Controversial Call Ends Championship Chase! (Oilers vs. Steelers, 1979 AFC Champ)

Check out the 1979 AFC Championship game highlights between the Houston Oilers and Pittsburgh Steelers!
#ClassicGameHighlights #Oilers #Steelers
The NFL Throwback is your home for all things NFL history.
Check out our other channels:
NFL Films - / nflfilms
NFL Network- / nflnetwork
NFL Rush - / nflrush
NFL - / nfl
#NFL #NFLThrowback #NFLHistory #Football #AmericanFootball #NFLVault

[@Rescue162]

Gotta love old-style AFC football on NBC. With the first class announcers of Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color analyst).

[@skittlecar1]

They always got overshadowed by Summerall and Madden but they were good as well.

[@lindamerchant123]

Or old AFL football

[@ralphsanchico2452]

Yep! Non of this over analytical emotional feely crap they got now!

[@thomaslarson2970]

Merlin was the best. Not only one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history, a great actor and commentator with Dick Enberg. Dick Emberg, btw, married a much younger sideline hottie Leslie Visser.

[@thielees]

Dick Stockton, not Dick Enberg.

[@riccracc6547]

Three Rivers really hosted some of the greatest games ever played. This one no different.

[@ericsigersmith2831]

Looks kinda like the vet

[@RADRICK19]

Especially if the refs cheat for your team. Thank GOD for the nfl's crooked refs. #Hallelujah

[@robertlogan4652]

This game is NOT A GREAT GAME it's just a bunch of roided up Steelers not playing good enough to win without clearly paying off the referees. This game is trash. Steelers are trash. They fucked the colts in 95. The they fucked the Seahawks in the worst called game in NFL history. Lots of help from the steroids and the refs to get what they have. Just like new England bunch of cheating and getting help from the refs. Trashy town trashy team just all around garbage. Stupid team name as well doesn't even makes sense "Steelers"??!! What? That's not a even a real word. Trash

[@101snapper]

@@RADRICK19 Hahahaha even if they got that touchdown the Steeler defense dominated

[@kelckeri]

Give Houston 7 points and they still lose the game. Do the math..

[@cruzrichard6881]

you dont know how upset you just made my dad reliving this moment.

[@darrolldevanesavage7423]

They cheated my cousin Elvin Bethea out of the Super Bowl

[@80steen44]

@@darrolldevanesavage7423 Missed call but Houston wasn't winning this game had they called it correctly. They couldn't stop Bradshaw's first down throws or the trap play when it mattered and they were turning the ball over and they couldn't run the ball. They were fortunate to get a pick 6 early to even give them 7 of their points. They lose by 10 instead of 14. If we're being generous maybe they play better if the call is correct and they lose by 7

[@bubbafug00gle51]

@@80steen44 Exactly, they lost 4 points on this call... they lost the game by 14 points. Even someone from Texas should be able to do the math.

[@RADRICK19]

@@bubbafug00gle51 Lmao someone from Texas? One thing's for sure, the NFL is rigged and to this day they still screw teams over, so the same teams can get into the playoffs every year. Cowboys, Packers, Steelers, Patriots etc. After my Oilers left i became a full-time Bucs fan. Unfortunately after 28 yrs i started rooting for Detroit after they drafted crab legs. Detroit has been screwed over more times the last 6 yrs, than i ever saw with Tampa and Houston. Thats pathetic.

[@g.t.richardson6311]

@@bubbafug00gle51 and it was on 1st down , and a quarter left

[@calvinbealer7264]

43 Years Later. Mike Renfro was in Bounds still to this day.

[@millypoo7713]

They still would have lost.

[@calvinbealer7264]

@@millypoo7713 Up your Ass. Milly Moo.

[@millypoo7713]

@@calvinbealer7264 You're saying that's where you and your boyfriend like it? LMAO 😂 You mad bro?

[@michaellavin6417]

Absolutely! Unfortunately, he didn't have control of the ball until he was out of bounds. From all angles, videos show the blame lies with Renfro. Pastorini places the ball perfectly.

[@calvinbealer7264]

@@michaellavin6417 Who's give a Damn what you think.

[@SPTO]

HOLY HECK! You guys dug into the archives here! This was one of the great playoff games ever. I feel bad for Bum Phillips. The man had a pretty good team in Houston but they always had to face those Steelers.

[@matthewdaley746]

His team, like the Chargers, is obscenely overrated, they were nowhere near as good as the great Steelers, and, Raiders, teams, of that era. Their history of coming up short eventually would lead them to Nashville.

[@adamthornberry8475]

@@matthewdaley746 - Holy overstatement... l am nearly 56 y/o and can tell you San Diego's record-setting offense of that era was anything BUT "overrated"... 🙄 They were feared league-wide from roughly 1978-85. And though everyone knew their defense was marginal at best from mid-1981 onwards, that hi-powered offense carried them to 2 AFC Championship games during a 4 year playoff run... Your gross oversimplification continues with Houston. Coach Phillips took a moribund franchise to 2 years of 10 wins & 2 more with 11 in his 6 years. Twice they too made the AFC Championship game, and were the ONLY AFC Central opponent to split seasons series with mighty Pittsburgh 5 straight years of 1977-81. 🤔🏈😉

[@bubbafug00gle51]

@@adamthornberry8475 The San Diego d was never as bad as their reputation. When you score a lot of points the other team has to score to keep up, so they gave up a lot of garbage points. Another nuance that gets lost is that (at least) since the Blount rule passing has been more efficient than running, when you are winning, the other team is forced to pass... and therefore be more efficient. It's similar to Golden State's defense during their championship runs. It seemed horrible by points allowed, but that's because they scored so quickly there were extra possessions and the opponent was forced to shoot more 3's to keep up (3-pointers are also more efficient)

[@allonisaacr2929]

And the refs

[@mrtnt3462]

@@adamthornberry8475 Remember the Oilers beat the Chargers in the Divisional round the week before this game...the Chargers' offense was second in scoring & their defense was second in points allowed and the Oilers didn't have Earl Campbell or Dan Pastorini HOW IN THE WORLD DOES THAT GET OVERLOOKED?? BY CHARGER APOLOGISTS?? AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ABOUT DAN FOUTS & HIS PERENNIAL POST-SEASON CHOKE JOBS

[@thunter992]

Something that is truly enjoyable about these classic games is looking back at the sets and formations teams used back then

[@bubbafug00gle51]

Great point.

