1988 Pittsburgh Steelers season
Encyclopedia
The 1988 Pittsburgh Steelers began the season with the death of Hall of Fame
team founder & owner Art Rooney
at age 87 less than two weeks before the start of the season. The team would wear AJR patches on the left shoulder the entire season in memory of "The Chief".
The death of Rooney, combined with the team having several inexperienced players and aging veterans, saw the team stumble to a 5–11 season, their worst record since finishing an NFL-worst 1–13
in 1969
. As of 2011
, the 5–11 mark remains the team's worst record since 1969, and have only finished with ten losses twice since, in 1999
and 2003
.
retire in wide receiver
John Stallworth
and strong safety Donnie Shell
, who were both from the team's famous Class of 1974
that saw four players go on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
(although Shell was undrafted, he was still from the same rookie class), and in the case of Stallworth, retired as the team's all-time leading receiver. (Stallworth's record was surpassed by Hines Ward
in 2005
.)
Mike Webster, who was also from the Class of 1974, entered the season as the sole remaining member of all four Super Bowl teams. However, change appeared to be imminent when the team drafted Kentucky
guard
Dermontti Dawson
in the second round of the 1988 draft
. Although Dawson would be playing guard his rookie season alongside Webster, it was apparent that Dawson was drafted to be groomed as Webster's eventual replacement at center
. Webster would be released by the Steelers in the following offseason, officially ending the team's link to all four Super Bowl clubs.
To the delight of Steelers fans, and even most of the players, the Mark Malone
era officially ended in the offseason as well. Malone, who had lost the starting quarterback
job to Bubby Brister
the previous year
, was traded to the San Diego Chargers
during the offseason. Malone had also become hugely unpopular with fans and teammates for blaming his mistakes on other players and acting as if he were the "heir" to the QB position after the retirement of Terry Bradshaw
. At one point, a locker room fight between Malone and the rest of the team ensued before being broken up by veteran offensive tackle Tunch Ilkin
.
Week 1 (Sunday September 4, 1988): vs. Dallas Cowboys
at Three Rivers Stadium
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scoring Drives:
Week 2 (Sunday September 11, 1988): at Washington Redskins
at RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
Scoring Drives:
Week 3 (Sunday September 18, 1988): vs. Cincinnati Bengals
at Three Rivers Stadium
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scoring Drives:
Week 4 (Sunday September 25, 1988): at Buffalo Bills
at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Scoring Drives:
Week 5 (Sunday October 2, 1988): vs. Cleveland Browns
at Three Rivers Stadium
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scoring Drives:
, Tempe, Arizona
Scoring Drives:
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scoring Drives:
Week 8 (Sunday October 23, 1988): vs. Denver Broncos
at Three Rivers Stadium
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scoring Drives:
Week 9 (Sunday October 30, 1988): at New York Jets
at Giants Stadium
, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Scoring Drives:
Week 10 (Sunday November 6, 1988): at Cincinnati Bengals
at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Scoring Drives:
Week 11 (Sunday November 13, 1988): vs. Philadelphia Eagles
at Three Rivers Stadium
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scoring Drives:
Week 12 (Sunday November 20, 1988): at Cleveland Browns
at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Scoring Drives:
Week 13 (Sunday November 27, 1988): vs. Kansas City Chiefs
at Three Rivers Stadium
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scoring Drives:
Scoring Drives:
Week 15 (Sunday December 11, 1988): at San Diego Chargers
at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California
Scoring Drives:
Week 16 (Sunday December 18, 1988): vs. Miami Dolphins
at Three Rivers Stadium
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scoring Drives:
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
team founder & owner Art Rooney
Art Rooney
Arthur Joseph "Art" Rooney, Sr. , often referred to as "The Chief", was the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers American football franchise in the National Football League.-Family history:...
at age 87 less than two weeks before the start of the season. The team would wear AJR patches on the left shoulder the entire season in memory of "The Chief".
The death of Rooney, combined with the team having several inexperienced players and aging veterans, saw the team stumble to a 5–11 season, their worst record since finishing an NFL-worst 1–13
1969 NFL season
The 1969 NFL season was the 50th regular season of the National Football League, and the last one before the AFL-NFL Merger. To honor the NFL's 50th season, a special anniversary logo was designed and each player wore a patch on their jerseys with this logo throughout the season.As per the...
in 1969
1969 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 1969 Pittsburgh Steelers is what many consider to be the turning point of this once-moribund franchise. 1969 was the first season for Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Noll, the first season for defensive lineman "Mean Joe" Greene and L. C...
