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1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season

Pittsburgh Steelers 42nd US football season

Field	Value
team	Pittsburgh Steelers
year	1974
record	10–3–1
division_place	1st AFC Central
coach	Chuck Noll
owner	Art Rooney
general manager	Daniel M. Rooney
stadium	Three Rivers Stadium
playoffs	Won [Divisional Playoffs](1974-75-nfl-playoffs)
(vs. [Bills](1974-buffalo-bills-season)) 32–14
Won [AFC Championship](1974-75-nfl-playoffs)
(at [Raiders](1974-oakland-raiders-season)) 24–13
Won Super Bowl IX
(vs. [Vikings](1974-minnesota-vikings-season)) 16–6
pro bowlers	{{Collapsible list
framestyle	border:none; padding:0;
title	6
1	PK Roy Gerela
2	DT Joe Greene
3	DE L. C. Greenwood
4	LB Jack Ham
5	RB Franco Harris
6	LB Andy Russell
AP All-pros	{{Collapsible list
framestyle	border:none; padding:0;
title	4
1	Joe Greene (1st team)
2	L. C. Greenwood (1st team)
3	Jack Ham (1st team)
4	Roy Gerela (2nd team)
MVP	Glen Edwards
ROY	Jack Lambert
shortnavlink	Steelers seasons

(vs. Bills) 32–14 Won AFC Championship (at Raiders) 24–13 Won Super Bowl IX (vs. Vikings) 16–6 | AP All-pros = {{Collapsible list The 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 42nd in the National Football League (NFL). They improved to a 10–3–1 regular-season record, won the AFC Central division title, sending them to the playoffs for the third consecutive season, and won a Super Bowl championship, the first league title in Steelers' history. This was the first of six consecutive AFC Central division titles for the Steelers, and the first of four Super Bowl championships in the same time period.

The Steelers also made history by playing in the NFL's first-ever regular season overtime game, the league having introduced a 15-minute sudden-death period to break ties. Their Week 2 contest against the Denver Broncos nevertheless ended in a 35–35 tie. As of 2023 no other team has ever won the Super Bowl after recording a tie in the overtime era.

On March 9, 2007, NFL Network aired an episode of America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions that covered the 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers, with team commentary from Franco Harris, Joe Greene, and Andy Russell, and narrated by Ed Harris.

Offseason

NFL draft

During the offseason, the Steelers held their training camp in St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

During the 1974 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers would draft WR Lynn Swann in Round 1, LB Jack Lambert in Round 2, WR John Stallworth in Round 4, and C Mike Webster in Round 5, and they also signed S Donnie Shell as an undrafted free agent. All five would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As of 2025, the 1974 Steelers are the only team in NFL history to select four Hall of Fame players in one single draft and acquire five in a single rookie class.

Preseason

In the 1974 preseason, the Steelers went 6–0 and were the only undefeated team in the NFL. However, most of the talk was centered around the NFL's first successful black quarterback, Joe Gilliam. Chuck Noll started Gilliam in the preseason and after it ended, Noll started him for the first few games of the regular season. Gilliam's stellar performance in the preseason sparked a quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh.

Regular season

Following playoff appearances in both of the two previous seasons, the Steelers appeared to be in great shape after finishing the preseason as the only undefeated team in the NFL. After the first two regular season games, the Steelers had scored a total of 65 points and were 1–0–1, but then lost to the Oakland Raiders at home. The play of the Steelers' starting quarterback at the time, Joe Gilliam, continually deteriorated. By week 7, the Steelers were 4–1–1 and Gilliam was benched for Terry Bradshaw during a win against the Atlanta Falcons. Bradshaw won the next two games, but after a loss in Cincinnati, Noll benched Bradshaw again, this time in favor of Terry Hanratty (who had been selected in the 1969 draft). However, Hanratty played horribly in Cleveland. The offense was struggling, but the Steelers had won those tough games behind the still-maturing Steel Curtain defense. When Bradshaw was brought back into the starting lineup, the Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Saints (in a game in which Bradshaw ran for more yards than he passed for). After a loss to Houston, the Steelers played the most important game of their regular season in New England. A win over the Patriots would clinch the AFC Central division title for the Steelers and put them in the playoffs for the third straight year. The Steelers defeated the Patriots, then beat the Cincinnati Bengals, and awaited the playoffs.

