1983 Pittsburgh Steelers season

NFL team season

The 1983 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League.

Personnel

Staff

1983 Pittsburgh Steelers staff

Front office

  • Chairman of the board – Arthur J. Rooney
  • President – Daniel M. Rooney
  • Vice president – John R. McGinley
  • Vice president – Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
  • Controller – Dennis P. Thimons
  • Assistant controller – Dan Ferens
  • Traveling secretary – James A. Boston
  • Public relations director – Ed Kiely
  • Publicity director – Joe Gordon
  • Assistant publicity director – John Evenson
  • Director of ticket sales – Geraldine Glenn
  • Director of player personnel – Dick Haley
  • Assistant director of player personnel – William Nunn, Jr.
  • Pro talent scout – Tom Modrak
  • Talent scout – West Coast – Bob Schmitz
  • College talent scout – Joe Krupa

Head coaches

  • Head coach – Chuck Noll
  • Assistant head coach – Woody Widenhofer

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive coordinator – Tom Moore
  • Offensive line – Ron Blackledge
  • Offensive backfield – Dick Hoak
 Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Woody Widenhofer
  • Defensive backfield – Tony Dungy
  • Defensive line – Jon Kolb


Strength and conditioning

  • Conditioning coach – Jon Kolb
  • Physician, M.D. – Dr. David S. Huber
  • Physician, M.D. – Dr. Anthony P. Yates
  • Physician, orthopedic – Dr. Paul Steele
  • Neurological surgery consultant – Dr. Joseph C. Maroon
  • Dentist – Dr. George P. Boucek
  • Ophthalmologist – Dr. Phillip Buzzelli
  • Trainer – Ralph Berlin
  • Assistant trainer – Gary Stragar
  • Equipment manager – Anthony Parisi
  • Field manager – Rodgers Freyvogel
  • Film director – Bob McCartney
  • Photographers – Harry Homa, Bill Amatucci

[1]

Roster

1983 Pittsburgh Steelers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • 45 Russell Davis RB (PUPTooltip Physically unable to perform)
  • 69 Gabe Rivera NT (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 73 Pete Rostosky T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 59 Todd Seabaugh ILB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad [2] [3] [4]
Rookies in italics
 51 active, 4 inactive

Preseason

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Game Site Kickoff (ET) TV Result Record
1 Saturday, July 30 vs. New Orleans Saints Fawcett Stadium (Canton, Ohio) 2:00 p.m. ABC W 27–14 1–0
2 Saturday, August 6 vs. New England Patriots Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, Tennessee) 7:30 p.m. WPXI W 27–16 2–0
3 Friday, August 12 New York Giants Three Rivers Stadium 8:00 p.m. ABC L 22–13 2–1
4 Saturday, August 20 at Dallas Cowboys Texas Stadium 9:00 p.m. NBC W 24–7 3–1
5 Thursday, August 25 at Philadelphia Eagles Veterans Stadium 7:30 p.m. WPXI W 10–3 4–1

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Game Site Kickoff (ET) TV Result Record
1 Sunday, September 4 Denver Broncos Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC L 14–10 0–1
2 Sunday, September 11 at Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field 1:00 p.m. NBC W 25–21 1–1
3 Sunday, September 18 at Houston Oilers Astrodome 1:00 p.m. NBC W 40–28 2–1
4 Sunday, September 25 New England Patriots Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC L 28–23 2–2
5 Sunday, October 2 Houston Oilers Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC W 17–10 3–2
6 Monday, October 10 at Cincinnati Bengals Riverfront Stadium 9:00 p.m. ABC W 24–14 4–2
7 Sunday, October 16 Cleveland Browns Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC W 44–17 5–2
8 Sunday, October 23 at Seattle Seahawks Kingdome 4:00 p.m. NBC W 27–21 6–2
9 Sunday, October 30 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS W 17–12 7–2
10 Sunday, November 6 San Diego Chargers Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC W 26–3 8–2
11 Sunday, November 13 at Baltimore Colts Memorial Stadium 2:00 p.m. NBC W 24–13 9–2
12 Sunday, November 20 Minnesota Vikings Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS L 17–14 9–3
13 Thursday, November 24 at Detroit Lions Pontiac Silverdome 12:30 p.m. NBC L 45–3 9–4
14 Sunday, December 4 Cincinnati Bengals Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC L 23–10 9–5
15 Saturday, December 10 at New York Jets Shea Stadium 12:30 p.m. NBC W 34–7 10–5
16 Sunday, December 18 at Cleveland Browns Cleveland Municipal Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC L 30–17 10–6

