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1978 Houston Oilers season

NFL team season

NFL team season

FieldValue
teamHouston Oilers
year1978
record10–6
division_place2nd AFC Central
coachBum Phillips
ownerBud Adams
general managerBum Phillips
stadiumAstrodome
playoffs**Won [Wild Card Playoffs](1978-79-nfl-playoffs)**
(at [Dolphins](1978-miami-dolphins-season)) 17–9
**Won [Divisional Playoffs](1978-79-nfl-playoffs)**
(at [Patriots](1978-new-england-patriots-season)) 31–14
Lost [AFC Championship](1978-79-nfl-playoffs)
(at [Steelers](1978-pittsburgh-steelers-season)) 5–34
pro_bowlers**FB** Earl Campbell
**DT** Elvin Bethea
**LB** Robert Brazile
**FS** Mike Reinfeldt
**K** Toni Fritsch
AP All-pros**FB** Earl Campbell (1st team)
**LB** Robert Brazile (1st team)
**DT** Elvin Bethea (2nd team)
**DE** Curley Culp (2nd team)
shortnavlinkOilers seasons

(at Dolphins) 17–9 Won Divisional Playoffs (at Patriots) 31–14 Lost AFC Championship (at Steelers) 5–34 DT Elvin Bethea LB Robert Brazile FS Mike Reinfeldt K Toni Fritsch | AP All-pros = FB Earl Campbell (1st team) LB Robert Brazile (1st team) DT Elvin Bethea (2nd team) DE Curley Culp (2nd team)

The 1978 Houston Oilers season was the franchise's 19th overall and the ninth in the National Football League (NFL). Led by Rookie RB Earl Campbell, who won both the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Offensive Player of the Year, who rushed for 1,450 yards, the Oilers made the playoffs with a 10–6 record, making the playoffs for the first time since 1969, qualifying in the newly created fifth Wild Card spot. The franchise scored 283 points while the defense gave up 298 points. Their record of 10 wins and 6 losses resulted in a second-place finish in the AFC Central Division. In the playoffs, the Oilers would stun the Miami Dolphins, 17–9, in the two teams first playoff meeting, then defeated the New England Patriots 31–14 in New England to advance to their first ever AFC Championship game, but in that game, they would score a mere 5 points in a 34–5 blowout loss to the eventual champion Steelers.

Season summary

The Oilers appeared twice on Monday Night Football. In their first appearance on Monday Night Football, the Oilers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24–17. In their second appearance, the Oilers defeated the Miami Dolphins 35–30. The Oilers number one draft pick, Earl Campbell, a 5–11, 232-pound ball-carrying dynamo from the University of Texas, joined the Houston Oilers as the first player taken in the 1978 National Football League Draft. The first player to earn All-Southwest Conference honors four years, Campbell was a consensus All-America and the Heisman Trophy winner in 1977. Campbell took the NFL by storm right from the very start. In 1978, he was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player, All-Pro, and Rookie of the Year. He won the league rushing championship with 1,450 yards and was named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad. Possibly the highlight of the Oilers' fantastic season was the contest against the Miami Dolphins, in which Campbell racked up 199 yards, 81 of them coming on a TD run in the fourth quarter.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1978 NFL draft

Personnel

Roster

  • Billy Johnson WR (IR) [[File:Injury icon 2.svg|10px]]

Preseason

Schedule

Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"WeekHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"DateHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OpponentHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"ResultHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"RecordHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"VenueHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"AttendanceHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"Recap1234
[Denver Broncos](1978-denver-broncos-season)L 12–170–1Astrodome48,027
[Philadelphia Eagles](1978-philadelphia-eagles-season)L 10–280–2Astrodome49,334
at [Dallas Cowboys](1978-dallas-cowboys-season)**W** 27–131–2Texas Stadium62,242
[New Orleans Saints](1978-new-orleans-saints-season)L 3–171–3Astrodome49,554

Pre season Game summaries

Week P1 (Saturday, August 5, 1978): vs. [[1978 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]

  • Time of game:
Denver Broncosyear=1978border=2}}"BroncosGame statisticsHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yards

Week P2 (Monday, August 14, 1978): vs. [[1978 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]]

  • Time of game:
Philadelphia Eaglesyear=1978border=2}}"EaglesGame statisticsHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yards

Week P3 (Saturday, August 19, 1978): at [[1978 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]]

  • Time of game:
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersGame statisticsDallas Cowboysyear=1978border=2}}"CowboysFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yards

Week P4 (Saturday, August 26, 1978): vs. [[1978 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]

Regular season

On November 20, 1978, the Oilers took on the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. In order to boost team spirit, the Oilers gave each fan a blue and white pom-pom before the game. The sight of over 50,000 fans waving the pom-poms inspired the Oilers to a 35–30 victory, behind Campbell's 199 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. This would be the start of Luv Ya Blue.