Playoffs

In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Steelers played the Buffalo Bills. Sports Illustrateds Dan Jenkins wrote that Pittsburgh was "the only team to reach the playoffs without a quarterback". However, the Steelers dominated Buffalo and held its star running back O. J. Simpson to 49 yards rushing (it was Simpson's only playoff game appearance).

In the 1974 AFC Championship game, the Steelers played an old foe, the Oakland Raiders. Each year, their rivalry was escalating: they had met in the playoffs the previous two seasons. In 1972, the Steelers won in Pittsburgh; in 1973, the Raiders returned the favor in Oakland. In this third playoff meeting, the Steelers were ready for anything the Raiders could throw at them. Using the new "Stunt 4–3 defense" the Steelers held the Raiders to 29 yards rushing as the Steelers themselves ran for over 200 yards in Oakland. After a Franco Harris touchdown run, the Steelers clinched their first Super Bowl appearance in club history (and their first league championship game appearance).

Super Bowl IX

The Steelers met the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX. Both teams had a hard time in the rough weather conditions at old Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. After many exchanges of punts, the Steelers finally scored a safety on a bobbled handoff by Viking quarterback Fran Tarkenton. The score at the half was 2–0. The Steel Curtain continually dominated the Vikings. Vikings coach Bud Grant tried to run at the strength of the Steel Curtain, but they were shut down. The only points Minnesota scored came from a blocked punt that the Vikings recovered in the end zone for a touchdown; the subsequent extra point attempt was blocked. After the MVP performance by running back Franco Harris (34 carries for a then-Super Bowl-record 158 yards and a touchdown), the Steelers came away with a 16–6 victory. It was the first league title in Steelers history.

Personnel

Staff

President – Arthur J. Rooney
Vice president – John R. McGinley
Vice president – Daniel M. Rooney
Vice president – Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
Public relations director – Ed Kiely
Traveling secretary – James A. Boston
Controller – Robert P. Quinn
Accountant – Dennis P. Thimons
Publicity director – Joe Gordon
Ticket manager – Joseph H. Carr
Director of player personnel – Dick Haley
Assistant director of player personnel – Bill Nunn
Director of professional scouting – V. Timothy Rooney
Head coach – Chuck Noll
Offensive backfield – Dick Hoak
Offensive line – Dan Radakovich
Receivers – Lionel Taylor
Defensive coordinator – Bud Carson
Defensive line – George Perles
Linebackers – Woody Widenhofer
Strength – Louis Riecke
Flexibility – Paul Uram
Team physician, orthopedic – Dr. John Best
Team Physician, M.D. – Dr. David S. Huber
Team dentist – Dr. Robert Gray
Trainer – Ralph Berlin
Equipment manager – Anthony Parisi
Field manager – Jack Hart

Roster

1974 schedules

Preseason schedule

year=1974	border=2}}"	Week	Pittsburgh Steelers
at [New Orleans Saints](1974-new-orleans-saints-season)	W 26–7	1–0	Tulane Stadium
[Chicago Bears](1974-chicago-bears-season)	W 50–21	2–0	Three Rivers Stadium
at [Philadelphia Eagles](1974-philadelphia-eagles-season)	W 33–30(OT)	3–0	Veterans Stadium
[New York Giants](1974-new-york-giants-season)	W 17–7	4–0	Three Rivers Stadium
at [Washington Redskins](1974-washington-redskins-season)	W 21–19	5–0	RFK Stadium
[Dallas Cowboys](1974-dallas-cowboys-season)	W 41–15	6–0	Texas Stadium

