1984 Pittsburgh Steelers season

1984 would mark somewhat of a transitional year for the Steelers, as it would mark the final season of several key members of their 1970s dynasty--most notably Jack Lambert (who missed several games during the season due to a recurring turf toe injury), but also Larry Brown and Craig Colquitt--as well as the retirement of Mel Blount and the unexpected[2] retirement of Terry Bradshaw before the start of the season.

Additionally, Cliff Stoudt, who was the starting quartback for much of 1983 while Bradshaw was injured, departed for the United States Football League, leaving the Steelers thin at quarterback after Bradshaw's retirement on the eve of training camp. The team would trade for former Miami Dolphins starter David Woodley, who had been displaced by his former team by Oakland native and former Pitt quarterback Dan Marino, whom the Steelers infamously passed up in the previous year's draft. The Steelers first round pick from the previous year, Gabriel Rivera, was already out of football; he was severely injured in a drunk driving accident, leaving him a quadriplegic for the rest of his life. Woodley would split time with Mark Malone for the starting duties.

In addition to Bradshaw, 1984 would also mark another unexpected departure: Franco Harris. Unlike Bradshaw, this would be due to a pay dispute. As Harris was closing in on Jim Brown's rushing record alongside Chicago's Walter Payton, Harris felt that he deserved a pay raise. The Rooney family, feeling that Harris was near the end of his career, felt otherwise, and it led to Harris's release during training camp. Harris would sign with the Seattle Seahawks and would play eight games before retiring, 192 yards short of Brown's record, which would be surpassed by Payton that season.

On a positive note, 1984 would mark the first year of wide receiver Louis Lipps, who would set many team records during his career and would retire 2nd behind teammate John Stallworth on the Steelers all-time receiving list; Lipps is currently fourth behind Hines Ward, Stallworth, and Antonio Brown.

Mark Malone and David Woodley combined for 419 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, while the Chiefs won despite putting up just 264 yards of total offense.

After coughing up four turnovers to the Chiefs, the Steelers picked off Pat Ryan three times and forced a fumble; they also bullied the Jets into eleven penalties for 115 yards.

The Steelers limited Eric Dickerson to 49 rushing yards and forced two Rams fumbles.

This game was not on many NBC stations, since game 5 of the World Series was being broadcast at the same time. However, that game would prove the last Sunday afternoon World Series game. This was the solitary game the eventual Super Bowl champion 49ers lost during the 1984 season.

This game was particularly frustrating to Steeler fans. One week previously, the Steelers beat the 49ers in San Francisco – becoming the solitary team to achieve this as the 49ers finished 15-1 on the way to winning the Super Bowl. Then coming back east to play one of the worst teams of the season, the Indianapolis Colts – who had only two wins at that point and were to win just four games for the season – they lost on a last minute improbable play after leading throughout the game. The Colts’ third-string quarterback, Mike Pagel, came off the bench in the third quarter and was leading a final minute drive from their 20. On the Colts 40 with 34 seconds left, Pagel avoided a near sack, scrambled right and threw down the middle of the field to WR Bernard Henry. The ball however went directly to the hands of Steeler CB Sam Washington who bobbled the ball. Between Washington and a few other Steeler defenders, WR Ray Butler burst through the gap, snatched the ball in the air and ran untouched 54 yards for the touchdown. The extra point sealed the game.[12]

And that’s why they play the game.

The Steelers limited Warren Moon and Oliver Luck to 224 yards; the Oilers fumbled four times.

The Saints won their first Monday Night game in seven tries, and also avenged a 1974 Monday Night loss to the Steelers at Tulane Stadium. It was Pittsburgh's first loss to New Orleans since 1969 in what was the Steelers’ final game in the NFL before moving to the AFC as part of the AFL-NFL merger.

Former Steelers linebacker Dennis Winston played for the Saints in this game. It was also a homecoming for Lipps, who played at nearby East St. John High School.

The Steelers tied the game in the fourth yet fell in overtime, all despite intercepting Warren Moon three times.

The Steelers sacked John Elway four times and picked him off twice.

Dan Marino threw four touchdowns and over 400 yards, outdueling Mark Malone’s 312 yards and three scores; Miami picked off Malone three times.