Week 1: vs. Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 7 0714
Steelers 0 7 3010

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 4, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 80 °F or 26.7 °C (Drizzle)
  • Game attendance: 58,233
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
  • [5]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Broncos Steelers
2 Broncos Sammy Winder 1-yard touchdown run, Rich Karlis kick good 7 0
2 Steelers Franco Harris 4-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 7 7
3 Steelers 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 7 10
4 Broncos Ron Egloff 2-yard touchdown reception from Steve DeBerg, Rich Karlis kick good 14 10
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 14 10

Week 2: at Green Bay Packers

Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 7 6 3925
Packers 7 7 0721

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: September 11, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 60 °F (15.6 °C), wind 11 miles per hour (18 km/h; 9.6 kn)
  • Game attendance: 58,144
  • Referee: Fred Silva
  • TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
  • [6]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Packers
1 Steelers Franco Harris 3-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 7 0
1 Packers James Lofton 71-yard touchdown reception from Lynn Dickey, Jan Stenerud kick good 7 7
2 Steelers Cliff Stoudt 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick no good (blocked) 13 7
2 Packers James Lofton 73-yard touchdown reception from Lynn Dickey, Jan Stenerud kick good 13 14
3 Steelers 30-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 16 14
4 Steelers Frank Pollard 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 23 14
4 Packers James Lofton 13-yard touchdown reception from Lynn Dickey, Jan Stenerud kick good 23 21
4 Steelers Lynn Dickey tackled in end zone for a safety by Bob Kohrs 25 21
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 25 21

Week 3: at Houston Oilers

Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Oilers
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 6 6 141440
Oilers 7 0 02128

at Astrodome, Houston, Texas

  • Date: September 18, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: Dome
  • Game attendance: 44,150
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play by play), John Brodie (color commentator)
  • [7]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Oilers
1 Steelers 49-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 0
1 Oilers Carl Roaches 97-yard kickoff return touchdown 3 7
1 Steelers 35-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 6 7
2 Steelers 20-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 9 7
2 Steelers 22-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 12 7
3 Steelers Franco Harris 6-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 19 7
3 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 30-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 26 7
4 Steelers Interception returned 14 yards for touchdown by Bryan Hinkle, Gary Anderson kick good 33 7
4 Oilers Larry Moriarty 1-yard touchdown run, Florian Kempf kick good 33 14
4 Oilers Earl Campbell 1-yard touchdown run, Florian Kempf kick good 33 21
4 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 50-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 40 21
4 Oilers Herkie Walls 28-yard touchdown reception from Archie Manning, Florian Kempf kick good 40 28
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 40 28

Week 4: vs. New England Patriots

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 7 7728
Steelers 7 6 01023

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 25, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 71 °F or 21.7 °C (Mostly Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 55,282
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
  • [8]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Patriots Steelers
1 Steelers Calvin Sweeney 3-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 0 7
1 Patriots Clayton Weishuhn 27-yard run for touchdown off lateral pass from interception by Steve Nelson 7 7
2 Steelers 20-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 7 10
2 Patriots Derrick Ramsey 4-yard touchdown reception from Steve Grogan, John Smith kick good 14 10
2 Steelers 34-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 14 13
3 Patriots Tony Collins 4-yard touchdown run, John Smith kick good 21 13
4 Steelers 28-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 21 16
4 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 26-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 21 23
4 Patriots Stephen Starring 76-yard touchdown reception from Steve Grogan, John Smith kick good 28 23
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 28 23

Week 5: vs. Houston Oilers

Houston Oilers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Oilers 0 3 7010
Steelers 0 7 01017

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 2, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 73 °F or 22.8 °C (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 56,901
  • Referee: Dick Jorgensen
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play by play), Ahmad Rashad (color commentator)
  • [9]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Oilers Steelers
2 Steelers Frank Pollard 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 0 7
2 Oilers 34-yard field goal by Florian Kempf 3 7
3 Oilers Earl Campbell 1-yard touchdown run, Florian Kempf kick good 10 7
4 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 51-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 10 14
4 Steelers 18-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 10 17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 10 17

