1985 Pittsburgh Steelers season

Pittsburgh Steelers 53rd US football season

The 1985 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 53rd season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League. The Steelers challenged for the AFC Central most of the season, sitting at 6–5 after their first eleven games. However, losing 4 out of their final 5 games dropped the Steelers to a 7–9 overall record, their first season with a losing record in fourteen years.

Personnel

Staff

1985 Pittsburgh Steelers staff

Front office

  • Chairman of the board – Arthur J. Rooney
  • President – Daniel M. Rooney
  • Vice president – John R. McGinley
  • Vice president – Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
  • Controller – Dennis P. Thimons
  • Assistant controller-management – Dan Ferens
  • Traveling secretary – James A. Boston
  • Publicity director – Joe Gordon
  • Director of ticket sales – Geraldine Glenn
  • Assistant controller-tickets – Jim Ellenberger
  • Director of player personnel – Dick Haley
  • Assistant director of player personnel – William Nunn, Jr.
  • Pro talent scout – Tom Modrak
  • Talent scout – West Coast – Bob Schmitz
  • Talent scout – Midwest – Mike Butler
  • College talent scout – Joe Krupa

Head coaches

  • Head coach – Chuck Noll

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive coordinator – Tom Moore
  • Offensive Line: Tackles/Tight Ends – Ron Blackledge
  • Offensive backfield – Dick Hoak
  • Offensive Line: Centers/Guards – Hal Hunter
 Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Tony Dungy
  • Inside linebackers – Dennis Fitzgerald
  • Outside linebackers – Jed Hughes
  • Defensive line – Jon Kolb


Strength and conditioning

  • Conditioning coach – Walt Evans
  • Dentist – Dr. George P. Boucek
  • Ophthalmologist – Dr. Phillip Buzzelli
  • Physician, M.D. – Dr. David S. Huber
  • Neurological surgery consultant – Dr. Joseph C. Maroon
  • Physician, M.D. – Dr. Richard Rydze
  • Physician, orthopedic – Dr. Paul Steele
  • Physician, M.D. – Dr. Anthony P. Yates
  • Trainer – Ralph Berlin
  • Trainer – Gary Stragar
  • Equipment manager – Anthony Parisi
  • Field manager – Rodgers Freyvogel
  • Film director – Bob McCartney
  • Photographers – Mike Fabus, Bill Amatucci

[1]

Roster

1985 Pittsburgh Steelers final roster
Quarterbacks
  • 10 Scott Campbell
  • 16 Mark Malone
  • 19 David Woodley

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  •    Alan Andrews TE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 66 Mark Behning T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 29 Dwayne Hooper T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 51 Dan Turk C/LS-P (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad [2] [3] [4]
Rookies in italics
 54 active, 4 inactive

Offseason

Preseason

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Game Site Kickoff (ET) TV Result Record
1 Saturday, August 10 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Stadium 8:00 p.m. WTAE W 42–27 1–0
2 Saturday, August 17 at Minnesota Vikings Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 8:00 p.m. WTAE L 41–34 1–1
3 Friday, August 23 at St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium 8:30 p.m. WTAE L 14–6 1–2
4 Friday, August 30 New York Giants Three Rivers Stadium 7:30 p.m. WTAE L 24–14 1–3

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Game Site Kickoff (ET) TV Result Record
1 Sunday, September 8 Indianapolis Colts Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC W 45–3 1–0
2 Monday, September 16 at Cleveland Browns Cleveland Municipal Stadium 9:00 p.m. ABC L 17–7 1–1
3 Sunday, September 22 Houston Oilers Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC W 20–0 2–1
4 Monday, September 30 Cincinnati Bengals Three Rivers Stadium 9:00 p.m. ABC L 37–24 2–2
5 Sunday, October 6 at Miami Dolphins Miami Orange Bowl 1:00 p.m. NBC L 24–20 2–3
6 Sunday, October 13 at Dallas Cowboys Texas Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC L 27–13 2–4
7 Sunday, October 20 St. Louis Cardinals Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS W 23–10 3–4
8 Sunday, October 27 at Cincinnati Bengals Riverfront Stadium 4:00 p.m. NBC L 26–21 3–5
9 Sunday, November 3 Cleveland Browns Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC W 10–9 4–5
10 Sunday, November 10 at Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC W 36–28 5–5
11 Sunday, November 17 at Houston Oilers Astrodome 1:00 p.m. NBC W 30–7 6–5
12 Sunday, November 24 Washington Redskins Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. CBS L 30–23 6–6
13 Sunday, December 1 Denver Broncos Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC L 31–23 6–7
14 Sunday, December 8 at San Diego Chargers Jack Murphy Stadium 9:00 p.m. ABC L 54–44 6–8
15 Sunday, December 15 Buffalo Bills Three Rivers Stadium 1:00 p.m. NBC W 30–24 7–8
16 Saturday, December 21 at New York Giants Giants Stadium 12:30 p.m. NBC L 28–10 7–9

Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 0 003
Steelers 7 17 71445

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 8, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26.1 °C), wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 55,279
  • Referee: Red Cashion
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play by play), Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
  • [5]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Colts Steelers
1 Steelers Louis Lipps 7-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 0 7
1 Colts 39-yard field goal by Raul Allegre 3 7
2 Steelers Louis Lipps 11-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 3 14
2 Steelers 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 17
2 Steelers Rich Erenberg 11-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 3 24
3 Steelers John Stallworth 6-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 3 31
4 Steelers Mark Malone 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 3 38
4 Steelers Louis Lipps 16-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 3 45
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 3 45

Week 2: at Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 0 077
Browns 0 7 3717

at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: September 16, 1985
  • Game time: 9:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 57 °F (13.9 °C), wind 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h; 4.3 kn)
  • Game attendance: 79,042
  • Referee: Gene Barth
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play by play), Joe Namath & O. J. Simpson (color commentators)
  • [6]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Browns
2 Browns Fred Banks 7-yard touchdown reception from Gary Danielson, Matt Bahr kick good 0 7
3 Browns 18-yard field goal by Matt Bahr 0 10
4 Steelers John Stallworth 6-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 7 10
4 Browns Earnest Byner 21-yard touchdown run, Matt Bahr kick good 7 17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 7 17

Week 3: vs. Houston Oilers

Houston Oilers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Oilers 0 0 000
Steelers 14 3 3020

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 22, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 69 °F (20.6 °C), wind 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h; 3.5 kn)
  • Game attendance: 58,752
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play by play), Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
  • [7]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Oilers Steelers
1 Steelers Louis Lipps 25-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 0 7
1 Steelers Louis Lipps 5-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 0 14
2 Steelers 37-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 0 17
3 Steelers 38-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 0 20
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 0 20

Week 4: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 14 71637
Steelers 0 10 14024

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 30, 1985
  • Game time: 9:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 62 °F (16.7 °C), wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
  • Game attendance: 59,541
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play by play), Joe Namath and O. J. Simpson (color commentators)
  • [8]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Bengals Steelers
2 Steelers Louis Lipps 15-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good/no good (blocked)/no good (miss right)/no good (miss left)/no good (miss short)/no good 0 7
2 Bengals James Brooks 14-yard touchdown run, Jim Breech kick good 7 7
2 Bengals Rodney Holman 26-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good 14 7
2 Steelers 29-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 14 10
3 Bengals Eddie Brown 8-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good 21 10
3 Steelers John Stallworth 17-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 21 17
3 Steelers Rich Erenberg 4-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 21 24
4 Bengals Rodney Holman 4-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good 28 24
4 Bengals Jim Breech-yard field goal by 32 31 24
4 Bengals James Brooks 32-yard touchdown run, 2-point pass failed 37 24
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 37 24

Week 5: at Miami Dolphins

Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 17 0320
Dolphins 7 7 3724

at Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida

  • Date: October 6, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 80 °F (26.7 °C), relative humidity 79%, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 72,820
  • Referee: Dick Jorgensen
  • TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play by play), Bob Griese (color commentator)
  • [9]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Dolphins
1 Dolphins Tony Nathan 1-yard touchdown run, Fuad Reveiz kick good 0 7
2 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 7 7
2 Steelers 48-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 10 7
2 Dolphins Dan Johnson 2-yard touchdown reception from Dan Marino, Fuad Reveiz kick good 10 14
2 Steelers Weegie Thompson 1-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 17 14
3 Dolphins 35-yard field goal by Fuad Reveiz 17 17
4 Steelers 33-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 20 17
4 Dolphins Lorenzo Hampton 2-yard touchdown run, Fuad Reveiz kick good 20 24
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 20 24