[@nick56677]

Yeah the Full House and split wing formations. U don't see those anymore. Also the slot WR with his hand in the dirt.

[@ericpackers1700]

@@nick56677 ya those formations are extinct, no rpos run in this game lmao

[@Robotdad474]

NFL fans: ‘the league is soft now, I wish they would let defenses hit hard and actually play defense like they did in this video’ Also NFL fans: ‘ the super bowl was so boring, both offenses barely scored any points and it was only defense’ The casual fans are never fucking happy

[@bubbafug00gle51]

Yeah, who cares about the players health? Our entertainment is absolutely worth turning a man's brain into swiss cheese. Get some perspective... and some compassion for the human beings who play the game.

[@mrtnt3462]

@@bubbafug00gle51 FUCK COMPASSION WE WANT TO SEE BIG HITS...BECAUSE THAT'S PART OF THE GAME!! THEIR HEALTH, IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY!! AND THEY'RE WILLING TO ASSUME THE RISK!! IT'S WHAT THEY SIGNED UP FOR & THE PLAYERS ARE WELL AWARE OF THAT!! SO LOOSEN YOUR DAMN PANTIES...BECAUSE WHETHER WE CARE OR DON'T CARE ABOUT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE PLAYERS NOTHING THAT HAPPENS ON THE FIELD OF PLAY IS WITHIN OUR CONTROL...SO YOU CAN TAKE YOUR COMPASSION ARGUMENT AND SHOVE IT YOU KNOW WHERE!! AND GET SOME PERSPECTIVE OF YOUR OWN!! HAPPY NEW YEAR PAL!!

[@bubbafug00gle51]

@@mrtnt3462 I'll assume that's your brain damage speaking. Good luck finding your caps lock. Also, new years isn't until next Saturday... but Happy Mahayana New Year, baby!

[@fockewulf4409]

I‘m for some player protections, but all these rules that favor the offense are too much. People think games like 54-51 Rams Chiefs is fun, when a 20-17 chess match is way better.

[@bubbafug00gle51]

@@fockewulf4409 There's a difference between player protection and calling every contested ball a PI. In my opinion the solution would be to loosen the illegal contact rules on passes. Allow the D some leeway in man coverage, which would lead to less zone coverage. In my opinion DB's running over late in zone is where the most dangerous hits on receivers come from. I think this creates a more competitive physical game while also making it safer.

[@tmlfan7785]

Oilers uniforms need to make a full comeback. I don’t care whether its the Titans or the Texans, somebody wear them

[@WalkerKinsler]

SloppeyJoe 6D9 The Titans owner wants to bring them back, but the NFL helmet rules won’t allow it

[@juliusrandle2733]

Na keep em in the trash

[@Sldumas1983]

Facts

[@blobulous3500]

McWalker no they should belong to the texans not the titans. They have 36 years of history in houston

[@melting-vibes]

@@blobulous3500 Not possible, they belong to the Titans (used to be Oilers) franchise.

[@AirTeethREAL]

😂🤣😂 Willie Stargell passing the flask to his buddy 😂🤣😂 old school 🥃🍻

[@thomaswarner1699]

I peeked that too

[@ralphsanchico2452]

I didn't know they sold pepsi in a flask (LOL)

[@GHOST91141]

Coach Bum Phillips out there with the Bane jacket on 😂

[@ralphsanchico2452]

That jacket would've warmed up the Chicago projects!

[@wilbertrobles1123]

Dick Enberg & Merlin Olsen in the call. What an era of football.

[@ericpackers1700]

Ya the formations and physical nature isn't like that anymore unfortunately to a degree

[@StormFive]

At 1:23 "Earl Campbell gets only a yard or two" yea but it took FOUR MEN to bring him down. Earl was magnificent.

[@kaidanfullerton6095]

Dude was at 10 rushes for -2 yards at one point ...

[@jozsadavid4496]

@@kaidanfullerton6095 so? he still one of the best running back of all-time. don't forget, that Steelers defense were shutting down teams like no other in that era

[@PinkStarburst717]

@@kaidanfullerton6095 who was he going against and what other weapons were on his team?

[@UnchainedAmerica]

Hard to beat Joe Greene and the beastly Steel Curtain.

[@stevenconnors5799]

Yeah but 10 rushes for -3 yards it was against one of the best defenses in history but still

[@齋華魏]

I watched this on TV as an Oilers fan at 11 years old. I was shocked for weeks.

[@HoustonRebel]

I was 12 years old. I'm still not over it. Lol. As the Oilers never went to a SB and this is the closest we came to one.

[@deenugent473]

As an Oilers' fan, I had to witness a couple of heart breakers, this game and the game against the Buffalo Bills in 1993!

[@Biggdoom344]

The oilers were not quite on the Steelers level in 1978. They were damn close in 79. 1980 should have been their year but the owner got impatient and started bringing in old raiders past their prime. Then he fired Phillips…massive error. I actually watched that Buffalo game and Houston was better. But when I got to 35-17 I actually told my wife..the oilers are going to blow this game. Remember the previous year they were killing Denver 21-6 and blew the lead.

