Red Right 88: The FORGOTTEN Sequel | Browns @ Steelers (1981)

On October 11, 1981, 10 months after the Cleveland Browns lost their AFC divisional playoff game against the Oakland Raiders on the infamous play known as Red Right 88, the Browns lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in literally the exact same way. Same interception. Same play. Same formation. Same intended receiver. Same down. Same yard line. It was an identical version of their heartbreaker from the 1980 season. And this is the story behind the forgotten sequel to Red Right 88
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#nfl #browns #nflthrowback
Players on the 1981 Cleveland Browns:
Paul McDonald
Brian Sipe
Calvin Hill
Cleo Miller
Greg Pruitt
Mike Pruitt
Charles White
Willis Adams
Ricky Feacher
Danny Fulton
Dave Logan
Reggie Rucker
Ozzie Newsome
McDonald Oden
Curtis Weathers
Joe DeLamielleure
Tom DeLeone
Doug Dieken
Robert E. Jackson
Matt Miller
Cody Risien
Henry Sheppard
Gerry Sullivan
Lyle Alzado
Henry Bradley
Thomas Brown
Elvis Franks
Marshall Harris
Mike Robinson
Jerry Sherk
Dick Ambrose
Don Goode
Bruce Huther
Robert L. Jackson
Eddie Johnson
Clay Matthews Jr.
Autry Beamon
Ron Bolton
Clinton Burrell
Thom Darden
Hanford Dixon
Judson Flint
Lawrence Johnson
Clarence Scott
Rick Trocano
Matt Bahr
Steve Cox
Dino Hall
Dave Jacobs
Cleo Montgomery
Bill Cowher
Joel Patten
Sam Rutigliano (head coach)
Players on the 1981 Pittsburgh Steelers:
Terry Bradshaw
Mark Malone
Cliff Stoudt
Russell Davis
Franco Harris
Greg Hawthorne
Rick Moser
Frank Pollard
Sidney Thornton
Johnnie Dirden
Jim Smith
John Stallworth
Lynn Swann
Calvin Sweeney
Bennie Cunningham
Randy Grossman
Larry Brown
Steve Courson
Tunch Ilkin
Job Kolb
Tyrone McGriff
Ted Petersen
Ray Pinney
Mike Webster
Craig Wolfley
John Banaszak
Tom Beasley
Gary Dunn
John Goodman
Joe Greene
LC Greenwood
Bob Kohrs
Robin Cole
Jack Ham
Jack Lambert
David Little
Loren Toews
Zack Valentine
Dennis Winston
Larry Anderson
Mel Blount
Ron Johnson
Donnie Shell
JT Thomas
Anthony Washington
Dwayne Woodruff
Mike Webster
David Trout
Craig Colquitt
Joe Cugliari
Rick Donnalley
Steve Fedell
Bryan Hinkle
Ricky Martin
Frank Wilson
Bill Riehl

[@Bruce12867]

Here's a couple more coincidences: 1. Brian Sipe passed for 183 yards each in both games. 2. Ben Dreith was the referee in both games.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

Don Criqui and John Brodie called both games as well.

[@d0nKsTaH]

*plays Twilight Zone music

[@howardcosell2022]

Mike Pruitt had 14 carries and 50 yards in Pittsburgh. He had 13 carries and 48 yards in Cleveland. Missed the superfecta by a carry and two yards

[@antonioriversrivers7925]

Officials are local area game official.

[@denisceballos9745]

As a Cleveland Browns fan for years, I can tell you, they found so many creative and innovative ways to lose. The 1980 season was a tough one and then ‘86 and ‘87. I had forgotten about this one, but the losses at Three Rivers that you recapped were tough losses because we played well enough to win- just didn’t.

[@jamesd6390]

I feel for you. I know some jets fans that could swap some stories with you they find interesting ways to loose games

[@joehung1552]

@Mark Snyder and injured players.

[@johnharris6655]

"Mike Davis could not catch a cold naked in Alaska." Gene Upshaw on Mike Davis making that catch.

[@nasetvideos]

Yes, almost identical to Red Right 88. Your comparison of the 2 plays was great. It was literally the exact same ending (I like the similarities to other more recent games , too). I still remember Red Right 88...the fact that it happened again was incredible.

[@arrowdave646]

Same announcers from NBC

[@bdautch20]

Not convinced that #24 had full possession and both feet in at the same time.

[@chesterkleinhans4207]

Paul McDonald was Charles White's teammate at USC.

[@Jetfire507PTY]

Man, didn't realize what a shitty game Sipe had in that playoff game against the Raiders

[@adamharvey892]

Same.... 13 completions out of 40 attempts with 3 interceptions is almost as bad as spiking the ball into the ground on every single play.

[@johncate9541]

He did, but what was shittier was whoever asked him to try to throw the ball 40 times in those conditions.