Week 6: at Cincinnati Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 7 3 01424
Bengals 0 14 0014

at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati

  • Date: October 10, 1983
  • Game time: 9:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13.3 °C), wind 10 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn)
  • Game attendance: 56,086
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play by play), Don Meredith & O. J. Simpson (color commentators)
  • [10]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP
1 Steelers Fumble recovery returned 38 yards for touchdown by Rick Woods, Gary Anderson kick good 7 0
2 Steelers 35-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 10 0
2 Bengals Pete Johnson 1-yard touchdown run, Jim Breech kick good 10 7
2 Bengals Interception returned 41 yards for touchdown by James Griffin, Jim Breech kick good 10 14
4 Steelers Interception returned 34 yards for touchdown by Johnson, Gary Anderson kick good 17 14
4 Steelers Interception returned 70 yards for touchdown by Harvey Clayton, Gary Anderson kick good/no good (blocked)/no good (miss right)/no good (miss left)/no good (miss short)/no good 24 14
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 24 14

Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 7 7017
Steelers 20 14 01044

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 16, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 73 °F or 22.8 °C (Mostly Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 59,263
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play by play), Bob Griese (color commentator)
  • [11]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Browns Steelers
1 Steelers 18-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 0 3
1 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 0 10
1 Steelers Interception returned 31 yards for touchdown by Mike Merriweather, Gary Anderson kick good 0 17
1 Browns 27-yard field goal by Matt Bahr 3 17
1 Steelers 29-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 20
2 Browns Boyce Green 23-yard touchdown run, Matt Bahr kick good 10 20
2 Steelers Franco Harris 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 10 27
2 Steelers Calvin Sweeney 40-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 10 34
3 Browns Boyce Green 1-yard touchdown run, Matt Bahr kick good 17 34
4 Steelers 26-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 17 37
4 Steelers Fumble recovery returned 94 yards for touchdown by Greg Best, Gary Anderson kick good 17 44
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 17 44

Week 8: at Seattle Seahawks

Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 7 17 0327
Seahawks 0 0 71421

at Kingdome, Seattle

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Seahawks
1 Steelers Franco Harris 9-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 7 0
2 Steelers Cliff Stoudt 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 14 0
2 Steelers Frank Pollard 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 21 0
2 Steelers 20-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 24 0
3 Seahawks Curt Warner 1-yard touchdown run, Norm Johnson kick good 24 7
4 Seahawks Steve Largent 21-yard touchdown reception from Dave Krieg, Norm Johnson kick good 24 14
4 Steelers 32-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 27 14
4 Seahawks Paul Johns 26-yard touchdown reception from Dave Krieg, Norm Johnson kick good 27 21
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 27 21

Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 6 3 3012
Steelers 0 0 01717

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 30, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 57 °F or 13.9 °C (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 57,468
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Kelly (play by play), John Dockery (color commentator)
  • [13]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Buccaneers Steelers
1 Buccaneers 26-yard field goal by Bill Capece 3 0
1 Buccaneers 49-yard field goal by Bill Capece 6 0
2 Buccaneers 27-yard field goal by Bill Capece 9 0
3 Buccaneers 28-yard field goal by Bill Capece 12 0
4 Steelers Wayne Capers 11-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 12 7
4 Steelers 42-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 12 10
4 Steelers Frank Pollard 2-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 12 17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 12 17

Week 10: vs. San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 3 003
Steelers 17 3 3326

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 6, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 57 °F or 13.9 °C (Partly Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 58,191
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
  • [14]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Chargers Steelers
1 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 6-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 0 7
1 Steelers 45-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 0 10
1 Steelers Fumble recovery returned 3 yards for touchdown by Mel Blount, Gary Anderson kick good 0 17
2 Chargers 39-yard field goal by Rolf Benirschke 3 17
2 Steelers 30-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 20
3 Steelers 49-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 23
4 Steelers 42-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 26
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 3 26

Week 11: at Baltimore Colts

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Colts
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 7 10 0724
Colts 3 3 7013

at Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: November 13, 1983
  • Game time: 2:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 38 °F (3.3 °C), wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 57,319
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (NBC): Merle Harmon (play by play), Jim Turner (color commentator)
  • [15]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Colts
1 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 11-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 7 0
1 Colts 46-yard field goal by Raul Allegre 7 3
2 Colts 37-yard field goal by Raul Allegre 7 6
2 Steelers 42-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 10 6
2 Steelers Calvin Sweeney 7-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 17 6
3 Colts Curtis Dickey 5-yard touchdown run, Raul Allegre kick good 17 13
4 Steelers Bennie Cunningham 2-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 24 13
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 24 13

The Colts' first sellout since 1977, and last in Baltimore, came about because thousands of Steelers fans who normally could not purchase tickets at Three Rivers Stadium found them cheap and plentiful in Maryland. Pittsburgh returned to Memorial Stadium with the birth of the Baltimore Ravens in 1996.

Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 10017
Steelers 7 0 0714

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 20, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 63 °F or 17.2 °C (Light Rain)
  • Game attendance: 58,417
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Kelly (play by play), John Dockery (color commentator)
  • [16]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Vikings Steelers
1 Steelers Bennie Cunningham 3-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 0 7
1 Vikings Sam McCullum 30-yard touchdown reception from Steve Dils, Benny Ricardo kick good 7 7
3 Vikings Tony Galbreath 6-yard touchdown reception from Steve Dils, Benny Ricardo kick good 14 7
3 Vikings 39-yard field goal by Benny Ricardo 17 7
4 Steelers Cliff Stoudt 4-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 17 14
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 17 14

Week 13: at Detroit Lions

Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 3 003
Lions 17 7 71445

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

  • Date: November 24, 1983
  • Game time: 12:30 pm EST
  • Game weather: Dome
  • Game attendance: 77,724
  • Referee: Gene Barth
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
  • [17]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Lions
1 Lions Billy Sims 2-yard touchdown run, Eddie Murray kick good 0 7
1 Lions 27-yard field goal by Eddie Murray 0 10
1 Lions Ulysses Norris 13-yard touchdown reception from Eric Hipple, Eddie Murray kick good 0 17
2 Steelers 38-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 17
2 Lions Ulysses Norris 4-yard touchdown reception from Eric Hipple, Eddie Murray kick good 3 24
3 Lions Billy Sims 2-yard touchdown run, Eddie Murray kick good 3 31
4 Lions Robbie Martin 81-yard punt return touchdown 3 38
4 Lions Jeff Chadwick 4-yard touchdown reception from Gary Danielson, Eddie Murray kick good 3 45
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 3 45

Pittsburgh's first trip to the Motor City since 1967 was nothing short of disastrous. It was the Steelers' most lopsided loss under Noll, eclipsed only by a 51-0 embarrassment by the Browns at home in the 1989 opener.

Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Bengals 14 3 3323
Steelers 0 3 0710

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: December 4, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 44 °F or 6.7 °C (Fog & Light Drizzle)
  • Game attendance: 55,832
  • Referee: Red Cashion
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play by play), Bob Griese (color commentator)
  • [18]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP
1 Bengals Pete Johnson 1-yard touchdown run, Jim Breech kick good 7 0
1 Bengals Pete Johnson 16-yard touchdown run, Jim Breech kick good 14 0
2 Bengals 19-yard field goal by Jim Breech 17 0
2 Steelers 48-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 17 3
3 Bengals 27-yard field goal by Jim Breech 20 3
4 Steelers Franco Harris 29-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 20 10
4 Bengals 32-yard field goal by Jim Breech 23 10
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 23 10

Week 15: at New York Jets

Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 7 13 7734
Jets 0 0 707

at Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York

  • Date: December 10, 1983
  • Game time: 12:30 pm EST
  • Game weather: 45 °F (7.2 °C), wind 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn)
  • Game attendance: 53,996
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen
  • Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets – December 10th, 1983
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Jets
1 Steelers Gregg Garrity 17-yard touchdown reception from Terry Bradshaw, Gary Anderson kick good 7 0
2 Steelers Calvin Sweeney 10-yard touchdown reception from Terry Bradshaw, Gary Anderson kick good 14 0
2 Steelers 29-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 17 0
2 Steelers 40-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 20 0
3 Steelers Bennie Cunningham 13-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 27 0
3 Jets Johnny Lam Jones 27-yard touchdown reception from Pat Ryan, Pat Leahy kick good 27 7
4 Steelers Calvin Sweeney 18-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 34 7
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 34 7

After having been sidelined with an elbow injury for the first 14 games of the season, 36-year old Terry Bradshaw started his first game of the season. Despite still clearly being hampered by his elbow, he was able to impress in limited time. It would the final time Bradshaw would see the field as a player, as he felt a pop in his elbow while throwing his final pass, a 10-yard touchdown to Calvin Sweeney. Bradshaw did not play during the play-offs and retired after the season.[19]

This was also the final NFL game held at Shea Stadium.