[@deenugent473]

@@Biggdoom344 I felt the sting for a long time after they lost the Buffalo game. Houston has the Texans now, but they're no comparison to the Oilers of old. So many rivalries back in the Oilers' day, Steelers, and Cowboys, mostly.

[@usmc6004]

@@Biggdoom344 , The Oilers weren't better than the Bills that year or ever that Bills team was unstoppable. Remember Jim Kelly was out that game and so was Thurman Thomas. They lost to Frank Riech. I was @ that game here in Buffalo, tried to leave after Riech threw that pick 6, but couldn't find my buddy who was @ the concession getting a beer. Good thing I stayed to witness the greatest playoff comeback in NFL history. I still have the GameDay mag from that gane.

[@jackburton4892]

@@deenugent473 The oilers were never a rival to us here in Dallas. That was all just media bull. We hardly ever got to play y'all anyway. But the AFC seemed fun back then. We just never got to see much of it. Anyway, I remember wanting y'all to win these play off games. Always thought it would be cool to have an all Texas super bowl. :)

[@deenugent473]

@@jackburton4892 True, most of the time when these 2 met, it was during the pre-season games when they played for the Governor's cup. It would have been very cool to have a Texas Super bowl but I've waited and we never even got to the Super Bowl 😥.

[@lonnybustamante8118]

Amazing camera footage clear and beautiful and stats on TV very informative.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Dick enberg doing commentary in the 70s.

[@curtispatton2415]

I loved hearing Dick Enberg and Merlin Olson call a game

[@robertmason8416]

I remember this game as a kid. One of the rare times Earl Campbell didn't go" bull in a china shop " crazy on a defense. That Steel Curtain had him locked down and locked up!

[@stephenharper9103]

Campbell rarely enjoyed success against Pittsburgh. There were two teams that held Campbell in check on a consistent basis (5 game minimum). The Steelers held him to 3.3 yards per carry and less than 60 rushing yards per game in 12 regular season game. The 49ers, in 5 games held him to 3.1 yards per carry and less than 40 yards per game. In both playoff games against Pittsburgh he was held in check. Obviously this one was very tough for him; however, he wasn't very good the previous year against them averaging 2.8 yards per carry in a 34-5 trouncing.

[@kwasimensah6013]

@@stephenharper9103 The hit by Donnie Shell, stayed in his head.

[@med1965]

Earl looked real beat up, hurt and tired that day.

[@vonstev1668]

@@med1965 He was hurt. He could even play in other playoff games

[@dkplaysallday7955]

Refs blew that call he was definitely in

[@CWG-]

I am a Steelers fan, but he was in

[@matthewdaley746]

@@CWG- The Steelers would have won anyway.

[@jorgegaytan3012]

The game wasn't decided by 1TD, so it wouldn't change the outcome, but yeah that was a TD for the Oilers

[@matthewdaley746]

@@jorgegaytan3012 It also was the reason they gave for throwing up their hands in defeat.

[@jorgegaytan3012]

@@matthewdaley746 that too

[@smokey77able]

Now this is 🏈. Helmets, Facemasks and uniforms the way they should look and fit on players. Back when jerseys had sleeves down to elbow and linemen wore Facemasks that look like linemen

[@TPTGopher]

Not when it’s played on green concrete

[@younusbendame742]

sleeved jerseys are ugly, and the helmets and facemasks we have now are considerably safer

[@danthomas9170]

@@TPTGopher concrete...with a green carpet

[@salamisumo2]

Yeah & half these guys are dead or basically brain-dead. But hooray for the good ol days

[@gdr205]

@@salamisumo2 And let them die gloriously on the field of battle....Bring back head slap...pussies!

[@ChildOfThe1970s]

I remember this game like it was yesterday. The Oilers were really ripped off when Renfro was denied the TD. Glad there is instant replay in games now but it should've been in use many years earlier.

[@ralphsanchico2452]

They still could have over ridden the call, either they were scared being at three rivers, or none of them actually could be definitive even though they had doubts

[@J.R.Graham]

Great true story-book title,"Cowboy Mafia "🌿

[@mkl62]

@@ralphsanchico2452 If it had been at Houston, it would have been a TD.

[@mkl62]

This is the game where the debate of using instant replay began. It would be used for the first time in the 1986 season.

[@georgfriedrichhandel4390]

@@ralphsanchico2452 I don't know if they were scared to overturn this call but how can three officials not see this as a touchdown? I understand officials are not perfect and are prone to human error but all three officials made the same mistake. I'm not making any accusations but something was definitely amiss here.

[@stevenjoyce5541]

14 playoff wins and 4 titles in the 70s/80s. What a great time to be a Steelers fan !

[@jamesgarcia6966]

Yeah they were all coked up

[@washworks7630]

@@jamesgarcia6966 to be fair every team was doing that

[@jamesgarcia6966]

@@washworks7630 yeah just like every team other than the Astros were doing the thing too right

[@washworks7630]

@@jamesgarcia6966 no not even close to the same and no not ever team was using a device to steal catcher signs. Wow man just wow. it must suck to be a person like you. i bet you think stripper like you too.

[@abelcastro4477]

Steelers didn't win no rings in the 80s.

[@thesentinel5523]

Terry Bradshaw is the original TB#12 but I love the nickname "The Blonde Bomber" so Brady can go and trademark TB12 if he wants.

[@SolidPain6624]

TB12. Nah... Tom Terrific is the more suitable nickname.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@SolidPain6624 Tom Seaver had that nickname first.

[@SolidPain6624]

Matthew Daley it’s a different sport. Therefore, that fact is irrelevant. Nice try though.