Regular season schedule

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Week	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974
September 15	[Baltimore Colts](1974-baltimore-colts-season)	NBC	W 30–0	1–0	Three Rivers Stadium
September 22	at [Denver Broncos](1974-denver-broncos-season)	NBC	T 35–35(OT)	1–0–1	Mile High Stadium
September 29	[Oakland Raiders](1974-oakland-raiders-season)	NBC	L 0–17	1–1–1	Three Rivers Stadium
October 6	at [Houston Oilers](1974-houston-oilers-season)	NBC	W 13–7	2–1–1	Astrodome
October 13	at [Kansas City Chiefs](1974-kansas-city-chiefs-season)	NBC	W 34–24	3–1–1	Arrowhead Stadium
October 20	[Cleveland Browns](1974-cleveland-browns-season)	NBC	W 20–16	4–1–1	Three Rivers Stadium
	[Atlanta Falcons](1974-atlanta-falcons-season)	ABC	W 24–17	5–1–1	Three Rivers Stadium
November 3	[Philadelphia Eagles](1974-philadelphia-eagles-season)	CBS	W 27–0	6–1–1	Three Rivers Stadium
November 10	at [Cincinnati Bengals](1974-cincinnati-bengals-season)	NBC	L 10–17	6–2–1	Riverfront Stadium
November 17	at [Cleveland Browns](1974-cleveland-browns-season)	NBC	W 26–16	7–2–1	Cleveland Municipal Stadium
	at [New Orleans Saints](1974-new-orleans-saints-season)	ABC	W 28–7	8–2–1	Tulane Stadium
December 1	[Houston Oilers](1974-houston-oilers-season)	NBC	L 10–13	8–3–1	Three Rivers Stadium
December 8	at [New England Patriots](1974-new-england-patriots-season)	NBC	W 21–17	9–3–1	Schaefer Stadium
	[Cincinnati Bengals](1974-cincinnati-bengals-season)	NBC	W 27–3	10–3–1	Three Rivers Stadium
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Postseason schedule

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Week	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974
December 22	[Buffalo Bills](1974-buffalo-bills-season)	NBC	W 32–14	11–3–1	Three Rivers Stadium
December 29	[at Oakland Raiders](1974-oakland-raiders-season)	NBC	W 24–13	12–3–1	Oakland Coliseum
January 12	[Minnesota Vikings](1974-minnesota-vikings-season)	NBC	W 16–6	13–3–1	Old Tulane Stadium

Standings

Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 15, 1974): vs. [[1974 Baltimore Colts season|Baltimore Colts]]

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game: 0 hours, 0 minutes

Colts	Game statistics	Steelers	First downs	Rushes–yards	Passing yards	Passes	Sacked–yards	Net passing yards	Total yards	Return yards	Punts	Fumbles–lost	Penalties–yards
11	18
34–118	29–103
102	289
9–20–2	18–37–1
6–54	0–0
48	289
166	392
98	73
8–33.3	4–45.5
3–2	3–1
3–20	4–32

In week 1, the Steelers started #17 Joe Gilliam as he completed 17 of his 31 passes for 257 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception. Gilliam became the first African-American quarterback in league history to play in a game as the designated opening-day starter. The defense held Baltimore to 166 total yards and forced 4 turnovers in the shutout win.

Week 2 (Sunday, September 22, 1974): at [[1974 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]

Point spread:
Over/under:
Time of game: 3 hours, 7 minutes

Steelers	Game statistics	Broncos	First downs	Rushes–yards	Passing yards	Passes	Sacked–yards	Net passing yards	Total yards	Return yards	Punts	Fumbles–lost	Penalties–yards
33	20
40–160	37–156
348	191
31–50–2	12–27–2
3–24	3–15
324	176
484	332
121	145
6–41.7	7–44.4
3–2	1–1
12–91	7–61

In week 2, the Steelers were carried to a 35–35 OT tie with #32 Franco Harris' running game and #17 Joe Gilliam's 348 passing yards. It was the first regular season overtime game in NFL history. Denver coach John Ralston said of Gilliam that "it was possibly the finest performance I have ever seen by a quarterback."