. As of 2011
2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season will be the team's 79th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League . It is expected to be the twelfth season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fifth under head coach Mike Tomlin...
, the 5–11 mark remains the team's worst record since 1969, and have only finished with ten losses twice since, in 1999
1999 Pittsburgh Steelers season
For the second consecutive season the Steelers failed to make the playoffs after starting off the season by winning 5 of their first 8 games. Losing seven of the remaining eight dropped Pittsburgh to 6–10 for the year, their worst record under Bill Cowher....
and 2003
2003 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 2003 Pittsburgh Steelers season began with the team trying to improve on their 10–5–1 record from 2002 in which they lost to the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional round of the playoffs....
.
Offseason
The Steelers saw two of its last three remaining players who won all four Super BowlsSuper Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
retire in wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
John Stallworth
John Stallworth
Johnny Lee Stallworth is a former American football wide receiver who played fourteen seasons in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at Alabama A&M, and was the Steelers' fourth-round draft pick in 1974. Stallworth played in six AFC championships,...
and strong safety Donnie Shell
Donnie Shell
Donnie Shell is a former American Football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League between 1974 and 1987. Shell was a member of the Steelers famed Steel Curtain defense in the 1970s.Shell retired as the NFL strong safety career leader in interceptions with 51...
, who were both from the team's famous Class of 1974
1974 NFL Draft
The 1974 National Football League Draft took place at the Americana Hotel in New York City on January 29–30, 1974. Each of the 26 NFL teams was granted 17 selections for a total of 442 picks....
that saw four players go on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
(although Shell was undrafted, he was still from the same rookie class), and in the case of Stallworth, retired as the team's all-time leading receiver. (Stallworth's record was surpassed by Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
in 2005
2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season began with the team trying to improve on their 15–1 record from 2004 in which they lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Heinz Field. The Steelers, with the sixth and final seed to the playoffs, became just the second team ever to win...
.)
Mike Webster, who was also from the Class of 1974, entered the season as the sole remaining member of all four Super Bowl teams. However, change appeared to be imminent when the team drafted Kentucky
Kentucky Wildcats
The Kentucky Wildcats are the men's and women's intercollegiate athletic squads of the University of Kentucky , a founding member of the Southeastern Conference...
guard
Guard (American football)
In American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team....
Dermontti Dawson
Dermontti Dawson
Dermontti Farra Dawson is a former American football center in the National Football League. He played his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers....
in the second round of the 1988 draft
1988 NFL Draft
The 1988 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24–25, 1988. The league also held a supplemental draft after the regular draft and...
. Although Dawson would be playing guard his rookie season alongside Webster, it was apparent that Dawson was drafted to be groomed as Webster's eventual replacement at center
Center (American football)
Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense...
. Webster would be released by the Steelers in the following offseason, officially ending the team's link to all four Super Bowl clubs.
To the delight of Steelers fans, and even most of the players, the Mark Malone
Mark Malone
Mark M. Malone is a former American football quarterback in the NFL.-Playing career:Malone was the nation's most recruited quarterback in 1975 out of El Cajon Valley High School near San Diego, California...
era officially ended in the offseason as well. Malone, who had lost the starting quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
job to Bubby Brister
Bubby Brister
Walter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
the previous year
1987 Pittsburgh Steelers season
- Schedule :- Week 1 : vs. San Francisco 49ers :at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania* Game time: 1:00 PM EDT* Game weather:* Game attendance: 55,735* Referee: Gordon McCarter...
, was traded to the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
during the offseason. Malone had also become hugely unpopular with fans and teammates for blaming his mistakes on other players and acting as if he were the "heir" to the QB position after the retirement of Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw
Terry Paxton Bradshaw is a former American football quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League . He played 14 seasons. He is a football analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday...
. At one point, a locker room fight between Malone and the rest of the team ensued before being broken up by veteran offensive tackle Tunch Ilkin
Tunch Ilkin
Tunch Ilkin is a Turkish sports broadcaster and a former American football player. He currently serves as a television and radio analyst for the Pittsburgh Steelers.-Biography:...
.
