the chance to turn it into a real dynasty with the 3rd win in 7 years. I thought the Pack presented a tough match-up, but I thought the Steelers were going to win. But the game itself was so frustrating, with the Steelers digging themselves a big hole, the scratching back only to have Tomlin trot Sean Suisham out to miss a 54-yard field goal wide left by a mile, followed by the Mendy fumble.

The Super Bowl XXX loss hurt, but not quite as much since few expected the Steelers to even be in that game. That was the era of the AFC being routinely destroyed by the NFC in the Super Bowl. Plus, that team nearly lost to the mediocre, Jim Harbaugh (!) led Colts in the AFCC game. The Cowboys were a legit, stacked dynasty, so it was somewhat of an accomplishment for the Steelers to play them so tough. Still, thinking of Neil O'donnell pisses me off.

I see what you are saying there, and understand it. The historical legacy of that group of Steelers going out with one more SB victory under their belts is one I do understand. That's why for me it's the 1976 AFCCG that hurts the most over time. It did seem like both of our SB losses were winnable, but I agree that 45 seemed more so because we were a mostly veteran team that had been there before, while GB hadn't been there in quite a while and should have been at more of a disadvantage. I also believe that if we still had Fast Holmes on our squad, we likely go down and score that final score to win it, and probably are in better position even before that. The loss of Holmes that season, along with the changes to rules that were made mid-way in the season contributed as much to our loss as several of those key plays during the game. Still, we were in it and it was winnable to the end. I was looking more at who our opponents were for each of those and I still pretty much feel that way, but can appreciate your take on it.

For XXX, NOD was a huge disappointment, but I also agree with others who say that the stage appeared too large for him. And that an error in coaching strategy may have doomed us as well. We should have started Bam on that field. Not only was it ready made for a mudder like him, but it was clear he came to play on that day. Someone should have noticed. We also rarely went with 4 or 5 wide in the first half, and I think we should have opened up earlier. That may have been due to them seeing that NOD had the yips, not sure, but it did seem like we were very conservative in the first half which led to our being behind, rather than potentially ahead if we had opened it up and started with Bam. Despite the fact that Dallas had a legit mini-dynasty going in the early to mid 90's, I still wanted that victory, bad.