Schedule

Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"WeekHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"DateHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OpponentHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"ResultHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"RecordHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"VenueHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"AttendanceHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"Recap12345678910111213141516Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"**Note:** Intra-division opponents are in **bold** text.
at [Atlanta Falcons](1978-atlanta-falcons-season)**L** 14–200–1Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium57,328[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809030atl.htm)
September 10at [Kansas City Chiefs](1978-kansas-city-chiefs-season)**W** 20–171–1Arrowhead Stadium40,213[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809100kan.htm)
September 17[San Francisco 49ers](1978-san-francisco-49ers-season)**W** 20–192–1Astrodome46,161[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809170oti.htm)
[Los Angeles Rams](1978-los-angeles-rams-season)**L** 6–102–2Astrodome45,749[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809240oti.htm)
October 1at **[Cleveland Browns](1978-cleveland-browns-season)****W** 16–133–2Cleveland Municipal Stadium72,776[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810010cle.htm)
October 8at [Oakland Raiders](1978-oakland-raiders-season)**L** 17–213–3Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum52,550[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810080rai.htm)
October 15[Buffalo Bills](1978-buffalo-bills-season)**W** 17–104–3Astrodome47,727[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810150oti.htm)
at **[Pittsburgh Steelers](1978-pittsburgh-steelers-season)****W** 24–175–3Three Rivers Stadium48,021[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810230pit.htm)
October 29at **[Cincinnati Bengals](1978-cincinnati-bengals-season)****L** 13–285–4Riverfront Stadium50,532[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197810290cin.htm)
November 5**[Cleveland Browns](1978-cleveland-browns-season)****W** 14–106–4Astrodome45,827[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197811050oti.htm)
at [New England Patriots](1978-new-england-patriots-season)**W** 26–237–4Schaefer Stadium60,356[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197811120nwe.htm)
[Miami Dolphins](1978-miami-dolphins-season)**W** 35–308–4Astrodome50,290[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197811200oti.htm)
November 26**[Cincinnati Bengals](1978-cincinnati-bengals-season)****W** 17–109–4Astrodome43,245[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197811260oti.htm)
**[Pittsburgh Steelers](1978-pittsburgh-steelers-season)****L** 3–139–5Astrodome54,261[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812030oti.htm)
December 10at [New Orleans Saints](1978-new-orleans-saints-season)**W** 17–1210–5Louisiana Superdome63,169[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812100nor.htm)
December 17[San Diego Chargers](1978-san-diego-chargers-season)**L** 24–4510–6Astrodome49,554[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812170oti.htm)

Standings

Regular Season Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 3, 1978): at [[1978 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]]

  • Point spread: Oilers –3½
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersGame statisticsAtlanta Falconsyear=1978border=2}}"FalconsFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession
1311
21–15635–100
136104
19–36–210–23–0
4–314–33
10571
261171
192153
9–37.19–42.7
4–23–1
7–528–75

Individual stats

Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}};"Oilers PassingC/ATT1YdsTDINTSkYdsLG3Rate
Pastorini19/36136124312147.9
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}};"Oilers RushingCar2YdsTDLG3
Campbell15137173
Wilson619013
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}};"Oilers ReceivingRec4YdsTDLG3
Burrough656019
Caster544118
Coleman445021
Campbell2–80–3
Renfro1303
Carpenter1–40–4
Houston Oilersyear=1979border=2}};"Oilers Kick ReturnsRetYdsY/RtTDLng
Dirden312742.3060
Davis24221.0025
Houston Oilersyear=1979border=2}};"Oilers Punt ReturnsRetYdsY/RtTDLng
Coleman4235.8016
Houston Oilersyear=1979border=2}};"Oilers PuntingPntYdsY/PLngBlck
Parsley933437.1471
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}};"Oilers KickingFGM–FGAXPM–XPA
Fritsch2–2
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}};"Oilers SacksSacks
Brazile2.0
Washington1.0
Kennard1.0