[@Xix1326]

You didn't mention a BIG difference between the two plays. On the sequel, there's no wide open Logan (or anybody else) streaking across underneath that Sipe missed in Red Right 88 (the original).

[@johncaparulo4800]

The Browns were down 14-12 in field goal range when Mike Davis intercepted Brian Sipe. That’s what made it so controversial. They obviously needed a TD in Pittsburgh down 13-7.

[@NobodyUR]

Yeah but kickers of that era were not automatic at all. Actually I'm pretty sure our kicker was only hitting at 60% or less. That season.

[@johnharris6655]

@@NobodyUR It was 14 to 12 because the Browns kicker missed 2 PATs going that direction.

[@ClassicJukeboxBand]

I don't know who else noticed this, but the final Browns passing play that was intercepted was actually a little inside the 12 yard line, not the 13 yard line. You can see the chains above show this...the offensive linemen were standing on the 13 yard line...

[@aaronblaylock2092]

I remember as a 14 year old in Oakland when the Browns were driving in the last minutes of that playoff game it seemed like nothing would stop them. I had my face in my hands not even wanting to watch as I could hear the progress being made with each play and the roar of the Cleveland fans. Then, I hear, 'Intercepted!', I couldn't believe it. It was the one serious bump the Raiders had to the Superbowl that year and the rest of the way was little problem. Even the back and forth with the Chargers in the championship couldn't compare to coming out of that frozen tundra with a win!

[@matthewdaley746]

As an aside, that year, was, the, last, real chance, for, the Chargers, because, they would, lose, Fred Dean to the 49ers.

[@timhedman6840]

I too was 14, only I leaved in the middle of the country In Illinois. I was telling my dad they are going to have another close loss in the playoffs, but no Mike Davis had Raider fans going nuts everywhere. This game to me was the most memorable Raider playoff win ever.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@timhedman6840 Interesting, choice, absolutely, unexpected.

[@bubbafug00gle51]

Not the same at all, this wasn't a situation where a FG would do any good. Whatever you think of the choice to throw in the Raiders game... you can't argue the decision here.

[@triskaidekathirteen724]

You are pretty cool! I enjoy these old games & your narration Pittsburgh Dad Texas

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

Bob Criqui on the call too. Eerie.

[@penguinsfan251]

Don Criqui, sorry to be a smartass.

[@Fireyninjadog]

Don

[@levikatriel]

This was almost a prequel of the drive though

[@brianarbenz1329]

Next time you’re near the end zone, try handing the ball off to someone like, say, Ernest Byner. That’ll work!

[@CTubeMan]

I felt this needed a separate post, but when I first saw the concept of this video I thought of how I started mounting my “In Defense Of” Tony Romo in 2013. In Week 15 that year Dallas lost to Green Bay thanks in part to two late game interceptions by Romo. On one the receiver either ran the wrong route or gave up on the route. The other was on a pass toward the middle of the field. This added to Romo’s reputation as a late-game choker. He tried to shed that reputation with a late-game drive to win in Washington the next week. However, Romo hurt his back in the process and had to miss the Cowboys game against the Eagles in the season finale that would decide the NFC East championship. Late in the game Philadelphia led 24-22 when backup quarterback Kyle Orton threw an interception on a pass in the middle of the field. Just about the exact same play. To me it proved that Romo’s late-game interceptions were less his fault than many believed. I thought of all this thinking how the two scenarios were similar. I didn’t know until watching this video how similar they were, right down to the fact that the second interception was thrown by a backup quarterback.

[@matthewdaley746]

In that same vein, Eli Manning, Joe Flacco, and, Nick Foles, were, all thought of, simply, as, merely, average, QBs. However, they, were, able to, beat, Tom Brady in big Games, but, Ben Roethlisberger, NEVER, did.

[@penguinsfan251]

@@matthewdaley746 Matthew Daley again...you loser. Ben has two Super Bowl rings and is certain to be in the Hall of Fame regardless of how the Steelets fared against the Patriots. By the way, the entire team lost the game, coaches and players. Guess you missed that.

[@matthewdaley746]

​@@penguinsfan251 Penguins Fan, BIGGEST, Loser, I, seriously, never, missed that, and, I couldn't, possibly, ever.

[@toddbiesel4288]

Yes, the Browns needed a TD against Pittsburgh, vs. a FG against Oakland, but they missed a FG earlier in the game (with a different kicker than in 1980, by the way), so they would have been down 3 instead of 6 with that make, and maybe they alter their play-calling, needing just a field goal to tie.

[@farmasyst]

The Chiefs ran the same play, but in a flipped manner, against the Eagles in the Super Bowl this year. One went to Toney for a touchdown, the other went to Schuster .

[@KMcNally117]

14,371 days ago. 39 years, 4 months, and 3 days ago. Top that SCOTT.