Game Summaries

Stats

Passing

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Passing	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Player	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Pos	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	G	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	GS	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	QBrec	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974
Gilliam	QB	9	6	4–1–1	96	212	45.3	1274	4	1.9	8	3.8	61	6.0	4.7	13.3	141.6	55.4	7	79	5.46	4.18	3.2	1	1
Bradshaw	QB	8	7	5–2–0	67	148	45.3	785	7	4.7	8	5.4	56	5.3	3.8	11.7	98.1	55.2	10	104	4.31	2.92	6.3
Hanratty	QB	3	1	1–0–0	3	26	11.5	95	1	3.8	5	19.2	35	3.7	-4.2	31.7	31.7	15.5	1	13	3.04	-4.56	3.7	1	0

Rushing

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Rushing	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Player	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Pos	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	G	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	GS	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Att	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Yds	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	TD	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Lng	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Y/A	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Y/G	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	A/G

Receiving

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Receiving	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Player	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Pos	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	G	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	GS	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Rec	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Yds	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Y/R	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	TD	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Lng	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	R/G	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Y/G	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Ctch%

Kicking

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Kicking	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Games	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	0–19	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	20–29	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	30–39	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	40–49	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	50+	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Scoring	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Player	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Pos	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	G	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	GS	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGA	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGM	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGA	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGM	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGA	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGM	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGA	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGM	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGA	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGM	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGA	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FGM	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Lng	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FG%	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	XPA	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	XPM	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	XP%

Punting

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Punting	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Player	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Pos	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	G	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	GS	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Pnt	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Yds	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Lng	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Blck	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Y/P

Kick Return

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Kick return

Punt Return

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Punt return

Sacks

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Sacks	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Player	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Pos	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	G	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	GS	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Sk

Interceptions

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Interceptions

Fumbles

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Fumbles

Tackles

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Tackles

Scoring Summary

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Scoring Summary

Team

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Team	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Total Yds & TO	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Passing	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Rushing	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Penalties	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Player	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	PF	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Yds	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Ply	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Y/P	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	TO	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	FL	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1stD	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Cmp	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Att	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Yds	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	TD	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Int	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	NY/A	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1stD	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Att	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Yds	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	TD	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Y/A	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1stD	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Pen	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Yds	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1stPy	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Team Stats	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	305	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	4375	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	950	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	4.6	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	40	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	19	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	251	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	166	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	386	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1958	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	12	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	21	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	4.8	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	98	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	546	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	2417	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	19	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	4.4	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	136	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	104	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	978	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	17	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Opp. Stats	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	189	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	3074	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	863	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	3.6	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	47	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	22	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	200	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	147	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	339	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1466	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	14	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	25	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	3.7	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	83	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	472	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1608	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	7	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	3.4	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	87	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	76	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	575	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	30	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Lg Rank Offense	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	6	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	8	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	24	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	25	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	9	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	10	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	21	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	15	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	14	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	20	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	4	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	2	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	5	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	4	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	Lg Rank Defense	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	2	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	3	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	6	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	13	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	3	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	1	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	12	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	6	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	2	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"	4	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"		Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}}"

Quarter-by-quarter

Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	Quarter-by-quarter	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	Team	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	1	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	2	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	3	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	4	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	OT	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	T	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	Steelers	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	69	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	102	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	78	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	56	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	0	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	305	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	Opponents	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	41	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	74	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	44	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	30	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	0	Pittsburgh Steelers	year=1974	border=2}};"	189

Postseason summary

Divisional (December 22, 1974): vs. [[1974 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]