Starting Lineups

PositionHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}};"Starting Lineups at Atlanta
**Offense**
WRKen Burrough
LTGreg Sampson
LGGeorge Reihner
CCarl Mauck
RGMorris Towns
RTConway Hayman
TEMike Barber
WRMike Renfro
QBDan Pastorini
RBEarl Campbell
FBTim Wilson
**Defense**
LDEJames Young
NTCurley Culp
RDEElvin Bethea
LOLBRobert Brazile
LILBSteve Kiner
RILBGregg Bingham
ROLBTed Washington
LCBWillie Alexander
RCBGreg Stemrick
SSBill Currier
WSMike Reinfeldt

Week 2 (Sunday, September 10, 1978): at [[1978 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]

Week 3 (Sunday, September 17, 1978): vs. [[1978 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]

  • Point spread:
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
49ersGame statisticsOilersFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession

In an early test to see how good the Oilers are the Oilers took a 10-6 halftime lead on Earl Campbell's 4-yard touchdown run and a Toni Fritsch's 38-yard field goal while the 49ers countered with kicks of 26 and 19 yards by Ray Wersching. The Oilers extend their lead late in the third quarter with a nearly perfect 13-yard touchdown pass from Dan Pastorini to Ken Burrough, who out-reached cornerback Anthony Leonard in the end zone. But Steve DeBerg who had 321 yards passing this day came back with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Freddie Solomon before the third period and then with 7:51 left in the game completed a 78-yard drive that ended with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Paul Seal. It took a determined 80-yard drive that ended with a clutch 19-yard field goal by Fritsch with 1:16 left to give the Oilers the lead, but the 49ers had one more chance and doing it without O. J. Simpson but Wersching's 46-yard field goal sailed wide left as the Oilers got an important win.

Week 4 (Sunday, September 24, 1978): vs. [[1978 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]]

  • Point spread: Oilers +2½
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
Los Angeles Ramsyear=1978border=2}}"RamsGame statisticsHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession
2610
50–17523–112
220120
17–26–010–20–1
1–70–0
213120
388232
7778
3–47.35–30.6
4–32–1
1–145–29

Week 5 (Sunday, October 1, 1978): at [[1978 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]

Week 6 (Sunday, October 8, 1978): at [[1978 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]

Week 7 (Sunday, October 15, 1978): vs. [[1978 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]

Week 8 (Monday, October 23, 1978): at [[1978 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]

  • Point spread: Oilers +7½
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersGame statisticsPittsburgh Steelersyear=1978border=2}}"SteelersFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession
2221
43–16931–113
160226
13–19–017–33–1
0–01–11
160215
329328
65120
4–40.53–41.3
2–12–0
6–517–53

Week 9 (Sunday, October 29, 1978): at [[1978 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]

Week 10 (Sunday, November 5, 1978): vs. [[1978 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]

Week 11 (Sunday, November 12, 1978): at [[1978 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]

Rob Carpenter 4 REC, 39 YDS Andy Johnson 3 REC, 23 YDS

  • Point spread: Oilers +7
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersGame statisticsNew England Patriotsyear=1978border=2}}"PatriotsFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession
2416
46–12835–144
200130
15–28–19–18–2
1–60–0
194130
394274
99125
3–34.70–0.0
3–33–2
5–302–10

Week 12 (Monday, November 20, 1978): vs. [[1978 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]]

  • Point spread:
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
Miami Dolphinsyear=1978border=2}}"DolphinsGame statisticsHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession

Week 13 (Sunday, November 26, 1978): vs. [[1978 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]

Week 14 (Sunday, December 3, 1978): vs. [[1978 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]

Franco Harris 4 REC, 20 YDS

  • Point spread: Oilers –2½
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
Pittsburgh Steelersyear=1978border=2}}"SteelersGame statisticsHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession
179
48–17726–81
9791
11–24–110–27–3
2–231–8
7483
251164
106128
5–47.85–40.2
1–14–3
7–605–35

Week 15 (Sunday, December 10, 1978): at [[1978 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]

  • Point spread:
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
OilersGame statisticsSaintsFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession

Week 16 (Sunday, December 17, 1978): vs. [[1978 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]

Postseason

Main article: 1978–79 NFL playoffs

Playoffs

Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"RoundHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"DateHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OpponentHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"TimeHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"TVHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"ResultHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"VenueHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"AttendanceHouston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"Recap[Wild Card](1978-afc-wild-card-playoffs-at-miami-dolphins)[Divisional](1978-afc-divisional-playoffs-at-new-england-patriots)[AFC Championship](1978-afc-championship-game-at-pittsburgh-steelers)
at (4) [Miami Dolphins](1978-miami-dolphins-season)3:00p.m. CSTNBC**W** 17–9Miami Orange Bowl70,036[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812240mia.htm)
at (2) [New England Patriots](1978-new-england-patriots-season)12Noon CSTNBC**W** 31–14Schaefer Stadium60,881[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197812310nwe.htm)
at (1) [Pittsburgh Steelers](1978-pittsburgh-steelers-season)12Noon CSTNBCL 5–34Three Rivers Stadium49,417[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197901070pit.htm)

