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Steelers vs. Broncos Playoff Upset



One of my favorite Steeler playoff wins over the decades was the 1984 upset of Denver at Mile High Stadium. The 9-7 Steelers were solid underdogs against the 13-3 Broncos, few people gave Pittsburgh a chance in this game. The '84 Steelers had a signature win at San Francisco, but followed that up with a stunning loss at Indianapolis. Consistency was an issue, but the club ended the regular season with an impressive 13-7 win at LA against the Raiders.

Denver jumped on top early 7-0, but the physicality of the Steelers began to shape this contest. The Broncos would manage only ten points the rest of the way, and John Elway was battered and sacked four times. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's running game controlled the tempo, behind Frank Pollard 16-99 and Walter Abercrombie 17-75. Mark Malone went 17-28 in the air as the Steelers tied the game at 17-17 entering the fourth quarter.

Key play of the game occurred in the final quarter, when Eric Williams intercepted Elway in Denver territory, and Pollard had a terrific second effort TD to provide the winning margin, 24-17. Steelers defensive coordinator Tony Dungy's gameplan worked beautifully, as Denver couldn't run, and Elway was hit early and often. During the fourth quarter, Elway's mobility was shot and so were the Broncos.

Anyone else have memories of this inspiring win back in 1984?

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