;First quarter

PIT – Roy Gerela 21-yard field goal. Steelers 3–0.
BUF – Paul Seymour 22-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (John Leypoldt kick). Bills 7–3. ;Second quarter
PIT – Rocky Bleier 27-yard pass from Terry Bradshaw. Steelers 9–7.
PIT – Franco Harris 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick). Steelers 16–7.
PIT – Franco Harris 4-yard run. Steelers 22–7.
PIT – Franco Harris 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick). Steelers 29–7. ;Third quarter
BUF – O. J. Simpson 3-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (John Leypoldt kick). Steelers 29–14. ;Fourth quarter
PIT – Roy Gerela 22-yard field goal. Steelers 32–14. ;Top passers
BUF – Joe Ferguson – 11/26, 164 yards, 2 TD
PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 12/19, 203 yards, TD ;Top rushers
BUF – O. J. Simpson – 15 rushes, 49 yards
PIT – Franco Harris – 24 rushes, 74 yards, 3 TD ;Top receivers
BUF – J.D. Hill – 4 receptions, 59 yards
PIT – Lynn Swann – 3 receptions, 60 yards In this Divisional Round playoff game, the Steelers were described as the only team in the playoffs without a quarterback and were expected to lose at home to Buffalo. The last time the Steelers faced the Bills, O. J. Simpson had rushed for 189 yards and the defense was concerned about him. However, by halftime the Steelers had dominated the line of scrimmage and the offense took time away from the Bills as the Steelers went up 29–7. #12 Terry Bradshaw was in the best game of his career. By the end of the game, O. J. was held to 49 yards rushing in his only playoff game of his career. After three weeks of solid performance by everyone, the Steelers were ready to rematch the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship Game.

AFC Championship Game (Sunday, December 29, 1974): at [[1974 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]

In the 1974 AFC Championship Game, all the hype was centered around the Raiders who had ended Miami's reign in stunning a play that went into NFL Lore as the "Sea of Hands". Raiders coach, John Madden however went a little too far in his praising of both teams when he said that when the two best teams in professional football get together, Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raiders, great things will happen. Steelers stoic head coach Chuck Noll galvanized the team's spirit by making an unexpected comment. He said that the best team in the NFL was the team in this room. The Steelers would dominate the Raiders in Oakland by using the Stunt 4–3 and stopping the great Oakland offensive line. The Steelers rushed for over 200 yards as the Raiders rushed for a mere 29. Franco Harris ran for the final touchdown and sealed the first Super Bowl appearance in Steelers' history. This game would set the tone for what to come for the rest of the decade. |-

Super Bowl IX (January 12, 1975): vs. [[1974 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]

Main article: Super Bowl IX

Pittsburgh – Safety: Dwight White downed Fran Tarkenton in end zone 2–0 PIT
Pittsburgh – TD: Franco Harris 9 yard run (Roy Gerela kick) 9–0 PIT
Minnesota – TD: Terry Brown recovered blocked punt in end zone (kick failed) 9–6 PIT
Pittsburgh – TD: Larry Brown 4 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick) 16–6 PIT Approaching Super Bowl IX, Chuck Noll told his team to go out with no bed check and get the town out of their system. The team had a good time in New Orleans (everyone but #78 Dwight White, who was sick and in the hospital). By Wednesday, they were begging for a bed check. However, that time he gave them and the subsequent responsible attitude was a wonderful way to approach the big game. Noll's approach was in direct contrast to that of Vikings' head coach Bud Grant who had been to two previous Super Bowls, both of which the Vikings lost. The Vikings didn't have a relaxed atmosphere; they were very tense compared to the chilled and relaxed Steelers. Despite the trip to the hospital, #78 Dwight White played and scored the first points in the defensive battle on the first safety in Super Bowl history. The Steelers shut down the Minnesota run game that wanted to attack their opponent's strength the way the Steelers had against Oakland and Buffalo. The Vikings ran 20 times for 17 yards and #10 QB Fran Tarkenton completed just 11 of his 27 passes and threw three interceptions (1 to #75 Joe Greene though he didn't run very far). #32 Franco Harris ran farther than anyone ever had in the Super Bowl to that point, setting a record with 158 yards rushing. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The Steelers became champions for the first time in their 42-year history when #12 Terry Bradshaw threw a strike to #87 Larry Brown for a TD.

Awards, honors and records

#75 Joe Greene, National Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award
#32 Franco Harris, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player
Most Hall of Famers selected in one draft
#58 Jack Lambert, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
#88 Lynn Swann leader in punt return yards (577)

References

Jenkins, Dan. (December 23, 1974). "For Openers, Super Bowl VIII½".
"1974 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide".
"1974 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide".
"1975 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide".
"1974 Pittsburgh Steelers".
"Baltimore Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 15th, 1974".
"Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos - September 22nd, 1974".

Info: Wikipedia Source

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