Week 16: at Cleveland Browns

Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 3 7 0717
Browns 9 14 7030

at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: December 18, 1983
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 18 °F (−7.8 °C), wind 11 miles per hour (18 km/h; 9.6 kn), wind chill 6 °F or −14.4 °C
  • Game attendance: 72,313
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
  • [20]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Browns
1 Steelers 34-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 0
1 Browns Rocky Belk 64-yard touchdown reception from Brian Sipe, Matt Bahr kick no good 3 6
1 Browns 30-yard field goal by Matt Bahr 3 9
2 Browns Harry Holt 3-yard touchdown reception from Brian Sipe, Matt Bahr kick good 3 16
2 Steelers Cliff Stoudt 3-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 10 16
2 Browns Ricky Feacher 4-yard touchdown reception from Brian Sipe, Matt Bahr kick good 10 23
3 Browns Harry Holt 1-yard touchdown reception from Brian Sipe, Matt Bahr kick good 10 30
4 Steelers Franco Harris 2-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 17 30
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 17 30

Eight days after Bradshaw threw his last pass, Brian Sipe started his last NFL game in what turned out to be a hollow victory for the Browns, who were eliminated from the playoffs three hours later when the Seahawks defeated the Patriots in Seattle.

Standings

AFC Central
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 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Pittsburgh Steelers(3) 10 6 0 .625 4–2 8–4 355 303 L1
Cleveland Browns 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 356 342 W1
Cincinnati Bengals 7 9 0 .438 4–2 4–8 346 302 L1
Houston Oilers 2 14 0 .125 1–5 1–11 288 460 L1

Playoffs

AFC Divisional Playoff: at Los Angeles Raiders

Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Raiders
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 3 0 7010
Raiders 7 10 21038

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles

  • Date: January 1, 1984
  • Game time: 4:00 pm EST/1:00 pm PST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16.1 °C), wind 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h; 5.2 kn)
  • Game attendance: 90,380
  • Referee: Gene Barth
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
  • [21]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Raiders
1 Steelers 17-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 0
1 Raiders Interception returned 18 yards for touchdown by Lester Hayes, Chris Bahr kick good 3 7
2 Raiders Marcus Allen 4-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 3 14
2 Raiders 45-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 3 17
3 Raiders Kenny King 9-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 3 24
3 Raiders Marcus Allen 49-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 3 31
3 Steelers John Stallworth 58-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Gary Anderson kick good 10 31
3 Raiders Frank Hawkins 2-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 10 38
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 10 38

References

  1. ^ 1983 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
  2. ^ 1983 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
  3. ^ 1984 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
  4. ^ "1983 Pittsburgh Steelers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
  5. ^ Pro Football Reference Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 4th, 1983
  6. ^ Pro Football Reference Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers – September 11th, 1983
  7. ^ Pro Football Reference Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Oilers – September 18th, 1983
  8. ^ Pro Football Reference New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 25th, 1983
  9. ^ Pro Football Reference Houston Oilers at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 2nd, 1983
  10. ^ Pro Football Reference Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – October 10th, 1983
  11. ^ Pro Football Reference Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 16th, 1983
  12. ^ Pro Football Reference Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks – October 23rd, 1983
  13. ^ Pro Football Reference Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 30th, 1983
  14. ^ Pro Football Reference San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 6th, 1983
  15. ^ Pro Football Reference Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Colts – November 13th, 1983
  16. ^ Pro Football Reference Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 20th, 1983
  17. ^ Pro Football Reference Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions - November 24th, 1983
  18. ^ Pro Football Reference Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers - December 4th, 1983
  19. ^ "It all falls apart in LA". Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  20. ^ Pro Football Reference Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – December 18th, 1983
  21. ^ Pro Football Reference Divisional Round - Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Raiders - January 1st, 1984

External links

  • 1983 Pittsburgh Steelers season at Profootballreference.com
  • 1983 Pittsburgh Steelers season statistics at jt-sw.com
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Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Founded in 1933
  • Formerly the Pittsburgh Pirates (1933–1939)
  • Based and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Pittsburgh Steelers seasons
Formerly the Pittsburgh Pirates (1933–1939)
Bold indicates Super Bowl victory
Italics indicates Super Bowl appearance