[@gilbertgiles]

INDEFENSIBLE!!!

[@davee.9906]

Poor Browns fans. I really hope they win one soon.

[@kristopherjames1742]

To add insult to injury, the DB didn't get two feet in bounds after he stopped juggling the ball.

[@silverback7675]

Fun fact, same lead NBC announcer too: Don Criqui

[@Fireyninjadog]

Ironically, don criqui was there both times. The greatest announcer in the history of football

[@CTubeMan]

1. A 98-yard drive in a Cleveland Browns game. 2. I’m not sure JT Thomas had control of the ball with both feet down inbounds.

[@matthewdaley746]

1. It goes, against, the Browns, (never, fails). 2. The Steelers always get every call, (unless they're playing the Patriots).

[@bubbafug00gle51]

@@matthewdaley746 Like the call in 2005 playoffs vs colts where Troy clearly picked Manning off to practically seal the game... and then the refs completely shat the bed on replay? Maybe the infamous Lions game where the ref botched Bus's coin toss call? The ridiculous 12 men on the field call vs the Vikings where Cowher lost his mind? Or the dozen or so other times the league has sent them apology letters for blowing calls? Every team gets fucked... it just hurts worse if your team sucks and you are excited by even getting close. Don't worry though, you may get your chance to gloat instead of crying over the next few years.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@bubbafug00gle51 The Patriots, won, the Game, anyway, Jerome Bettis said, Heads-Tails, the defense couldn't make a play, Bill Cowher's a professional whiner, you're crying a lot, more, than, me, that's all.

[@bubbafug00gle51]

@@matthewdaley746 What Patriots game? If you mean the Steelers won vs Colts... that was kind of my point good teams overcome getting screwed. I'm honestly not whining, I understand bad shot happens to everyone... I was just listing counter examples. I could list just as many calls where we benefited from referee errors. I just happen to notice that fans of teams who suck tend to be the ones who feel they are unlucky. Good teams overcome bad calls and avoid being in a spot where a blown call kills them. Also, FWIW, I despise the Steelers fans who whine about the pats "cheating"

[@matthewdaley746]

@@bubbafug00gle51 The Colts Game you mentioned, if anything, the Steelers fans should complain about them Constantly Playing Down To The Level Of Their Competition, oh, also, the, Ravens, Giants, Broncos, and, Eagles, somehow, had no problem, beating, the Patriots, at all.

[@kylecruel]

Gotta love these flashback games where cars are parked in the sideline / end zone area. Why was that a good idea??

[@colderbeer]

You are upset over nothing.

[@kylecruel]

@@colderbeer Your comment added nothing.

[@penguinsfan251]

In Pittsburgh, Dodge and Chrysler/Plymouth were Steelers sponsors. That is why the cars were there.

[@kylecruel]

@@penguinsfan251 Ok but why was that a good idea with players potentially running into them? That was the crux of my question.

[@marcusanderson4652]

All they had to do was kick a field goal to beat the Raiders, they were down 14-12 in field goal range and 1980 would've probably became their Super Bowl season.

[@matthewdaley746]

Yeah, but, when it's, not, there, you throw it out of the stadium, everybody knows that, except, for, Brian Sipe, that is.

[@BIG-D-STAR]

@@matthewdaley746 My faulty] recollection after all these years was that it was a 4th down play, obviously, I was mistaken.

[@matthewdaley746]

@@BIG-D-STAR Whatever, down it, was, the Browns, were, far too aggressive, and, it backfired, fatally.

[@matthewdaley746]

@Ted Morlock Results dictate our decisions.

[@charleswilliamsjr2095]

Cleveland won at three rivers stadium in the late 80's!

[@Bruce12867]

They finally won there in 1986.

[@blazer79]

They won four straight trips to Three Rivers Stadium from 1986-1989.

[@juliansmith1951]

They were already in field goal range kick the field goal

[@blazer79]

@@juliansmith1951 If you’re referring to the Browns-Steelers game in 1981, the Steelers led 13-7, so a FG would have been useless.

[@juliansmith1951]

@@blazer79 I'm referring to their playoff game at home vs the raiders milk the clock to 3 or 2 seconds then the kick a walk off field goal

[@karlcooper8460]

The bar brothers Matt and Chris didn't you just love em.

[@michaelchristopher3845]

Barr not Bar

[@PrepTopia1]

Same play maybe, but completely different circumstances. The second time they absolutely needed to throw it into the end zone. A FG wouldn't do them any good.

[@eskewroberts7663]

Sooooo ... Lead left 22

[@RicoBurghFan]

Cleveland loses in a heartbreaker vs Pittsburgh. Lather rinse repeat.

[@redmustangredmustang]

If Don Cockroft wasn't hurt or if Cleveland put him on IR and found another kicker then Cleveland wouldn't have been in this mess. Cleveland was the better team that day against the Raiders, but it all that matters on the scoreboard the Raiders won.

