Top 5 ’80s teams that didn’t make conference championship

[BD Sullivan]

Any love for the 1980 Cleveland Browns?

Finished first in an AFC Central that also included Houston (11-5) and Pittsburgh (9-7). Potentially gave eventually Super Bowl winning champion Oakland Raiders its toughest post-season contest. Finished eighth in points scored and 12 in points given up, respectable either way. Ironically, the Steelers scored five fewer points and gave up just three more but also lost an additional two games. Such is the fine line between winning and losing.

Brian Sipe tossed 30 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions, which resulted in a very fine 91.4 QB rating. Running back Mike Pruitt proved his versatility with over 1000 yards on the ground and catching 63 passes.

I know that the Kosar / Schottenheimer era produced some fine teams, including 1986 and 87 when it participated in AFC Championship game, but am I out of line to suggest that 1980 might be the best Browns post Super Bowl team? If only Sipe's pass had not been intercepted in the end zone on the last play of the Divisional playoff game against the Raiders...

Having followed every game that year, I'd say no, partly because they earned the nickname Kardiac Kids because of their penchant for having virtually every game decided at (or close to) the wire.

[slats7]

In no particular order...

1983 Dolphins
1985 Dolphins
1986 Bears
1987 49ers
1987 Saints

?

They played the Pats in that game.

[ChrisBabcock]

?

They played the Pats in that game.

whoops!