Wk 1 - Steelers-Titans memorable matchups

Here are recaps of a few memorable games from this classic series.

Dave Casper

Jan. 6, 1980 (1979 AFC Championship Game) - PITTSBURGH 27, Houston 13
Houston opened the scoring on a 75-yard interception return by Vernon Perry. But, Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw responded by tossing a pair of TD passes while the Steelers defense shut down the Oilers. Pittsburgh held Houston to just 24 yards rushing en route to their fourth Super Bowl championship.

Dec. 20, 1981 -HOUSTON 21, Pittsburgh 20
Houston quarterback Gifford Nielson hooked up with tight end Dave Casper on three scoring strikes including the game-winner, a 16-yard TD pass play, with 1:51 remaining. On the day, Nielson completed 24 of 37 passes for 377 yards.

Dec. 2, 1984 -HOUSTON 23, Pittsburgh 20 (OT)
Joe Cooper’s 30-yard field goal 5:53 into the extra quarter resulted in the Steelers’ first-ever overtime loss. Houston’s John James established the NFL record for career punts during the game as he surpassed the record total previously held by Jerrel Wilson.

Rod Woodson

Dec. 31, 1989 - (AFC Wild Card Game) - Pittsburgh 26, HOUSTON 23 (OT)
Steelers’ kicker Gary Anderson connected on a 50-yard field goal 3:26 into the sudden death period to cap Pittsburgh’s come-from-behind win. The winning kick was set up when Rod Woodson recovered a fumble on the first play of overtime. Merril Hoge rushed for 100 yards and scored one TD for Pittsburgh, while WR Ernest Givins led the way for the Oilers with 11 catches for 136 yards and a pair of TDs.

Nov. 25, 2001 -Pittsburgh 34, TENNESSEE 24
The Steelers were led by quarterback Kordell Stewart and receiver Plaxico Burress. Stewart passed for 254 yards and 2 TDs and also scored on a 48-yard run. Burress had 8 catches for 114 yards. The Titans offense was fueled by Steve McNair’s 334 yards through the air and 100-yard receiving days by both Derrick Mason and Kevin Dyson.

Jan. 11, 2003 - (2002 AFC Divisional Playoff Game) - TENNESSEE 34, Pittsburgh 31 (OT)
Joe Nedney missed a 31-yard attempt to win the game but a roughing the kicker penalty gave him a chance to redeem himself. He did just that as he booted the 26-yard game-winner through the uprights on the next play. Steve McNair threw for 338 yards and two TDs for the Titans; and Tommy Maddox passed for 266 yards and two touchdowns for the Pittsburgh.