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET North American Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... ) |
TV | Result | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunday September 4 | Dallas Cowboys | Three Rivers Stadium Three Rivers Stadium Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to... |
1:00 PM | CBS | W 24–21 | 1–0 |
| 2 | Sunday September 11 | Washington Redskins | RFK Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | L 30–29 | 1–1 |
| 3 | Sunday September 18 | Cincinnati Bengals | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | L 17–12 | 1–2 |
| 4 | Sunday September 25 | Buffalo Bills | Rich Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | L 36–28 | 1–3 |
| 5 | Sunday October 2 | Cleveland Browns | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | L 23–9 | 1–4 |
| 6 | Sunday October 9 | Phoenix Cardinals | Sun Devil Stadium Sun Devil Stadium Sun Devil Stadium is an outdoor football stadium, located on the campus of Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona, United States. The stadium's current seating capacity is 71,706 and the playing surface is natural grass... |
4:00 PM | NBC | L 31–14 | 1–5 |
| 7 | Sunday October 16 | Houston Oilers | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | L 34–14 | 1–6 |
| 8 | Sunday October 23 | Denver Broncos | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | W 39–21 | 2–6 |
| 9 | Sunday October 30 | New York Jets | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
1:00 PM | NBC | L 24–20 | 2–7 |
| 10 | Sunday November 6 | Cincinnati Bengals | Riverfront Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | L 42–7 | 2–8 |
| 11 | Sunday November 13 | Philadelphia Eagles | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 PM | CBS | L 27–26 | 2–9 |
| 12 | Sunday November 20 | Cleveland Browns | Cleveland Municipal Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | L 27–7 | 2–10 |
| 13 | Sunday November 27 | Kansas City Chiefs | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | W 16–10 | 3–10 |
| 14 | Sunday December 4 | Houston Oilers | Astrodome | 8:00 PM | ESPN | W 37–34 | 4–10 |
| 15 | Sunday December 11 | San Diego Chargers | Jack Murphy Stadium | 4:00 PM | NBC | L 20–14 | 4–11 |
| 16 | Sunday December 18 | Miami Dolphins | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 PM | NBC | W 40–24 | 5–11 |
Week 1 (Sunday September 4, 1988): vs. Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 56,813
- Referee: Gordon McCarterGordon McCarterGordon McCarter was an American football official in the National Football League from 1967 to 1995. He joined the NFL as a line judge and back judge in 1967 before being promoted to referee with the start of the 1974 NFL season when Jack Reader was named Assistant Supervisor of Officials at NFL...
- TV announcers: (CBS) Tim BrantTim BrantTim Brant is an American sportscaster and Vice President and Director of Sports for ABC 7 / WJLA-TV in Washington DC. He has spent nearly thirty years covering sports nationally for CBS and ABC....
(play by play), Hank StramHank StramHenry Louis "Hank" Stram was an American football coach. He is best known for his 15-year tenure with the American Football League's Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs and the Chiefs of the NFL. Stram won three AFL Championships and Super Bowl IV with the Chiefs...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Dallas – Newsome 3 run (ZendejasLuis ZendejasLuis Fernando Zendejas is a Mexican former placekicker in American football. He played college football for Arizona State University, and was the all-time career leading scorer in the NCAA when he left Arizona State...
kick) - Pittsburgh – Jackson 15 run (Anderson kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 32
- Pittsburgh – BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
1 run (Anderson kick) - Dallas – IrvinMichael IrvinMichael Jerome Irvin is a former American football player for the Dallas Cowboys, and actor. He is also a former broadcaster for ESPN's NFL Countdown and currently an analyst for NFL Network. Irvin was self-nicknamed "The Playmaker" due to his penchant for making big plays in big games during his...
35 pass from PelluerSteve PelluerSteven Carl Pelluer is a former professional American football player who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 5th round of the 1984 NFL Draft. A 6'4", 209-lb...
(Zendejas kick) - Pittsburgh – Jackson 29 run (Anderson kick)
- Dallas – Alexander 8 pass from Pelluer (Zendejas kick)
Week 2 (Sunday September 11, 1988): at Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
at RFK Stadium, Washington, DC- Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 54,083
- Referee: Gene BarthGene BarthGene Barth was an American football official in the National Football League , who wore uniform number 14, which is now worn by Ron Winter. He is most notable for being the referee in Super Bowl XVIII, played January 22, 1984.-Personal:...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Curt GowdyCurt GowdyCurtis Edward "Curt" Gowdy was an American sportscaster, well known as the longtime "voice" of the Boston Red Sox and for his coverage of many nationally-televised sporting events, primarily for NBC Sports in the 1960s and 1970s.-Early years:The son of a manager for the Union Pacific railroad,...
