1963 Steelers Vs Eagles Week 1-1st of 2 ties

[LeonardRachiele]

In three quarters at Franklin Field, the Philadelphia Eagles led the Pittsburgh Steelers 14 to 6. Sonny Jurgensen threw a touchdown passes of 13 yards to Tommy MacDonald and six yards to Ralph Smith. Pittsburgh stayed close with Lou Michaels kicking field goals of 50 and 38 yards.

Early in the fourth period, Timmy Brown fumbled at his own 22 and the Steelers recovered. Michaels kicked another field goal, this from the 27 yard line, and Pittsburgh got closer at 14 to 9. The Eagles punted after a three and out and Brady Keys made a 62 yard return to the Eagles' three. John Henry Johnson got the Steelers' first touchdown of the game-from one yard. However, Irv Cross blocked the extra point. Pittsburgh 15 Philadelphia 14.

Sonny Jurgensen, on the next series, threw a 75 yard touchdown pass to McDonald. Right after this, the Steelers capped a 60 yard drive with an 11 yard touchdown pass to John Henry Johnson. Once again though Lou Michaels missed an extra point. The game ended on a 21 all tie.

This really hurt the Steelers' plan for an NFL Title. Jurgensen completed 16 of 26 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Dick Haley and Clendon Thomas each made one interception for Pittsburgh. Ed Brown for the Steelers completed 18 of 34 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown.

Best pass catchers-Buddy Dial caught seven passes for 116 yards. Tommy MacDonald also caught seven passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Three field goals for Lou Michaels but two extra point misses,