[@scots04]

Tom the deflator Tom the spy gate Tom the tucker Tom the cheater

[@matthewdaley746]

@@SolidPain6624 It's relevant in the fact that you don't use the same nickname twice, regardless of sport.

[@lindamerchant123]

Both defense and offense of the Steelers was great

[@Deucealive75]

Their defense was probably the best ever seen in the NFL. Looks at the stats from this game. They gave up only 24 yards rushing on 21 attempts. And it wasn't just one season. They did the same thing to the Vikings in the super bowl a few years earlier.

[@jamesstreet228]

I've never seen Earl Campbell completely shut down like he was in this game.

[@packersauburneric3625]

I'm Packers fan but that steel curtain no joke

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

What's really unfortunate about the denial of that Renfro TD is that it was an AMAZINGLY executed fade pattern...something that wasn't common in the 70's (though I guess TECHNICALLY, this was the 80's). Perfect location by Pastorini, and Renfro with some retro toe tapping to make the catch. People say, "well the final score was 27-13" as if situations don't completely change with a different score. 17-17 going to the 4th is a much different feeling as the underdog than 17-13, especially back in that era.

[@80steen44]

Missed call but Houston wasn't winning this game had they called it correctly. They couldn't stop Bradshaw's first down throws or the trap play when it mattered and they were turning the ball over and they couldn't run the ball. They were fortunate to get a pick 6 early to even give them 7 of their points. They lose by 10 instead of 14. If we're being generous maybe they play better if the call is correct and they lose by 7

[@salamisumo2]

@@80steen44 Houston was also horrendous on 3rd down while Pittsburgh was a lot better

[@wesleypepple7525]

Wouldn't have mattered any,like Dwight White said we would have scored again

[@guyhill6269]

So true. So very true.

[@williamivery212]

I remember watching this game ,it seems like it was only 5 years ago. Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the '70s

[@hectorlopez1069]

Lynn Swann was everywhere at catching passes. He was a legend at WR.

[@ZZ-qk8ji]

To this day it still pisses me off the way the Oilers got screwed.

[@ckobo84]

Yeah they could have lost 24-17 😂

[@michaellyga4726]

Without this call, the Titans don't exist.

[@TheMeshort]

Without this call the Oilers still lose, Did you even look at the scoreboard ? Add 7 more points to the Oilers and the final score is 27 - 20 Pitt. They lose and relocate to Tennessee regardless.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@TheMeshort Their failures in the early 1990s were the impetus for their departure, Warren Moon put up great numbers, but, he could never win the big games.

[@TPTGopher]

Tiffany eisentrout Actually 27-17, since they at least got a field goal out of that drive.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@TPTGopher The Oilers were like the Chargers, bridesmaids, in multiple eras, who eventually moved.

[@TPTGopher]

Matthew Daley In which case this Oilers team became the bridesmaid by winning the catfight.😂

[@Biggdoom344]

This game was the SB. Two best teams in the nfl that year. I remember it’s snowed all day Friday and most of Saturday. But no snow on Sunday. Oilers were a tough bunch. I had a lot of respect for them. But the Steelers at home in the 70s..good luck with that. Look at Rocky Bleier make key plays late 4th quarter. He is very underrated as a clutch player. I actually saw Houston catching the Steelers and expected them to be in the SB 1980 but it didn’t happen for some reason.

[@inthemoment8410]

I disagree. The Rams were beating the Steelers most of the Super Bowl and if it wasn’t for some questionable play calling in the 4th Quarter, they could have very well won SB 14. That 79 Rams team was no joke. Neither were the Bears….who got screwed out of the wild card game that year….but that’s for another day.

[@Biggdoom344]

@@inthemoment8410 Rams we’re not even the best team in the NFC. Dallas was but those two had a strange history where the best team lost. Rams were better in 75@78 but lost. Dallas was better in 76@79 but lost. Rams always gave the Steelers trouble but Houston had beat Dallas and would have beat the rams. Rams were good and ironically this is probably their worst playoff team of the 70s yet they made the SB.

[@martinishot]

Super Bowl 14 had four lead changes. That is ultra rare in Super Bowl history. Even rare for the Super bowls that are not blowouts . The Rams were ahead in the game when the fourth quarter began also ultra rare. One year prior the Cowboys never had the lead at any point in the game. And As for the Steelers reaching Super Bowl 14, take away them being the darlings of the league in the 1979 season and that oiler touchdown catch is not taken away. Anyone who watches Super Bowl 14 and especially the first half and much of the third quarter and watches Wendell Tyler of the Rams carefully is going to see numerous instances of the Steelers committing unnecessary roughness with no calls. In fact there are two instances where you can see a steeler defender trying to rip his helmet off after the flag. And before Tyler left the game with injuries from steeler unnecessary roughness they had no answer to him.

[@Biggdoom344]

@@martinishot football was different then. They didn’t call late hits unless they were really late. As far as SB thirteen..Dallas actually led 14-7. That was their last lead.

[@martinishot]

If you watch Super Bowl 14 with an open mind and see how frequently this is happening toTyler in particular you will not be able to just brush it off. Anyone who happens to pass by this needs to watch Super Bowl 14 and again focus on Wendell Tyler for all of the first half and maybe partly third quarter. And yes when I say late I mean really late. Add hard as if Tyler is still running with the ball . A few days later the Sports Illustrated article about Super Bowl 14 actually quoted Wendell Tyler about his experience. Please do not avoid the subject of steeler defenders attempting to rip Wendell tyler's helmet off after the whistle a number of times. The times were different excuse would apply to pass interference. I watched this game live and saw VCR taped recordings of it before KZbin and have yet to see a Super Bowl allow this to go on in all the years since.

[@Dtown1996]

The Oilers would’ve still been a team if they’ve won

[@colinhawkins4656]

Prolly not

[@SPTO]

I wouldn't cite this as marker for why they left. If anything I'd say the dagger was losing to the Bills in epic fashion in the '90s.