(play by play), Merlin OlsenMerlin OlsenMerlin Jay Olsen was an American football player in the National Football League, NFL commentator, and actor. He played his entire 15-year career with the Los Angeles Rams and was elected to the Pro Bowl in 14 of those seasons, a current record shared with Bruce Matthews...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 33
- Washington – Clark 55 pass from Williams (Lohmiller kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 24
- Washington – FG Lohmiller 37
- Pittsburgh – LippsLouis LippsLouis Adam Lipps is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL who played his entire nine-season career for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints....
80 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick) - Pittsburgh – BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
6 run (kick failed) - Washington – Morris 1 run (Lohmiller kick)
- Washington – FG Lohmiller 46
- Pittsburgh – Stone 72 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick) - Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 43
- Washington – Bryant 7 pass from Williams (Lohmiller kick)
- Washington – FG Lohmiller 19
Week 3 (Sunday September 18, 1988): vs. Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 56,647
- Referee: Tom DooleyTom Dooley (American football official)Robert Thomas "Tom" Dooley Jr. was an American football official for 32 years with 14 of those years in the National Football League from 1978 to 1992 as a line judge and referee. Dooley was assigned Super Bowl XV in 1981 as line judge...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Jim DonovanJim Donovan (sportscaster)Jim Donovan is an American radio and television personality who serves as sports director for WKYC channel 3 in Cleveland, Ohio, a post he has held since 1986....
(play by play), Reggie RuckerReggie RuckerReginald Joseph Rucker is a former professional American football player. Rucker played in twelve National Football League seasons from 1970–1981, primarily for the Cleveland Browns. He played college football for Boston University.Rucker has been a part of the Cleveland media since his retirement...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Pittsburgh – Safety, Montoya penalized for holding in end zone
- Cincinnati – Wilson 13 pass from EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
(Breech kick) - Pittsburgh – LippsLouis LippsLouis Adam Lipps is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL who played his entire nine-season career for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints....
9 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick) - CIncinnati – FG Breech 32
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 19
- Cincinnati – Brown 65 pass from EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
(Breech kick)
Week 4 (Sunday September 25, 1988): at Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York- Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 78,735
- Referee: Ben DreithBen DreithBen Dreith is a former American professional football on-field official who worked from 1960 to 1969 in the American Football League and from 1970 to 1990 in the NFL. Prior to his teaching and officiating career, he was a three-sport athlete at the University of Northern Colorado.Dreith developed...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Curt GowdyCurt GowdyCurtis Edward "Curt" Gowdy was an American sportscaster, well known as the longtime "voice" of the Boston Red Sox and for his coverage of many nationally-televised sporting events, primarily for NBC Sports in the 1960s and 1970s.-Early years:The son of a manager for the Union Pacific railroad,...
(play by play), Al DeRogatisAl DeRogatisAlbert John "Al" DeRogatis was an American football player and television and radio sportscaster.-Biography:...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Buffalo – FG NorwoodScott NorwoodScott Allan Norwood is a former American football placekicker in the NFL who played for the Buffalo Bills. Norwood was an integral part of its offense during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and kicked in Buffalo's first two Super Bowl appearances...
38 - Buffalo – Burkett 26 pass from KellyJim KellyJames Edward Kelly is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and the USFL's Houston Gamblers....
(NorwoodScott NorwoodScott Allan Norwood is a former American football placekicker in the NFL who played for the Buffalo Bills. Norwood was an integral part of its offense during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and kicked in Buffalo's first two Super Bowl appearances...
kick) - PIttsburgh – BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
1 run (Anderson kick) - Buffalo – FG NorwoodScott NorwoodScott Allan Norwood is a former American football placekicker in the NFL who played for the Buffalo Bills. Norwood was an integral part of its offense during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and kicked in Buffalo's first two Super Bowl appearances...
39 - Pittsburgh – W. Williams 5 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick) - Buffalo – FG NorwoodScott NorwoodScott Allan Norwood is a former American football placekicker in the NFL who played for the Buffalo Bills. Norwood was an integral part of its offense during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and kicked in Buffalo's first two Super Bowl appearances...
