Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

When thinking of fourth down plays, Pittsburgh Steeler fans automatically remember Franco Harris and his Miraculous Reception in the 1972 playoff game with the Oakland Raiders. Nine years previous, there were two fourth plays in one game which kept Pittsburgh’s hopes alive for the 1963 Eastern Conference Championship. This was in the 13th week of the 1963 season at Dallas. Pittsburgh, with a record of 6-3-3, was trailing the Cowboys 19 to 17 with three minutes left in the game. Ed Brown, the quarterback and punter, dropped back to kick on fourth and 14 from the Pittsburgh 16. I figured the Steelers would rely on their defense to stop Dallas and get one more chance. Doing a great fake, Brown passed to Red Mack for a 42 yard gain to the Dallas 42.

Three plays later, Pittsburgh had a fourth and one at the Dallas 33. Steeler Coach Buddy Parker called a time out. Placekicker Lou Micheals had been erratic after a great start. Even if a field goal was made, Dallas could still win with a field goal of their own. Parker elected to go for the first down. The Dallas line hit John Henry Johnson hard but he picked up two yards. Three plays later, Theron Sapp ran 24 yards for a touchdown. The Steeler offensive line just blew the Dallas defense away. Pittsburgh won 24 to 19. This set up a showdown for the Eastern Division title with the Steelers playing the New York Giants the final week at Yankee Stadium.