Week 6: at Dallas Cowboys

Pittsburgh Steelers at Dallas Cowboys
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 3 01013
Cowboys 0 10 10727

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

  • Date: October 13, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26.1 °C), relative humidity 68%, wind 15 miles per hour (24 km/h; 13 kn)
  • Game attendance: 62,932
  • Referee: Tom Dooley
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
  • [10]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Cowboys
2 Steelers 48-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 0
2 Cowboys Tony Dorsett 56-yard touchdown reception from Danny White, Rafael Septien kick good 3 7
2 Cowboys 38-yard field goal by Rafael Septien 3 10
3 Cowboys 39-yard field goal by Rafael Septien 3 13
3 Cowboys Interception returned 19 yards for touchdown by Eugene Lockhart, Rafael Septien kick good 3 20
4 Steelers 34-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 6 20
4 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 13 20
4 Cowboys Tony Dorsett 35-yard touchdown run, Rafael Septien kick good 13 27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 13 27

Week 7: vs. St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 3 0 0710
Steelers 14 3 6023

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 20, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EDT
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13.3 °C), wind 10 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn)
  • Game attendance: 56,478
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tom Brookshier (play by play), Dick Vermiel (color commentator)
  • [11]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Cardinals Steelers
1 Cardinals 19-yard field goal by Neil O'Donoghue 3 0
1 Steelers Louis Lipps 45-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good 3 7
1 Steelers Frank Pollard 14-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 3 14
2 Steelers 33-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 17
3 Steelers 33-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 20
3 Steelers 33-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 23
4 Cardinals Stump Mitchell 5-yard touchdown reception from Neil Lomax, Neil O'Donoghue kick good 10 23
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 10 23

Week 8: at Cincinnati Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 7 01421
Bengals 3 14 9026

at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati

  • Date: October 27, 1985
  • Game time: 4:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), wind 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h; 3.5 kn)
  • Game attendance: 55,241
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
  • [12]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Bengals
1 Bengals 37-yard field goal by Jim Breech 0 3
2 Bengals Rodney Holman 11-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good 0 10
2 Bengals Interception returned 57 yards for touchdown by Robert Jackson, Jim Breech kick good 0 17
2 Steelers Louis Lipps 49-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good 7 17
3 Bengals 39-yard field goal by Jim Breech 7 20
3 Bengals 40-yard field goal by Jim Breech 7 23
3 Bengals 32-yard field goal by Jim Breech 7 26
4 Steelers Louis Lipps 62-yard punt return for touchdown 14 26
4 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 21 26
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 21 26

Week 9: vs. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 6 039
Steelers 0 0 7310

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 3, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C), wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 51,976
  • Referee: Bob Frederic
  • TV announcers (NBC): Len Berman (play by play), Reggie Rucker (color commentator)
  • [13]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Browns Steelers
2 Browns 34-yard field goal by Matt Bahr 3 0
2 Browns 45-yard field goal by Matt Bahr 6 0
3 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 32-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 6 7
4 Browns 30-yard field goal by Matt Bahr 9 7
4 Steelers 25-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 9 10
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 9 10

Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs

Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 10 17 3636
Chiefs 7 7 01428

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 10, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 36 °F (2.2 °C), wind 13 miles per hour (21 km/h; 11 kn), wind chill 27 °F or −2.8 °C
  • Game attendance: 46,126
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play by play), Bob Griese (color commentator)
  • [14]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Chiefs
1 Chiefs Interception returned 47 yards for touchdown by Deron Cherry, Nick Lowery kick good 0 7
1 Steelers John Stallworth 13-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good 7 7
1 Steelers 35-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 10 7
2 Steelers 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 13 7
2 Chiefs Jeff Smith 45-yard touchdown reception from Bill Kenney, Nick Lowery kick good 13 14
2 Steelers Louis Lipps 71-yard punt return for touchdown 20 14
2 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 2-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 27 14
3 Steelers 27-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 30 14
4 Chiefs Jeff Smith 13-yard touchdown reception from Bill Kenney, Nick Lowery kick good 30 21
4 Steelers 36-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 33 21
4 Steelers 28-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 36 21
4 Chiefs Anthony Hancock 13-yard touchdown reception from Bill Kenney, Nick Lowery kick good 36 28
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 36 28

