Introducing the latest set of events in this year’s tournament featuring the 64 most heart-wrenching moments in Steelers’ history.
Welcome to Day Three of Round 1 in the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers March Sadness tournament—an NCAA-style competition highlighting the darkest moments in black and gold history. If you haven’t already cast your vote in our previous brackets, be sure to catch up on Day 1 and Day 2. Now, let’s delve into the next 16 moments.
Top Seed: AFC Championship vs. Chargers, January 15, 1995 — The Agonizing Three Yards Short.
With just five minutes remaining and victory hanging in the balance, Neil O’Donnell orchestrated a promising drive for the Steelers, positioning them at first-and-goal from the nine-yard line. However, the pivotal moment arrived on fourth-and-goal from the three. O’Donnell aimed for Barry Foster in the end zone’s shallow, only to be thwarted by linebacker Dennis Gibson’s crucial breakup of the pass.
Bottom Seed: Week 15 vs. Patriots, December 17, 2017 — The Heartbreaking “Jesse Caught It” Debacle.
With playoff home-field advantage hanging in the balance, hope soared as JuJu Smith-Schuster executed a spectacular 69-yard catch-and-run with just 52 seconds remaining in the game. The climax seemed imminent when Ben Roethlisberger connected with tight end Jesse James, who appeared wide open in the end zone for what seemed like the game-winning touchdown. However, after numerous replays, the referees controversially ruled that James didn’t complete the catch. In the ensuing moments, Roethlisberger’s subsequent interception dashed any hopes of victory, sealing the Steelers’ defeat.
Second Seed: AFC Divisional Round at Titans, January 11, 2003 — Dewayne Washington’s Costly Collision with the Kicker.
In a tense overtime showdown, Joe Nedney prepared to seal the game with a 31-yard field goal attempt. Initially successful, the kick was nullified by Pittsburgh’s timely timeout call. Nedney’s second attempt sailed wide, but Dewayne Washington’s unfortunate collision with the kicker drew a crucial penalty flag. With a third opportunity, Nedney capitalized, securing victory for the Titans in a heart-wrenching defeat for the Steelers.
Fifteenth Seed: Week 16 at Saints, December 23, 2018 — JuJu’s Costly Fumble Crushes Playoff Hopes.
In the midst of a tumultuous game, Ben Roethlisberger spearheaded yet another fourth-quarter rally with just 1:25 remaining. Trailing 31-28, the Steelers positioned themselves at first-and-ten on the Saints’ 42-yard line. Roethlisberger connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster, only for the receiver to fumble away the ball along with Pittsburgh’s aspirations for a playoff berth.
Third Seed: AFC Wildcard vs. Chargers, January 9, 1983 — The Fateful Fouts Screen to Winslow.
With just four minutes remaining and trailing 28-24, San Diego regained possession and embarked on a crucial drive. Advancing to Pittsburgh’s 12-yard line, the Chargers faced a pivotal third-and-seven situation. Employing a clever fake sweep, quarterback Dan Fouts executed a screen pass to Kellen Winslow, orchestrating a dramatic game-winning comeback that shattered the Steelers’ hopes.
Fourteenth Seed: AFC Wild Card vs. Jaguars, January 5, 2008 — Roethlisberger’s Costly Third Interception.
Despite trailing 21-7, the Steelers began to turn the tide with momentum in their favor. After a missed field goal by Josh Scobee, Pittsburgh mounted a promising drive, advancing to the Jaguars’ 21-yard line. However, on second-and-four, Ben Roethlisberger’s attempted dump pass to Carey Davis was intercepted by defensive tackle Derek Landri, halting the Steelers’ comeback aspirations.
Fourth Seed: AFC Divisional Round at Broncos, January 17, 2016 — Toussaint’s Costly Fourth-Quarter Fumble.
Protecting a slim 13-12 lead in the final quarter, Ben Roethlisberger orchestrated a promising drive, connecting with Jesse James, Markus Wheaton, and Darrius Heyward-Bey to advance downfield. With victory seemingly within reach, the Steelers positioned themselves at second-and-four from Denver’s 34-yard line. However, Fitzgerald Toussaint’s untimely fumble, induced by a forceful hit from safety Bradley Roby, abruptly shifted the momentum of the game, ultimately impacting the outcome.
Thirteenth Seed: AFC Divisional vs. Jaguars, January 14, 2018 — Bell Denied on Crucial Fourth-and-1.