1978 AFC Wild Card Playoffs (Sunday, December 24, 1978): at (A4) [[1978 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]]

  • Point spread:
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersGame statisticsMiami Dolphinsyear=1978border=2}}"DolphinsFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession

Quarterback Dan Pastorini led the Oilers to an upset victory by passing for 306 yards. Houston outgained the Dolphins in total yards, 455-209, and forced 5 turnovers while only losing one on their end.

Miami managed to keep Houston running back Earl Campbell well contained in the first half, limiting him to just 16 yards on 13 carries, but they were unable to handle the passing attack of Pastorini, who completed 16 of 21 passes for 261 yards during that time. Meanwhile, Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese completed just 6 of 16 passes in the first two quarters.

The Dolphins scored first after Earnie Rhone recovered a fumbled punt from Robert Woods at the Houston 21-yard line, setting up quarterback Bob Griese's 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Andre Tillman. However, the Oilers responded with an 11-play, 71-yard drive in which Pastorini completed 6 of 7 passes for 66 yards, the last one a 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Tim Wilson. Neither team scored again until the fourth quarter, despite several chances. In the second quarter, Pastorini completed a 55-yard pass to tight end Mike Barber on the Dolphins 9-yard line, but the drive ended with no points when Toni Fritsch's 28-yard field goal attempt was blocked by linebacker Kim Bokamper. The Oilers later drove to the Dolphins red zone with 14 seconds left in the half. On the next play, Pastorini completed a pass to Ken Burrough, but he was tackled short of the end zone and the clock ran out before the team could spike the ball to stop it.

In the third quarter, Miami blew a chance to take then lead when Garo Yepremian drove a 38-yard field goal attempt wide left. In the final period, Toni Fritsch made a 35-yard field goal to give the Oilers a 10-7 lead. Then linebacker Gregg Bingham intercepted a pass from Griese and returned it 4 yards to midfield. Campbell finally managed to get into gear with a 20-yard run on the ensuing drive, and eventually finished it off with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The Dolphins closed out the scoring, but only when Pastorini ran out of the end zone for an intentional safety to run out the clock.

Despite his poor first half, Campbell finished the game with 84 rushing yards and a 13-yard reception. Wilson rushed for 76 yards and caught 5 passes for 40. Barber had 112 yards on 4 receptions, while Burroughs caught 6 passes for 103. Griese finished the game just 11/28 for 114 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions.

This was the first postseason meeting between the Oilers and Dolphins.

1978 AFC Divisional Playoffs (Sunday, December 31, 1978): at (A2) [[1978 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]

  • Point spread: Oilers +6
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersGame statisticsNew England Patriotsyear=1978border=2}}"PatriotsFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession
2115
54–17420–83
200206
12–15–116–35–3
3–304–26
170180
344263
105142
5–34.84–43.3
1–02–0
2–258–92
33:0626:54

Quarterback Dan Pastorini led the Oilers to a victory by throwing for 200 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Earl Campbell rushed for 118 yards and a score.

After a scoreless first quarter, Houston completely took over the game. Houston receiver Ken Burrough caught a pass from Pastorini at the Pats 40-yard, broke through coverage from Mike Haynes, and took off for a 71-yard touchdown reception.  Raymond Clayborn's 47-yard kickoff return gave the Patriots a chance to strike back, but two plays later, Steve Grogan's pass on a flea flicker play was intercepted by Mike Reinfeldt on the Oilers 1-yard line. Aided by an unnecessary roughness penalty that gave them a first down after failing to convert a 3rd down on their own 7-yard line, Houston drove 99 yards to score on Pastorini's 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mike Barber. Again, the Patriots seemed ready to respond, driving to the Oilers 23-yard line, but again they came up short due to Reinfeldt, who intercepted another pass from Grogan to end the drive. Reinfeldt's 27-yard return and another unnecessary roughness penalty against New England gave the Oilers a first down on the Patriots 49-yard line. Pastorini completed a 22-yard pass to Barder, and eventually got his team a 21-0 lead with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Barber at the end of the possession.