[@johnmcauliffe9864]

Not true! Even if they won the game and won the Super Bowl, that does not prevent a team from leaving. the St. Louis Rams played in two Superbowls in 3 years (1999-2001) and won one and still moved eventually. The Baltimore Colts were champions and moved, the Raiders moved a few times and are moving again. Success does not prevent a franchise from moving.

[@colinhawkins4656]

SPTO exactly

[@SPTO]

@@johnmcauliffe9864 You're generally right but Houston had a long football history unlike St. Louis which technically did have a long history but it was never a "football town". Oakland is a different kettle of fish as that jurisdiction has NEVER been willing to give public money for stadiums.

[@bold58]

Dan Pastorini played a great game and so did Bradshaw. Just make me wonder how good Pastorini would have done if he had that good an offensive line earlier in his career.

[@themilkynipple2801]

Great game!!! Wish i was alive for it, hanks for the awesome content!

[@devildog65]

Someone watching this wouldn’t realize just how devastating The Steel Curtain was. As a Cowboys fan, I constantly rooted against them, but the whole team was great! But they were also the darling of the NFL because they and Dallas made BIG $ for the League. The Oilers were an excellent team, usually dominating opponents with their All-World power Back, Earl Campbell and their suffocating Defense. The battles between Luv Ya Blu and The Steel Curtain are timeless NFL legends!! This game brought back memories seeing the Oiler’s fat Kicker, Toni Fritsch waddle out there and kick the FG! But the Oilers got robbed in this game. 😉👍

[@countof3everybodyOD]

Well, it was only the third quarter and only to tie

[@virolo1960]

They still got a FG so only missed 4 points. Would have lost by 10 instead of 14.

[@jcdova29]

No wonder the Steelers won 4 Super Bowls, Terry Bradshaw was an awesome quarterback. He carved people up.

[@deadeye4520]

Pittsburgh truly was awesome. HOF defenders all over the place, HOF offensive players all over the place. This call was complete bullshit, but there is no evidence that Houston would have won the game. This TD would have only tied the game.

[@hectorlopez1069]

And he had Franco Harris, Lynn Swann and Stallworth.

[@jackburton4892]

@@hectorlopez1069 One of those people got royalties from Pfizer. ☹️ RIP our brother.

[@SidandGeno-k6k]

The Steelers of the 70s, were whined about the way the patriots of today, are. They get every call, they’re always lucky, the NFL wants them to win blah blah blah🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gregoropesa5028]

Evgeni Crosby And your point is?

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

That's funny, since the Steelers STILL bitch about losing to the Raiders in 76 "durr, we didn't have Franco! durr!" That soft serve 1/2 guinea was suited up and could've played. Franco didn't play defense either...Raiders scored 24 and could've had more against the BEST DEFENSE EVER. FOH clown. The Steelers did get a lot of fucking calls. The Immaculate Deception, Branch's TD when he scorched Blount wiped out by a phantom 'tripping' penalty in the 74 title game, the awful penalty on Benny Barnes in Super Bowl XIII. No team wins that much and is 'lucky'. But to say they didn't get calls is insane.

[@MrCrowley925]

Evgeni Crosby why you so salty tho lol 😂 #Gopats

[@SidandGeno-k6k]

Manu Ginobilis Bald Spot you need to get a life bro, Miss, whatever you are.

[@TheMeshort]

@@manuginobilisbaldspot424 Immaculate deception ? Oh please, you just took any credibility away from yourself by saying that. Just watch the damn play threw un biasd eyes and you will see Jack Tatums reaction to Franco catching that ball. Soon as Franco pulled that into his arms Jacks reaction of O shit is pretty obvious, Jack knew Franco caught that ball.

[@Corpse-Riot]

11:08 This image of Bum Phillips wearing a cowboy hat and a coat he made from shooting and skinning a caribou was the highlight for me.

[@gregwall783]

This play is what ushered in instant replay.

[@codyfan1097]

My god could Bradshaw spin the ball

[@ericpackers1700]

Blonde bomber

[@gregoryingram7561]

No!!!

[@RScott413]

The old AFC Central was a blessing for the NFL fan.

[@bootitup6927]

Saints fans signing a petition to replay the 1979 AFC championship game.

[@ericpackers1700]

Why is that

[@dwgwnr1969]

​@@ericpackers1700 cuz bum Phillips was coaching the saints

[@peterussell673]

That No-Touchdown call to Renfro was the HBO "Inside The NFL" play of the year. I remember. Clearly a touchdown, but it didn't decide the game obviously.

[@conlanding]

In the two Oilers AFC Championship Game losses to the Steelers in 1978 & 1979, their only TD in both games was a pick-6 by Vernon Perry in ‘79 AFC Title Game.

[@Biggdoom344]

Steelers were 33-4 at three rivers stadium in SB years 74-75, 78@79. Undefeated in the playoffs 7-0. Oilers were in a tough situation.

[@depaola63]

Bradshaw was a fantastic QB⭐️💪 coming from a Vikes fan since 1969 .. and yes indeed Renfro was IN for a TD 🔔

[@michaelh1889]

BRUTAL call !! 10:50

[@depaola63]

@@michaelh1889 Absolutely a TD I was 16 on that day and remember very well as my cousin loved The Steelers ✨ even he said it was a TD ....Pastorini was great but took a beating much of his career 💪

[@matsumoku1]

The problem is that from the cameral angle you can't tell if he might have bobbled the ball a bit while going out of bounds. But the real issue is there was no ref in place to see the play properly, that's a huge failure. For that reason it is a raw deal because we might never really know. Because of that failure, they probably should have given them the TD. and I am a Steelers fan..