39 - Buffalo – Riddick 1 run (NorwoodScott NorwoodScott Allan Norwood is a former American football placekicker in the NFL who played for the Buffalo Bills. Norwood was an integral part of its offense during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and kicked in Buffalo's first two Super Bowl appearances...
kick) - Buffalo – Riddick 5 blocked punt return (NorwoodScott NorwoodScott Allan Norwood is a former American football placekicker in the NFL who played for the Buffalo Bills. Norwood was an integral part of its offense during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and kicked in Buffalo's first two Super Bowl appearances...
kick) - Buffalo – FG NorwoodScott NorwoodScott Allan Norwood is a former American football placekicker in the NFL who played for the Buffalo Bills. Norwood was an integral part of its offense during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and kicked in Buffalo's first two Super Bowl appearances...
48 - Buffalo – FG NorwoodScott NorwoodScott Allan Norwood is a former American football placekicker in the NFL who played for the Buffalo Bills. Norwood was an integral part of its offense during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and kicked in Buffalo's first two Super Bowl appearances...
49 - Pittsburgh – BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
1 run (Anderson kick) - Pittsburgh – Thompson 42 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick)
Week 5 (Sunday October 2, 1988): vs. Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 56,410
- Referee: Dick HantakDick HantakDick Hantak was an American football official in the National Football League for 25 years between 1978 and 2003. He began his NFL officiating career as a back judge and became a referee eight years later...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Jim DonovanJim Donovan (sportscaster)Jim Donovan is an American radio and television personality who serves as sports director for WKYC channel 3 in Cleveland, Ohio, a post he has held since 1986....
(play by play), Reggie RuckerReggie RuckerReginald Joseph Rucker is a former professional American football player. Rucker played in twelve National Football League seasons from 1970–1981, primarily for the Cleveland Browns. He played college football for Boston University.Rucker has been a part of the Cleveland media since his retirement...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 49
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 35
- Cleveland – Manoa 1 run (Bahr kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 45
- Cleveland – FG Bahr 22
- Cleveland – FG Bahr 21
- Cleveland – Washington 75 interception return (Bahr kick)
- Cleveland – FG Bahr 40
Week 6 (Sunday October 9, 1988): at Phoenix Cardinals
at Sun Devil StadiumSun Devil Stadium
Sun Devil Stadium is an outdoor football stadium, located on the campus of Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona, United States. The stadium's current seating capacity is 71,706 and the playing surface is natural grass...
, Tempe, Arizona
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2010 population of 161,719. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale...
- Game time: 4:00 PM EDT
- Game weather: 94°F (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 53,278
- Referee: Johnny GrierJohnny GrierJohnny Grier was an American football official for 23 years in the National Football League from 1981 to 2004. He began in the NFL as a field judge before becoming the first African-American referee in the history of the NFL with the start of the 1988 NFL season...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Gary GerouldGary GerouldGary Gerould is an American sportscaster, best known as the radio voice of the NBA's Sacramento Kings since 1985 and as a motorsports reporter for ABC and ESPN....
(play by play), Jon MorrisJon MorrisJon Morris is a former American college and professional football player. At Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC, he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. After Gonzaga he played center and linebacker for three seasons at the College of the Holy Cross...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Phoenix – Awalt 32 pass from Lomax (Del Greco kick)
- Pittsburgh – Woodson 92 kickoff return (Anderson kick)
- Phoenix – FG Del Greco 19
- Phoenix – Jordan 1 run (Del Greco kick)
- Phoenix – J. T. Smith 13 pass from Lomax (Del Greco kick)
- Phoenix – J. T. Smith 3 pass from Lomax (Del Greco kick)
- Pittsburgh – Hoge 12 pass from Bono (Anderson kick)
Week 7 (Sunday October 16, 1988): vs. Houston Oilers
at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 52,229
- Referee: Jerry MarkbreitJerry MarkbreitJerry Markbreit is a former American football referee in the National Football League for 23 seasons and became one of the most recognizable referees in the game. Markbreit officiated football games for 43 seasons. From 1965 to 1975, Markbreit officiated college football games in the Big Ten...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Jay RandolphJay RandolphJennings "Jay" Randolph, Jr. is an American sportscaster whose career has spanned more than fifty years.-Early life and career:...