Trailing 14-0 in the first quarter, Pittsburgh made headway, reaching the Jacksonville 21-yard line. Opting to go for it on fourth-and-1, the Steelers entrusted the ball to Le’Veon Bell.
Fifth Seed: AFC Championship vs. Dolphins, December 31, 1972 — Ham’s Interception Nullified by Penalty.
With a narrow 10-7 lead in the third quarter, Pittsburgh faced a critical moment as Miami swapped Earl Morrall for Bob Griese at quarterback. Jack Ham seemingly capitalized on this change by making a spectacular reaching interception. However, the play was marred by Dwight White’s offside penalty, nullifying Ham’s heroics. Miami capitalized on this reprieve, culminating in a two-yard Jim Kiick touchdown run that propelled them to a lead they never surrendered.
Twelfth Seed: AFC Divisional vs. Bills, January 9, 1993 — Royals’ Botched Hold Costs Steelers.
Trailing 14-3 in the fourth quarter, the Steelers aimed to narrow the gap with a Gary Anderson 32-yard field goal attempt. However, holder Mark Royals mishandled the snap from Kendall Gammon, resulting in a fumble. Royals attempted to salvage the play by running with the ball but was tackled for a loss, squandering a crucial scoring opportunity for Pittsburgh.
Sixth Seed: AFC Championship, December 26, 1976 — Stabler’s Deceptive Play-Action to Bankston.
Holding a 17-7 lead in the third quarter, Oakland faced a pivotal fourth-and-one situation from the Steelers’ 24-yard line. A defensive stop could have ignited a Pittsburgh comeback. Warren Bankston, who had already found the end zone via a receiving touchdown, entered the game as a third tight end. Instead of opting for a straightforward run play, Ken Stabler surprised the defense with a play-action pass to Bankston, resulting in a crucial first down. The successful play propelled the Raiders to a commanding 24-7 lead.
Eleventh Seed: AFC Divisional vs. Bills, January 9, 1993 — Shelton’s Costly Pick-6 Drop.
Despite failing to score any points in the first half following their opening drive field goal, Pittsburgh remained within striking distance, trailing only 7-3 at halftime. In the opening possession of the second half for Buffalo, a pass from Frank Reich to Don Beebe found Richard Shelton directly in the path, seemingly destined for a pick-six interception. However, Shelton dropped the interception. On the very next play, Reich connected with James Lofton to extend Buffalo’s lead to 14-3, squandering a prime opportunity for the Steelers to swing the momentum in their favor.
Seventh Seed: AFC Wildcard at Chiefs, January 8, 1994 — Royals’ Punt Blocked Shifts Momentum.
With Pittsburgh holding a 24-17 lead and less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Steelers appeared to be in control of the game. However, when Mark Royals lined up to punt, Kansas City’s tight end Keith Cash managed to break through the line and block the kick. The Chiefs swiftly recovered the ball and returned it to the Steelers’ nine-yard line, dramatically altering the course of the game.
Tenth Seed: AFC Divisional vs. Jaguars, January 14, 2018 — Telvin Smith’s Game-Changing Fumble Recovery.
Trailing 21-7 with just 2:33 remaining in the first half, the Steelers were looking to mount a comeback. However, their hopes were dashed when Yannick Ngakoue sacked Ben Roethlisberger, forcing a fumble. Telvin Smith seized the opportunity, scooping up the loose ball and returning it 50 yards for a momentum-shifting touchdown.
Eighth Seed: AFC Divisional at Patriots, January 5, 1997 — Martin’s Fog Bowl Touchdown.
In a game shrouded in dense fog, Pittsburgh struggled to gain traction against New England. The decisive moment came in the second quarter when Curtis Martin broke free for a 78-yard touchdown run, extending the Patriots’ lead to 21-0. This victory marked New England’s inaugural home playoff win, sealing Pittsburgh’s fate in the foggy contest.
Ninth Seed: AFC Championship at Raiders, December 26, 1976 — Willie Hall’s Game-Changing Interception.
Facing a depleted offensive lineup without Franco Harris or Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh struggled to generate momentum. In a pivotal moment during the second quarter, Willie Hall intercepted Terry Bradshaw’s pass and returned it to the one-yard line. The ensuing touchdown proved to be all the points the Raiders needed, as they went on to secure victory with an additional 14 points.
Leave a Reply