[@SBphd]

That blown call was irrelevant. Even if the Oilers got the TD and the Steelers failed to score again, they would have won.

[@Schimenator]

I've always been a Steelers fan, but I always thought Bradshaw was over rated. Looking back, dude could throw the football and he was much faster than I remember. I don't remember him ever out running anyone.

[@hipstereagle6050]

0:35 Vernon Perry follows up his amazing 4 INT ame the week before with a Pick 6

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

Was on his way to having a GOAT stretch of defensive football in the postseason.

[@algini12]

Controversy? Only if the Steelers had won by just one touchdown. They won by TWO. Sorry to the late Bum Phillips, but you had no cross to bear on this one. Great video from legendary times. Was a pleasure to see again after 40 plus years.

[@GarrusN7]

It's unfortunate the league only makes changes after major screw ups like this happen.

[@bubbafug00gle51]

The technology just wasn't ready back then.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Imagine if they had challenges in 1979.

[@guyhill6269]

Me too, bub. Me too. 😥

[@Lawomenshoops]

I believe the first year of replay in the NFL was the 86 season. That's 7 years after this game, and the play most people say was the reason for replay!! The NFL led by Turtle Face pete, moved at glacial pace!

[@runawaymakefriendswiththem8905]

more 70’s Steelers please 🖤💛

[@lloydkline]

They were unbeatable, Oakland raiders beat them ,, injuries excuse, denver broncos, beat them,, Miami dolphins beat Pittsburgh steelers,,

[@arthurjacobfuentes7671]

The Referees blew the Call. Instant replay would NOT have corrected the blown call. Ask Dez Bryant of the 2014 #Dallas Cowboys

[@erocs9747]

War eagle

[@KevinWilson-cc7lj]

I've heard a ton about the missed call and it's legit. Steelers would have been won this game regardless. My larger point would be that Enberg and Olsen are broadcasting GOATS

[@jefferyrobertson7520]

Houston Oilers was member AFC Central Division from 1970 through 1993 Pittsburgh Steelers was member AFC Central Division from 1970 through 1993 era greatest rivalry in NFL history

[@marinerhigh2003]

They needed instant replay back then

[@olsalt3004]

These two teams hated each other with absolute passion....when they played earlier in the year in the astrodome they called it the hospital bowl...

[@ericsigersmith2831]

That turf has to hurt

[@JohnnyBGood11]

The worst game ever played look it up was the Raiders and the Bears 1984 makes these two teams like they are playing touch football,..makes the steelers look like pussfarts they way they beat each other up in that game.

[@JohnnyBGood11]

The best Defense ever was the 1985 Bears 3 games in the playoffs gave up only 10 points....Steelers defense does not even compare to the 1985 Bears.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Or, the house of pain bowl.

[@stylzeswift9705]

I just love watching these vintage Steelers games.. those players were just that damn great.

[@LeoWhalen1933]

I could watch Terry Bradshaw play all day!

[@gregoryingram7561]

Terry Bradshaw is probably the worst quarterback other than Joe Namath in the hall of Fame, Terry was blessed to have a team that had no weakness, so whenever Terry would mess up that defense would make you forget about his mess up's, that Steeler team of the 70's shit flavor Flav could have quarterbacked them team's to the super bowl.

[@stevep8445]

Houston wasn't winning this game... Period. They lost 27-13. Pittsburgh had 360 yards of offense, the Oilers had 227. Steelers ran for 161 yards, the oilers had 24 (on 22 carries). Was a really bad call but it did NOT cost the Oilers the AFC title

[@matthewdaley746]

No, being the weaker team did.

[@80steen44]

Correct. Missed call but Houston wasn't winning this game had they called it correctly. They couldn't stop Bradshaw's first down throws or the trap play when it mattered and they were turning the ball over and they couldn't run the ball. They were fortunate to get a pick 6 early to even give them 7 of their points. They lose by 10 instead of 14. If we're being generous maybe they play better if the call is correct and they lose by 7

[@Dirtnation2]

This is why we should be thankful of instead replay.

[@CWG-]

Yes. If the refs had replay, they would have seen he was in.

[@RAJohns]

I miss the Oilers. For Houston to not support the team enough to where Bud Adams moved the team, then to support this bad one is head scratching.

[@hotwatergate2578]

THIS GAME AND PLAY GAVE US REPLAY REVIEW, the great Mike RENFRO what a catch,, HOW GOOD WAS BRADSHAW,, RUNNING PASSING HITTING LOVE YA BLACK AND BLUE i mean Joe Green black and yellow

[@ericsigersmith2831]

War damn eagle

[@marcamerine7941]

I’m a Raiders fan But when I was a little kid in the 70s when the Steelers were in their dynasty my whole family Are Steeler fans here in Altoona PA.. I don’t care what anybody says in big games Bradshaw & Franco ALWAYS Showed up in huge games that was never one of their bad games they never disappeared they always played BIG & that comes from a Raiders fan.. remember Bradshaw called his own plays and that something everybody seems to forget and nobody does anymore not even Peyton Manning or Brett Favre called there Own Plays

[@michaelh1889]

Raiders were on the wrong side of a Pittsburgh ref, too (before the rule change !! )

[@astrostar49]

Vernon Perry had two great playoff performances for the Oilers this year.

[@conniegnesda9720]

Best years of FOOTBALL! The 70s Steelers!

[@lloydkline]

Oakland raiders beat Pittsburgh steelers I think twine 1970s playoffs

[@thielees]

I always get the feels when I watch Mike Webster in action, knowing what was to come

[@michiganmadeproduct5657]

Love those split back sets Pittsburgh used. Now that's a basic set in the spread. I don't think there was one shotgun formation in this game. Lol.