[@matthewdaley746]

Yeah, too bad Brian Sipe thought the Raiders' defender, was, Lake Erie.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Not to rub salt into wounds, but the following season was the strike, then in 1983 when the team looked good at 8-5, they fell short, just missing the playoffs. The following season Sipe left for the USFL, Mike Pruitt and Dave Logan's careers were all but over, and the following year the Browns started 1-7 and Rutigliano was fired. This era, and all of its hope going back to 1979, was over. Though of course a few years later Marty Schottenheimer led the team to a 12-4 season, only to lose after The Drive.

[@alfjgist]

Paul Macdonald was a Steeler killer after this game.

[@Fireyninjadog]

The Kardiac kids turned into the cardiac craps

[@vickrunalza8057]

After the INT the second foot was out of bounds thus it should’ve not counted although I know that there wasn’t any Instant Replay.

[@johnc5905]

Browns did it again 1984 patriots game!

[@denisceballos9745]

You’re right. In week 6 in 1984, at Municipal Stadium in a game vs the Patriots. Coach R opted for Red Right 88 with Paul McDonald throwing to Duriel Harris with 23 seconds left - Browns were on the Patriot 21, and the Patriots were leading 17-16. They should have kicked a FG. Instead - interception. Game over. Check it out - its posted on U-tube.

[@augustincampagna9215]

Red right 88 but the play was flipped 😭😭

[@ZDiddy7777]

How the hell do you find this stuff?!?!

[@trevorhembrough1290]

I’m sorry....Thirteen of FORTY??!? And that guy was MVP that season???

[@Bruce12867]

You try throwing a football in a -36°F wind chill with tons of beef bearing down on you.

[@penguinsfan251]

The Browns were not the only team who had rotten results in Three Rivers, but the Steelers were usually better than their opponents. Going back to the 1980 season - the Browns won the AFC Central in a tiebreaker with the Oilers, who were both 11-5. Oakland eliminated Houston in the wild card game the previous week. Ironically, all 5 AFC playoff teams were 11-5. The Browns won a number of close games with last minute heroics. They lost two close games in the final seconds, in Pittsburgh and in Minnesota. That game in Cleveland was brutally cold. While Cleveland had capable running backs in Mike Pruitt, Greg Pruitt and Cleo Miller, they relied too much on the pass. Cockroft had a terrible game. I think the Browns could not replace him due to the rosters being frozen (sorry for the pun). Sipe should have thrown the ball away. They should have tried the field goal. No guarantee they would have made it. Such is sports.

[@darrellhall6622]

The play was called Blue Left 88 (LoL)

[@joshuaecht]

The '81 team didn't have the magic of '80, like '21 and '20. The '81 team was close after beating the 8-3 49ers to get to 5-6 but then fell apart. Sipe wasn't himself that year. Weirdly, they beat the 49ers AND the Bengals (both SB participants).

[@chrisayres2340]

can you believe sipe's stats for that game against the raiders 13 for 40 for 183 and 3 picks.....not that any nfl team would let a qb do that in todays' game as he would be pulled long before the 40th attempt, but imagine baker going 13 for 30 with those same stats and throwing an interception to end the game, especially when a fg would win the game...if that were to happen i literally think that some cleveland crazy might try to kill him

[@pierretampa]

You, have to remember that was one of the coldest games ever. Minus i degree and the wind shield made it minus 37 degrees. It was bad play calling should have run the ball more. Brain Sipe was the comeback king in 1979 and 80, and MVP in 1980 there is no way you pull him and put in rookie Paul McDonald who did a horrible job of holding the ball for field goals.

[@karlcooper8460]

As good as sipe was that year MVP I can't help but believe joe Montana would have seen Dave Logan out in the flat and would have hit him in stride play called be damned Joe would have checked off.

[@lennierofthethirdfaneofchu7286]

So, Red Left 88?

[@bb-gc2tx]

This is called the red left 88 game lol

[@daviddickey9762]

How was he a qb if he never played it before.never completed a pass before leads 1 to believe a random guy was going to be the qb.

[@karlcooper8460]

It was those ugly orange pants that jinxed them.

[@karlcooper8460]

Mcdonald was a big time bust he was real good at USC he was a lefty.

[@scottconner7930]

40 Years Ago

[@charleebrown7188]

Interesting, but not video worthy. When the exact thing happens 5 times then you can call it freaky. Example: the Florida State Seminoles lost to the Miami Hurricanes five times, by missing a field goal wide right. Each FG would have won the game, obviously each miss lost the game. They missed them all. All wide to the right. All as time expired.

[@johncatalano7185]

Typical Browns luck...............

[@antonioriversrivers7925]

Man you talk to much and some of the stuff you talk about isn't necessary.