(play by play), Reggie RuckerReggie RuckerReginald Joseph Rucker is a former professional American football player. Rucker played in twelve National Football League seasons from 1970–1981, primarily for the Cleveland Browns. He played college football for Boston University.Rucker has been a part of the Cleveland media since his retirement...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Houston – Rozier 2 run (pass failed)
- Houston – FG Zendejas 50
- Houston – Safety, Seale blocked punt out of end zone
- Houston – Givins 43 pass from Moon (Zendejas kick)
- Pittsburgh – Lockett 9 pass from Blackledge (Anderson kick)
- Houston – Pinkett 1 run (Zendejas kick)
- Houston – FG Zendejas 27
- Houston – Hill 24 pass from Moon (kick failed)
- Pittsburgh – Hoge 1 run (Anderson kick)
Week 8 (Sunday October 23, 1988): vs. Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 49,811
- Referee: Gene BarthGene BarthGene Barth was an American football official in the National Football League , who wore uniform number 14, which is now worn by Ron Winter. He is most notable for being the referee in Super Bowl XVIII, played January 22, 1984.-Personal:...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Sam NoverSam NoverSam Nover is a retired American sportscaster. He worked at WIIC-TV / WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh from 1970 until his retirement in 2001 as the Sports Director and principal Sports Anchor. Nover also did National Football League play-by-play for NBC Sports from the late 1970s until the late 1980s. His...
(play by play), Dave LaphamDave LaphamDave Lapham , is a former professional football offensive lineman for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1974 to 1983 and the United States Football League's New Jersey Generals...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Pittsburgh – Carter 64 run (Anderson kick)
- Pittsburgh – Blackledge 1 run (Anderson kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 30
- Pittsburgh – Carter 10 pass from Blackledge (Anderson kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 32
- Denver – Kay 17 pass from Kubiak (Karlis kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 21
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 37
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 22
- Denver – Kay 14 pass from Kubiak (Karlis kick)
- Denver – Nattiel 74 pass from Karcher (Karlis kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 30
Week 9 (Sunday October 30, 1988): at New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Giants StadiumGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
, East Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 8,913. It is an inner-ring suburb of New York City, located west of Midtown Manhattan....
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 64,862
- Referee: Tom DooleyTom Dooley (American football official)Robert Thomas "Tom" Dooley Jr. was an American football official for 32 years with 14 of those years in the National Football League from 1978 to 1992 as a line judge and referee. Dooley was assigned Super Bowl XV in 1981 as line judge...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Marv AlbertMarv AlbertMarv Albert is an American television and radio sportscaster. Honored for his work as a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, he is commonly referred to as "the voice of basketball." From 1967–2004, he was also known as "the voice of the New York Knicks."Including Super Bowl XLII, Marv has called...
(play by play), Paul MaguirePaul MaguirePaul Leo Maguire is a former American football player and current television sportscaster.-Early sports career:Maguire attended Ursuline High School in Youngstown,Ohio and was recruited to play at The Citadel by the late Al Davis who was then an assistant coach and chief recruiter...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 25
- Pittsburgh – Carter 24 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick) - New York Jets – FG Leahy 41
- New York Jets – Shuler 2 pass from O'Brien (Leahy kick)
- New York Jets – Hector 2 run (Leahy kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 21
- New York Jets – McNeil 5 run (Leahy kick)
- PIttsburgh – Jackson 17 run (Anderson kick)
Week 10 (Sunday November 6, 1988): at Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 56,403
- Referee: Red CashionRed CashionMason L. "Red" Cashion is a former American football official. He started officiating in 1952 while attending Texas A&M University, and then worked for various high school and college football conferences, most notably the Southwest Conference. From 1972 to 1997, he officiated in the National...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Jim DonovanJim Donovan (sportscaster)Jim Donovan is an American radio and television personality who serves as sports director for WKYC channel 3 in Cleveland, Ohio, a post he has held since 1986....
(play by play), Joe NamathJoe NamathJoseph William "Joe" Namath , nicknamed "Broadway Joe" or "Joe Willie", is a former American football quarterback. He played college football for the University of Alabama under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and his assistant, Howard Schnellenberger, from 1962–1964, and professional football in the...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Cincinnati – Brown 86 pass from EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
(Breech kick) - Pittsburgh – BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
9 run (Anderson kick) - Cincinnati – McGee 5 pass from EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
(Breech kick) - Cincinnati – Brooks 3 run (Breech kick)
- Cincinnati – Brooks 2 run (Breech kick)
- Cincinnati – Brown 6 pass from EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
(Breech kick) - Cincinnati – Brooks 9 run (Breech kick)
Week 11 (Sunday November 13, 1988): vs. Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 46,026
- Referee: Fred WyantFred WyantFrederick Mount "Fred" Wyant, Jr. is a former American football quarterback who went on to serve as an American football official in the National Football League for 27 years with 19 of those years as a referee...