[@TheLocalLt]

Michigan made product cowboys around this time invented the shotgun. Split backs went away in the mid 2000s but usually is used a few times a year still. The pats ran split backs for a play in both the afc title game and super bowl

[@michiganmadeproduct5657]

@@TheLocalLt That's right . I always use a couple of those sets on old NCAA games.

[@headley62]

Landry brought back the shotgun with Staubach.

[@matsumoku1]

I recall only the Cowboys used shotgun, never the Steelers during this period.

[@markross2124]

at the 11.22 Renfro did score and I'm a die-hard Steeler fan

[@williammckeen8314]

Best defense in history

[@michaelh1889]

Indeed - Mean Joe was just rag-dolling the offensive line all day....

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!

[@ChristopherHagee]

This was re-match, their duel in previous season's A.F.C. Championship Game (1978-1979), also in Pgh., Penna.'s former III Rivers Stadium 🏟 where eventual Super Bowl, XIII-winning Steelers scored convincing 34-5 victory in cold rain on slick field

[@michaelh1889]

Great 'pass' by HOFer Willie Stargell !!! 08:40 - Old school move !!! ;D

[@erocs9747]

Some good hooch lmfao

[@ahadnazirchaudhary2383]

The statistics of earl campbell. He had negative two yards on his first ten carries and ended the game with 17 carries for only 15 rushing yards

[@michaelh1889]

I think Campbell was hurt... he looked VERY gimpy and slow that day...

[@toddsands6000]

I think the Steel Curtain showed up for this game. They played an awesome game plan to contain Earl Campbell - an awesome RB.

[@tripdjoint]

Rocky ran like George Costanza.

[@mikevanriel7573]

Easy for me to say this was a touchdown. This was 1979 (really January 6, 1980). There was no instant replay back then. Also, even if the touchdown stand, Pittsburgh outplayed Houston.

[@gregoryingram7561]

Yes you can say that because you know the final score, it's possible for you to predict what would have happened if the touchdown would have counted.

[@frankpalancio8471]

Got replay?

[@Trechosen1]

I’m such an Oilers fan I wasn’t born till 7 years after but I remember the 92 blown lead to the Bills. So it hurts to watch this lol

[@jamesnash6101]

I wonder what the logic of the NFL was, in their argument against instant replay.

[@editortexas]

The refs really dropped the ball (no pun intended) on that Renfro call.

[@christopherdonaldson7484]

NBC producer George Finkel and director Ted Nathanson captured it! The officials didn't!

[@jamesallen5591]

As a Steelers fan, I love those days. But I also feel for the Oilers; they never did kick that door in. Pastorini was a good QB, Renfro was a solid receiver and, of course, they had Campbell. Maybe if they had gone to one Super Bowl, the Houston Oilers would still exist.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Bud Adam's was a shithead. He wanted what was best for the oilers and he never got it. He wanted a new stadium for the oilers in Houston, but they said, no. Then, he moved them to Tennessee.

[@johnnoone4323]

The Steelers always seem to benefit from the calls from the referees in most of their Super Bowl wins in the 1970's. The exception was the first (1974) Super Bowl.

[@Biggdoom344]

There is a luck factor in any SB run.

[@ericpackers1700]

@@Biggdoom344 most of time not 96 packers but we needed it in 97 sb

[@danw.1667]

Pittsburgh in this year ..best team in NFL history....and I'm from Houston. Hall of famers on both sides of the ball for Pittsburgh. Thanks for posting this video....

[@hectorlopez1069]

Terry Bradshaw was really badass, the steelers were great.

[@hectorlopez1069]

On the other side, the oilers had Earl Campbell and Dan pastorini, he was a good QB.

[@brentonyancheck4861]

Statistically the BEST 👍 Steelers team ever was the 76 Steelers!!! Even the past players have stated that fact!!!!!

[@famous_anvs]

ok it was undeniably a bad call but it didn't matter

[@TheMeshort]

Absolutely, go ahead and credit the Oilers with 7 more points and they still lose. It's like the Seahawks fans saying that ben didn't cross the line and they lost purely because of that. Take 7 points from the Steelers and they still win

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

@@TheMeshort That's not how things play out. You can't apply what happened after the score was disallowed as if it was what would've happened. Maybe the Steelers still win, but that logic of 'well they still lost by more than four points' just doesn't make sense. If you change this call, there's no telling what else changes as a result.

[@johnlo1966]

It was first down they had 3 more downs at the 6 and a quarter and a half to win a game. This call had nothing to do with oilers winning. And if you look at that play like they did at that time period even on replay you can’t really tell if the foot at the back of end zone was on the side of foot and on line. He should of done a toe tap that drag was poor and his foot turned to side which causes a discrepancy

[@reignman965]

@@manuginobilisbaldspot424 exactly these idiots think the game would play out exactly the same? no it wouldnt it changes everything, maybe they woulda won maybe they still lose you dont know, but to say oh they still would have lost because the steelers had more points is ignorant.

[@DynomyteDewd91]

In the 74’ AFC Championship, Pittsburgh was denied a touchdown when John Stallworth made a clear touchdown catch, it was a blown call against Pittsburgh. You know what they did? They didn’t complain and ended up winning anyway. There was also a blown call against Pittsburgh when the Steelers played Houston during their critical 2nd regular season matchup in 79’, Pittsburgh was denied the onside kick recovery they clearly got near the end of the game and therefore didn’t have a chance to tie up the game or win it. If Pittsburgh won that regular season game, they go 13-3 instead of 12-4 and maybe change up the playoff seedings somewhat. The Steelers had their fair share of blown calls go against them but instead of complaining about it, Pittsburgh always took care of business. Good teams can overcome bad calls. The blown call against Houston being the reason they lost is simplistic, Earl Campbell was held to 15 yards on 17 carries, the Oilers fumbled 4 times, and didn’t get one offensive score the whole game, Houston didn’t really muster up any offense outside of the drive that led to the blown Renfro Call. The blown call happened on a 1st and goal in the 3rd quarter, there was a lot of game left to be played, stating that is the reason they lost is a reach for people that wanted Pittsburgh to lose, Houston was not on the same level of Pittsburgh and all of those Oilers players and coaches would probably agree with that.

