Since the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers first met in 1970, the Steelers have dominated the 26 games played, leading the series 20-6. The solitary loss at home for the Steelers was a 2010 upset. The Jets left Pittsburgh with a 22-17 success that put them back on course for the playoffs when they returned to Pittsburgh for the AFC Championship game. The Steelers won 20-17 in overtime on their way to Super Bowl XLV.
The Steelers won the first meeting between the teams in 1970 with Terry Hanratty leading them to a 21-17 triumph.
The 1972 season saw the Steelers produce their best football to that date. The Steelers maintained a high level the following season winning their opening four games before suffering a 19-7 defeat in Cincinnati. In the absence of Franco Harris, Pittsburgh’s could muster only 138 yards on offense while Bradshaw threw one interception with no touchdowns.
The Steelers won those four games despite the poor contribution from Harris who had struggled with a niggling knee injury and totaled just 53 yards on 19 carries in the games.
The week six Jets game was originally scheduled to be played in New York, but the Mets who shared Shea Stadium with the football team, were in the World Series and their game seven took priority.
Injuries to Joe Namath and backup Al Woodall had seen the Jets turn to rookie Jack Demory and the bookies reflected their chances favoring the Steelers by 19 points. With third string quarterback Demory leading the Jets, New York were reliant on the running of John Riggins.
The (4-1) Steelers vs (2-3) Jets October 21, 1973
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Steelers moved the chains to the Jets’ 25 before the drive stalled. Roy Gerela’s 35-yard field goal attempt was blocked.
The Steelers’ attempt to self-destruct then succeeded when they moved the ball towards their own goal line with six penalties. After the Jets recovered a Preston Pearson fumble on the Pittsburgh 41, the only yardage the Jets gained on their possession was the 1-yard touchdown run from John Riggins. The Steelers contributed the other 40 yards.
Following the unexpected New York’s first quarter lead, the Steelers continued to struggle finishing their drives.
Gerela finally succeeded with two field goals in the second quarter from 27 and 29 yards to reduce Pittsburgh’s deficit to a point. After a Terry Bradshaw’s interception that the Jets returned 27 yards, New York restored their advantage. The turnover resulted in a 28-yard touchdown catch by Richard Caster.
The subsequent Steelers’ drive saw Gerela come good again with a 36-yard field goal. As time expired in the first half, the underdogs Jets were 14-9 ahead.
When Steelers’ cornerback John Rowser intercepted a Demory pass in the third quarter, it appeared to be the spark the Steelers needed. But, once again the drive stalled with the Steelers settling for a 13-yard field goal.
Five Steelers’ drives had ended when they were forced to settle for a field goal attempt. As a result, they were behind 14-12 as the game entered the final quarter.
Terry Hanratty became the missing ingredient in the Steelers’ offense and his arrival on the field ignited them into finding the endzone. After Franco Harris and Frenchy Fuqua moved the ball 49 yards, Hanratty finished the drive. He faked a pass in one direction freezing the Jets’ safety, enabling Hanratty to find Ron Shanklin alone in the end zone for the touchdown.
The Steelers were deservedly ahead for the first time encouraging the defense to join in the fun. Demory was intercepted by Mike Wagner who returned it returned 38 yards to the Jets’ 2. Harris capped his 100-yard performance for the Steelers’ second touchdown on the next play sealing the Steelers victory.
The Pittsburgh Steelers 26 vs the New York Jets 14
The 100-yard game from Franco Harris was the eighth of his career.
The defense set three team records. The least yardage given up with 118 yards, least first downs with 9 allowed and fewest net yards rushing and passing with 46 and 78 respectively.
“He’s (Bradshaw) just had a little bit of an off day,” offered Terry Hanratty. “Any quarterback can have one. I’m sure next week he’ll be back and do a heckuva job.”
Bradshaw did return as the starter the following week. After he came off with a shoulder injury, Hanratty would again lead the team to a win against Cincinnati. With injuries affecting both quarterbacks for the rest of the season, the third Terry also found himself in a starting role.
Terry Gilliam would have a disastrous game in Miami, but the Steelers still made the playoffs with a 10-4 record where they would lose to the Raiders. No Immaculate Reception second time around.