- TV announcers: (CBS) Tim RyanTim Ryan (sportscaster)Tim Ryan is an American sportscaster, currently a resident of Ketchum, Idaho.-Early life and career:Raised in Canada, Ryan graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1960, and took a job the newly-formed CFTO as an assistant sports director...
(play by play), Dan JiggettsDan JiggettsDan Jiggetts is a retired American football offensive lineman. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 1976 NFL Draft-Early life:...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 52
- Pittsburgh – Hoge 13 pass from LippsLouis LippsLouis Adam Lipps is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL who played his entire nine-season career for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints....
(Anderson kick) - Philadelphia – Byars 1 run (Zendejas kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 21
- Philadelphia – Cunningham 7 run (Zendejas kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 29
- Philadelphia – FG Zendejas 34
- Pittsburgh – LippsLouis LippsLouis Adam Lipps is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL who played his entire nine-season career for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints....
89 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick) - Philadelphia – Cunningham 12 run (Zendejas kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 41
- Philadelphia – FG Zendejas 18
Week 12 (Sunday November 20, 1988): at Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, OhioCleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state. The city is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately west of the Pennsylvania border...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 77,131
- Referee: Ben DreithBen DreithBen Dreith is a former American professional football on-field official who worked from 1960 to 1969 in the American Football League and from 1970 to 1990 in the NFL. Prior to his teaching and officiating career, he was a three-sport athlete at the University of Northern Colorado.Dreith developed...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Sam NoverSam NoverSam Nover is a retired American sportscaster. He worked at WIIC-TV / WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh from 1970 until his retirement in 2001 as the Sports Director and principal Sports Anchor. Nover also did National Football League play-by-play for NBC Sports from the late 1970s until the late 1980s. His...
(play by play), Jon MorrisJon MorrisJon Morris is a former American college and professional football player. At Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC, he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. After Gonzaga he played center and linebacker for three seasons at the College of the Holy Cross...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Cleveland – FG Bahr 32
- Cleveland – Tennell 2 pass from Kosar (Bahr kick)
- Cleveland – Minnifield 11 blocked punt return (Bahr kick)
- Pittsburgh – Carter 1 run (Anderson kick)
- Cleveland – Langhorne 77 pass from Kosar (Bahr kick)
- Cleveland – FG Bahr 34
Week 13 (Sunday November 27, 1988): vs. Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 42,057
- Referee: Dick JorgensenDick JorgensenDick Jorgensen was an American football official in the National Football League for 23 years until the conclusion of the 1989 NFL season. Jorgensen's career was highlighted by being selected to referee Super Bowl XXIV in 1990 and was an alternate official in Super Bowl VIII and Super Bowl XV...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Gary GerouldGary GerouldGary Gerould is an American sportscaster, best known as the radio voice of the NBA's Sacramento Kings since 1985 and as a motorsports reporter for ABC and ESPN....
(play by play), Reggie RuckerReggie RuckerReginald Joseph Rucker is a former professional American football player. Rucker played in twelve National Football League seasons from 1970–1981, primarily for the Cleveland Browns. He played college football for Boston University.Rucker has been a part of the Cleveland media since his retirement...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- PIttsburgh – FG Anderson 23
- PIttsburgh – FG Anderson 20
- Kansas City – Paige 4 pass from DeBerg (Lowery kick)
- Pittsburgh – Hoge 10 run (Anderson kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 22
- Kansas City – FG Lowery 26
Week 14 (Sunday December 4, 1988): at Houston Oilers
at Astrodome, Houston, TexasHouston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
- Game time: 8:00 PM EST
- Game weather: Dome
- Game attendance: 47,791
- Referee: Bob McElweeBob McElweeRobert T. "Bob" McElwee is a former American football official, who served for 41 years, with 27 of those years in the National Football League from 1976 to 2003...
- TV announcers: (ESPN) Mike PatrickMike PatrickMike Patrick is an American sportscaster.-Career:Patrick began his broadcasting career in the fall of 1966 at WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pa. In 1970, he was named Sports Director at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Fla., where he provided play-by-play for Jacksonville Sharks' World Football League telecasts...
(play by play), Joe TheismannJoe TheismannJoseph Robert "Joe" Theismann is a former quarterback in the National Football League and Canadian Football League . He achieved his most enduring fame in his 12 seasons playing for the Washington Redskins, where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and quarterback of the winning team in Super Bowl XVII...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 45
- Houston – FG Zendejas 36
- Pittsburgh – Stone 92 kickoff return (Anderson kick)
- Houston – Rozier 6 pass from Moon (Zendejas kick)
- Houston – FG Zendejas 41
- Pittsburgh – LippsLouis LippsLouis Adam Lipps is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL who played his entire nine-season career for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints....