[@BIGMIKE360AMUSEMENTS]

I’m glad this game was in 4K instead of 8bit 🤣 Steelers World 🌎 Champions!

[@georgfriedrichhandel4390]

Thank God today all touchdowns are reviewed in the NFL. If this TD had been allowed to stand, it could have changed the entire dynamics of this game. Yes, officials are not perfect. They don't always make the right calls (sometimes deliberately) but many times, one play can determine the outcome of a game. This will always be one of those what-if games.

[@chipbryant9477]

Call had nothing to do with the outcome.

[@ProphesytotheWind]

I got to meet one of these Oilers at my father in law’s funeral, Robert Brazile. They were fishing buddies. I had to be honest and tell him I was a Steelers fan while shaking hands with him. He almost pulled me to the ground when I said that 🤣

[@KoltonReitz]

You should do Brian urlacher's last playoff game

[@terrybrown9348]

The greatness of the 70s steelers..unmatched

[@packersauburneric3625]

Classic smash mouth era

[@terrybrown9348]

@@packersauburneric3625 well said

[@jeffersonianideal]

0:15 Love Ya Blue's helmet graphic looks more like Miami aqua.

[@ericsigersmith2831]

Ur right

[@brandondetz6266]

Give the Oilers the td. Assume the Steelers still score 10 more points. The final score would have been 27-17 Steelers. Definitely a TD for Renfoe. Definitely not a game deciding call.

[@jmhydn58]

Never played the game, huh?

[@brandondetz6266]

@@jmhydn58 yea I get it the Oilers momentum could have swung in their favor if the play was called correctly. On the other hand maybe not. No way to ever know. Yep I'm biased towards my steelers in my assumption. O well, does that bother u? If so good.

[@jmhydn58]

Brandon Detz watch it fella. there’s only one mean joe Greene. I’m biased against crappy officiating.

[@jesseleblanc1199]

You can talk about what that td would have done for momentum but I saw a good titan team tie the game against the rams in the super bowl it didn't look much like me to me as the defense went to work and I think it was 1 play 75 yards they were the same Oilers in a different state but yes a good game lol

[@jmhydn58]

harold mccoy all you steeler fans trying to justify this crap. 6 officials. Wrong call. Period.

[@sirmang9032]

Earl Campbell doing nothing on the ground is what cost the Oilers this game, not the blown call on Renfro's non-TD.

[@hectorlopez1069]

I guess, he had a bad game. he wasn't a running machine, like he was.

[@peterborneman7247]

GREAT EDITING

[@tomfrankiewicz7951]

Even though I'm a Steelers fan, Houston got robbed on the "Renfro catch". Would Houston have won the game. I don't know. But it would have made it more interesting. Giving Houston a little momentum towards the end of the game

[@toddsands6000]

I respect your knowledge as a good solid football fan. I think the game started getting faster. And that play was an instant blur to that ref.

[@80steen44]

Missed call but Houston wasn't winning this game had they called it correctly. They couldn't stop Bradshaw's first down throws or the trap play when it mattered and they were turning the ball over and they couldn't run the ball. They were fortunate to get a pick 6 early to even give them 7 of their points. They lose by 10 instead of 14. If we're being generous maybe they play better if the call is correct and they lose by 7

[@aronkelley8634]

That was definitely a bad call but the Oilers had their chances! The turnover and the defense inability to make stop didn’t help much.

[@willzimjohn]

They lost 4 points on the call. After the Oilers' FG, the Steelers put together 2 long drives for scores. The Oilers only really possessed the ball once after that FG and they fumbled. They did get the ball with less than a minute to go but the game was well out of reach by then.

[@ArmandoXGG]

Steelers: Perfect Offense, Perfect Defense, Perfect...but still that TD nullified to Renfro change the entire momentum of the game (I watched on TV). The “if’s” not exists but in this case I will made an exception and think that the Oilers would won that game...

[@80steen44]

Missed call but Houston wasn't winning this game had they called it correctly. They couldn't stop Bradshaw's first down throws or the trap play when it mattered and they were turning the ball over and they couldn't run the ball. They were fortunate to get a pick 6 early to even give them 7 of their points. They lose by 10 instead of 14. If we're being generous maybe they play better if the call is correct and they lose by 7

[@101snapper]

The Oilers could do nothing against that defense - given that TD they still would have lost - couldn't move the ball and the Hammer (Jack Ham) wasn't even playing as he was injured - there will never be another defense like the Steelers defense of the 70's, NEVER!

[@dannywoo3535]

You guys should upload the 2010 AFC championship with the Steelers vs the Jets

[@Biggdoom344]

It was on you tube for awhile.

[@calebandrew279]

This dope I get to see "mean" Joe Greene and Earl Campbell play this is awesome

[@mrhead6856]

Champions overcome bad calls ...others complain about the refs

[@Nhamp2000]

Lions fans...

[@Classicrocker6119]

This was Dan Pastorini’s last game for the Oilers. He had a long career with Houston and fought through a lot of adversity. Too bad he didn’t earn a Super Bowl ring

[@Trechosen1]

If only replay booth was available then 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@clintturner4995]

Like to have seen Campbell run behind the line Emmitt Smith, John Riggens, or even Franco Harris had.

[@LWH768]

This is the controversial game that gave us instant replay, the Oilers got hosed. DCOG