Erich Barnes-Steeler Nemesis Over the Years

[LeonardRachiele]

Erich Barnes, wearing either a Cleveland or New York uniform, was a continual problem for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He seemed to have a knack for making the big play to win games.  Even when Pittsburgh bested New York, he came up with big plays.

1961 at Pitt Stadium.  Barnes' two interceptions were the keys in a 17 to 14 Giant victory.  Had Pittsburgh won this game, the Philadelphia Eagles would have been the Eastern Conference Champion.

From 1962 to 1964, He always had a knack for being in the End Zones.

1962 at Pitt Stadium.  This was one of the more exciting games in the Giants-Steelers rivalry.   The game swung back and forth.  Erich Barnes intercepted a pass from Bobby Layne in the Giants End Zone in the last minute of play.  New York won 31 to 27.

1963 at Yankee Stadium.  The Steelers and Giants were playing for the Eastern Conference Championship. Erich Barnes once again was protecting the Giants End Zone.  He recovered a Steeler fumble in the End Zone and returned it 34 yards to the New York 34.  In the third quarter, he intercepted a pass in the Giants End Zone to muff a Steeler threat.  The New York Giants won the game 33 to 17 and the Eastern Title.

Pittsburgh won both games in 1964 but Erich Barnes was still making plays.

1964 at Pitt Stadium.   Barnes intercepted a pass from Ed Brown and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.  Later he blocked an extra point.   Pittsburgh won 27 to 24.

1964 at Yankee Stadium.  EB recovered a fumbled snap on a punt in the Steelers End Zone. Pittsburgh won 44 to 17.

The Giants traded  Erich Barnes to the Cleveland Browns after the 1964 season.

1966 at Cleveland.  Barnes returned an interception 32 yards.  The Browns won 41 to 10.

1967 at Cleveland.  Barnes made one interception and Cleveland won 21 to 10.

1968 at Pittsburgh.  Barnes returned an interception 22 yards.  Browns won 45 to 24.

1969 at Cleveland.  Erich Barnes returned an interception for a 55 yard touchdown.  Cleveland won a shoot out 42 to 31.

1970 at Cleveland.  Erich Barnes returned an interception for a 38 yard touchdown.  Cleveland won a a close battle 15 to 7.