80 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick) - Pittsburgh – 65 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick) - Houston – White 90 kickoff return (Zendejas kick)
- Houston – Moon 2 run (Zendejas kick)
- Pittsburgh – Hoge 2 run (Anderson kick)
- Houston – Moon 3 run (Zendejas kick)
- PIttsburgh – Hoge 16 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(kick failed)
Week 15 (Sunday December 11, 1988): at San Diego ChargersSan Diego ChargersThe San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
- Game time: 4:00 PM EST
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 33,816
- Referee: Fred SilvaFred SilvaFred Silva was an American football official in the National Football League for 21 seasons from 1968 to 1988. Silva was widely known for his coolness under fire on the football field and clapping his hand together when signaling a first down...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Jay RandolphJay RandolphJennings "Jay" Randolph, Jr. is an American sportscaster whose career has spanned more than fifty years.-Early life and career:...
(play by play), Reggie RuckerReggie RuckerReginald Joseph Rucker is a former professional American football player. Rucker played in twelve National Football League seasons from 1970–1981, primarily for the Cleveland Browns. He played college football for Boston University.Rucker has been a part of the Cleveland media since his retirement...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- San Diego – Flutie 6 pass from Malone (DeLine kick)
- San Diego – Malone 1 run (DeLine kick)
- San Diego – FG DeLine 24
- Pittsburgh – Gothard 3 pass from BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
(Anderson kick) - Pittsburgh – BristerBubby BristerWalter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
3 run (Anderson kick) - San Diego – FG DeLine 42
Week 16 (Sunday December 18, 1988): vs. Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Three Rivers StadiumThree Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather:
- Game attendance: 36,051
- Referee: Fred WyantFred WyantFrederick Mount "Fred" Wyant, Jr. is a former American football quarterback who went on to serve as an American football official in the National Football League for 27 years with 19 of those years as a referee...
- TV announcers: (NBC) Tom HammondTom HammondTom Hammond is an American sportscaster for NBC Sports television. Hammond is one of the network's staple on-air presenters, along with Bob Costas and Dan Hicks...
(play by play), Joe NamathJoe NamathJoseph William "Joe" Namath , nicknamed "Broadway Joe" or "Joe Willie", is a former American football quarterback. He played college football for the University of Alabama under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and his assistant, Howard Schnellenberger, from 1962–1964, and professional football in the...
(color commentator)
Scoring Drives:
- Pittsburgh – WoodruffDwayne WoodruffDwayne Woodruff is a former professional American football player who played cornerback twelve seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he accumulated 37 interceptions after being drafted in the sixth round...
78 interception return (Anderson kick) - Miami – Hampton 4 run (Reveiz kick)
- Miami – FG Reveiz 20
- Pittsburgh – LippsLouis LippsLouis Adam Lipps is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL who played his entire nine-season career for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints....
39 run (Anderson kick) - Miami – Hampton 1 run (Reveiz kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 34
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 43
- Pittsburgh – Carter 1 run (Anderson kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 34
- Pittsburgh – Jordan 28 interception return (Anderson kick)
- Pittsburgh – FG Anderson 22
- Miami – Clayton 13 pass from JaworskiRon JaworskiRonald Vincent "Ron" Jaworski is a former American football quarterback and currently an NFL analyst on ESPN. He is also CEO of Ron Jaworski Golf Management, Inc., based out of Blackwood, New Jersey, and manages golf courses in southern New Jersey, northeast Pennsylvania, and West Virginia...
(Reveiz kick)
Standings
| AFC Central | ||||||
| Team | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals 1988 Cincinnati Bengals season The 1988 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 21st year in professional football and its 19th with the National Football League.The Bengals were a team on the rebound. During the 1987 strike-shortened season, quarterback Boomer Esiason and head coach Sam Wyche had openly feuded, and the team... |
12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 448 | 329 |
| Cleveland Browns 1988 Cleveland Browns season The 1988 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 39th season with the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Standings:-Roster:-AFC Wild Card Game:... |
10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 304 | 288 |
| Houston Oilers 1988 Houston Oilers season -Schedule:-Standings:-Playoffs:-References:* *... |
10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 424 | 365 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 336 | 421 |