Pastorini finished the first half with 10 of 12 completions for 184 yards and 3 touchdowns. He threw only two passes in the second half, both completions. Meanwhile, Grogan was benched with 18 seconds left in the half, having completed only 3 of 12 passes for 38 yards.

A 30-yard field goal by Toni Fritsch gave the Oilers a 24-0 third quarter lead before New England managed a comeback. First they drove 75 yards to score on Andy Johnson's 24-yard halfback option play pass to receiver Harold Jackson. Then in the fourth quarter, they took advantage of a short field due to a poor punt by Cliff Parsley, scoring on Tom Owen's 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Russ Francis that cut their deficit to 24-14. However, their efforts were dashed on their drive when linebacker Gregg Bingham intercepted an Owen pass and returned it 19 yards to the Patriot 18-yard line, setting up Campbell's 2-yard touchdown run to put the game away.

Francis caught 8 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.

This was the Patriots only playoff loss at Foxboro Stadium. They did not lose another home playoff game again until 31 years later, seven years after Gillette Stadium opened.

This was the first postseason meeting between the Oilers and Patriots.

1978 AFC Championship Game (Sunday, January 7, 1979): at (A1) [[1978 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]

Tim Wilson 5 REC, 31 YDS Rocky Bleier 4 REC, 42 YDS

  • Point spread: Oilers +7
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
Houston Oilersyear=1978border=2}}"OilersGame statisticsPittsburgh Steelersyear=1978border=2}}"SteelersFirst downsRushes–yardsPassing yardsPassesSacked–yardsNet passing yardsTotal yardsReturn yardsPuntsFumbles–lostPenalties–yardsTime of Possession
1021
26–7247–179
96200
12–26–511–19–2
4–260–0
70200
142379
189217
6–39.51–53.0
6–46–3
5–484–32
18:1541:45

On a wet, slick, and slippery field, the Steelers dominated the Oilers by forcing 9 turnovers and only allowing 5 points. Pittsburgh took the early lead by driving 57 yards to score on running back Franco Harris' 7-yard touchdown run. Then, linebacker Jack Ham recovered a fumble at the Houston 17-yard line, which led to running back Rocky Bleier's 15-yard rushing touchdown.

In the second quarter, a 19-yard field goal by Oilers kicker Toni Fritsch cut the score 14–3, but then the Steelers scored 17 points during the last 48 seconds of the second quarter. First, Houston running back Ronnie Coleman lost a fumble, and moments later Pittsburgh wide receiver Lynn Swann caught a 29-yard touchdown reception. Then Johnnie Dirden fumbled the ensuing kickoff, which led to Steelers wide receiver John Stallworth's 17-yard reception. After the Oilers got the ball back, Coleman fumbled again, and Roy Gerela kicked a field goal to increase Pittsburgh's lead, 31–3. Houston never posed a threat for the rest of the game as they turned over the ball four times in their six second-half possessions.

This was the first postseason meeting between the Oilers and Steelers.

Milestones and records

  • Earl Campbell, NFL Rushing Leader, (1,450)
  • Earl Campbell, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
  • Earl Campbell, PFWA NFL MVP
  • Earl Campbell, NEA NFL MVP
  • Earl Campbell, NFL Offensive Player of the Year
  • Earl Campbell, UPI AFL-AFC Player of the Year
  • Earl Campbell, 1st 1,000 yard rushing season
  • Earl Campbell, 1st NFL rushing title

References

References

  1. "Earl Campbell". Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  2. "1978 Houston Oilers draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  3. "1978 Houston Oilers starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  4. "1978 Houston Oilers Statistics & Players".
  5. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1978090302 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2025-May-07.
  6. [https://www.profootballarchives.com.nflboxscores1/nfl1978013.html Pro Football Archives]. Retrieved 2025-May-07
  7. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809030atl.htm Houston Oilers at Atlanta Falcons – September 3, 1978]
  8. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1978091005 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2025-May-07.
  9. [https://www.profootballarchives.com.nflboxscores1/nfl1978027.html Pro Football Archives]. Retrieved 2025-May-07
  10. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1978091710 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2025-May-07.
  11. [https://www.profootballarchives.com.nflboxscores1/nfl1978035.html Pro Football Archives]. Retrieved 2025-May-07
  12. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809170oti.htm San Francisco 49ers at Houston Oilers – September 17, 1978]
  13. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1978092407 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2025-May-07.
  14. [https://www.profootballarchives.com.nflboxscores1/nfl1978045.html Pro Football Archives]. Retrieved 2025-May-07
  15. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197809240oti.htm Los Angeles Rams at Houston Oilers – September 24, 1978]
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