Week 11: at Houston Oilers

Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Oilers
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 3 7 13730
Oilers 0 0 707

at Astrodome, Houston, Texas

  • Date: November 17, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: Dome
  • Game attendance: 45,977
  • Referee: Red Cashion
  • TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play by play), Jimmy Cefalo (color commentator)
  • [15]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Oilers
1 Steelers 52-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 0
2 Steelers Frank Pollard 2-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 10 0
3 Oilers Mike Rozier 15-yard touchdown run, Tony Zendejas kick good 10 7
3 Steelers 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 13 7
3 Steelers David Woodley 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 20 7
3 Steelers 34-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 23 7
4 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 5-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 30 7
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 30 7

Week 12: vs. Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 14 6 7330
Steelers 3 14 0623

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 24, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 38 °F (3.3 °C), wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
  • Game attendance: 59,293
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan (play by play), Johnny Morris (color commentator)
  • [16]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Redskins Steelers
1 Redskins George Rogers 1-yard touchdown run, Mark Moseley kick good 7 0
1 Steelers 22-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 7 3
1 Redskins Clint Didier 18-yard touchdown reception from Jay Schroeder, Mark Moseley kick good 14 3
2 Redskins 20-yard field goal by Mark Moseley 17 3
2 Steelers Louis Lipps 5-yard touchdown reception from Scott Campbell, Gary Anderson kick good 17 10
2 Steelers Rich Erenberg 9-yard touchdown reception from Scott Campbell, Gary Anderson kick good 17 17
2 Redskins 39-yard field goal by Mark Moseley 20 17
3 Redskins John Riggins 1-yard touchdown run, Mark Moseley kick good 27 17
4 Steelers 37-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 27 20
4 Redskins 42-yard field goal by Mark Moseley 30 20
4 Steelers 27-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 30 23
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 30 23

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 10 02131
Steelers 0 6 31423

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: December 1, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 52 °F (11.1 °C), wind 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn)
  • Game attendance: 56,797
  • Referee: Gene Barth
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play by play), Bob Trumpy & Paul Zimmerman (color commentators)
  • [17]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Broncos Steelers
2 Steelers 25-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 0 3
2 Broncos Clint Sampson 24-yard touchdown reception from John Elway, Rich Karlis kick good 7 3
2 Broncos 42-yard field goal by Rich Karlis 10 3
2 Steelers 34-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 10 6
3 Steelers 24-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 10 9
4 Broncos Steve Sewell 12-yard touchdown run, Rich Karlis kick good 17 9
4 Steelers Louis Lipps 31-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good 17 16
4 Steelers Interception returned 35 yards for touchdown by Mike Merriweather, Gary Anderson kick good 17 23
4 Broncos Steve Sewell 2-yard touchdown run, Rich Karlis kick good 24 23
4 Broncos Interception returned 42 yards for touchdown by Mike Harden, Rich Karlis kick good 31 23
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 31 23

Week 14: at San Diego Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 7 13 141044
Chargers 21 13 71354

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 8, 1985
  • Game time: 9:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13.3 °C), wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
  • Game attendance: 52,098
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play by play), Joe Namath & O. J. Simpson (color commentators)
  • [18]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Chargers
1 Chargers Tim Spencer 12-yard touchdown run, Robert R. Thomas kick good 0 7
1 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 15-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good 7 7
1 Chargers Wes Chandler 36-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Robert R. Thomas kick good 7 14
1 Chargers Pete Holohan 20-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Robert R. Thomas kick good 7 21
2 Steelers Louis Lipps 8-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good 14 21
2 Steelers 45-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 17 21
2 Chargers Wes Chandler 75-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Robert R. Thomas kick good 17 28
2 Chargers Buford McGee 3-yard touchdown run, Robert R. Thomas kick no good 17 34
2 Steelers 41-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 20 34
3 Steelers David Woodley 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 27 34
3 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 25-yard touchdown reception from David Woodley, Gary Anderson kick good 34 34
3 Chargers Buford McGee 7-yard touchdown run, Robert R. Thomas kick good 34 41
4 Steelers Louis Lipps 15-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 41 41
4 Steelers Gary Anderson-yard field goal by 26 44 41
4 Chargers Gary Anderson (Chargers) 2-yard touchdown run, Robert R. Thomas kick no good 44 47
4 Chargers Interception returned 47 yards for touchdown by Jeffery Dale, Robert R. Thomas kick good 44 54
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 44 54

Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 7 14 0324
Steelers 0 14 61030

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: December 15, 1985
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 17 °F (−8.3 °C), wind 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn), wind chill 3 °F or −16.1 °C
  • Game attendance: 35,953
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (NBC): Phil Stone (play by play), Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
  • [19]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Bills Steelers
1 Bills Greg Bell 77-yard touchdown run, Scott Norwood kick good 7 0
2 Bills Jerry Butler 33-yard touchdown reception from Bruce Mathison, Scott Norwood kick good 14 0
2 Bills Fumble recovery returned 61 yards for touchdown by Don Wilson, Scott Norwood kick good 21 0
2 Steelers Louis Lipps 13-yard touchdown reception from Scott Campbell, Gary Anderson kick good 21 7
2 Steelers Frank Pollard 4-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 21 14
3 Steelers 26-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 21 17
3 Steelers 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 21 20
4 Bills 24-yard field goal by Scott Norwood 24 20
4 Steelers 45-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 24 23
4 Steelers Walter Abercrombie 2-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good 24 30
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 24 30

Week 16: at New York Giants

Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 3 7010
Giants 7 21 0028

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: December 21, 1985
  • Game time: 12:30 pm EST
  • Game weather: 27 °F (−2.8 °C), wind 15 miles per hour (24 km/h; 13 kn), wind chill 15 °F or −9.4 °C
  • Game attendance: 66,785
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play by play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
  • [20]
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Steelers Giants
1 Giants Joe Morris 9-yard touchdown run, Eric Schubert kick good 0 7
2 Steelers 26-yard field goal by Gary Anderson 3 7
2 Giants Joe Morris 65-yard touchdown run, Eric Schubert kick good 3 14
2 Giants Joe Morris 1-yard touchdown run, Eric Schubert kick good 3 21
2 Giants Bobby Johnson 23-yard touchdown reception from Phil Simms, Eric Schubert kick good 3 28
3 Steelers John Stallworth 34-yard touchdown reception from Scott Campbell, Gary Anderson kick good 10 28
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 10 28

Standings

AFC Central
  • view
  • talk
  • edit
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Cleveland Browns(3) 8 8 0 .500 4–2 7–5 287 294 L1
Cincinnati Bengals 7 9 0 .438 4–2 5–7 441 437 L2
Pittsburgh Steelers 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 379 355 L1
Houston Oilers 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 284 412 L4

References

  1. ^ 1985 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
  2. ^ 1985 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
  3. ^ 1986 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
  4. ^ "1985 Pittsburgh Steelers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
  5. ^ Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 8th, 1985
  6. ^ Pro Football Reference; Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – September 16th, 1985
  7. ^ Pro Football Reference; Houston Oilers at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 22nd, 1985
  8. ^ Pro Football Reference; Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 30th, 1985
  9. ^ Pro Football Reference; Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins – October 6th, 1985
  10. ^ Pro Football Reference; Pittsburgh Steelers at Dallas Cowboys – October 13th, 1985
  11. ^ Pro Football Reference; St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 20th, 1985
  12. ^ Pro Football Reference; Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – October 27th, 1985
  13. ^ Pro Football Reference; Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 3rd, 1985
  14. ^ Pro Football Reference; Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs – November 10th, 1985
  15. ^ Pro Football Reference; Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Oilers – November 17th, 1985
  16. ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 24th, 1985
  17. ^ Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – December 1st, 1985
  18. ^ Pro Football Reference; Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers – December 8th, 1985
  19. ^ Pro Football Reference; Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers – December 15th, 1985
  20. ^ Pro Football Reference; Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants – December 21st, 1985

External links

  • 1985 Pittsburgh Steelers season at Profootballreference.com
  • 1985 Pittsburgh Steelers season statistics at jt-sw.com
  • v
  • t
  • e
Pittsburgh Steelers seasons
Formerly the Pittsburgh Pirates (1933–1939)
Bold indicates Super Bowl victory
Italics indicates Super Bowl appearance
  • v
  • t
  • e
Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Founded in 1933
  • Formerly the Pittsburgh Pirates (1933–1939)
  • Based and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Franchise
Stadiums
Culture
Lore
Rivalries
Media
Division championships (24)
Conference championships (8)
League championships (6)
Retired numbers
Hall of Fame members
Current league affiliations