Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 14, a game that showcased the culmination of one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. This matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams took place on January 20, 1980, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. As we delve into the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead-up, the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact of what would become the Steelers' fourth Super Bowl victory in six years. The 1979 NFL season was a year of contrasts for the two teams that would eventually meet in Super Bowl 14. The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by head coach Chuck Noll, were the defending Super Bowl champions and had established themselves as the team of the decade. They finished the regular season with a 12 and 4 record, dominating the AFC Central division. The Steelers were seeking their fourth Super Bowl title, which would cement their status as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. On the other side, the Los Angeles Rams had a tumultuous season. Despite finishing with a 9 and 7 record, barely winning the NFC West, they managed to make it to the Super Bowl. The Rams were led by head coach Ray Malavasi, who had taken over the team in 1978 after the controversial firing of George Allen. The Rams had been perennial contenders throughout the 1970s but had never reached the Super Bowl until this year. The Steelers' offense was a well-oiled machine, featuring a balanced attack that could beat opponents through the air or on the ground. At the helm was quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who was having one of the best seasons of his career. Bradshaw had thraown for 3,724 yards and 26 touchdowns during the regular season, establishing himself as one of the league's premier passers. Bradshaw’s primary targets were wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, both of whom were having stellar seasons. Swann had caught 41 passes for 808 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Stallworth had 70 receptions for 1,183 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Steelers' running game was anchored by Franco Harris, who had rushed for 1,186 yards and 11 touchdowns, marking his eighth consecutive season as the team's leading rusher. On defense, the Steelers boasted their famous "Steel Curtain" defense, although it was beginning to show signs of age. Led by defensive tackle Mean" Joe Greene, linebackers Jack Ham and Jack Lambert, and defensive back Mel Blount, this unit was still one of the most formidable in the league. However, they had allowed more points during the regular season than in previous years, a sign that the dynasty might be nearing its end. The Los Angeles Rams, meanwhile, had faced significant challenges during the season. Their starting quarterback, Pat Haden, had been injured mid-season and was replaced by Vince Ferragamo, a second-year player who had thrown only five passes in his NFL career before taking over as the starter. Despite his inexperience, Ferragamo led the Rams to victory in six of their last seven games and through the playoffs. The Rams' offense relied heavily on their running game, led by Wendell Tyler and Cullen Bryant. Tyler had rushed for 1,109 yards during the regular season, while Bryant added 846 yards. On defense, the Rams were led by defensive end Jack Youngblood, who was playing despite a fractured fibula suffered in the divisional playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. As game day approached, the Steelers were heavily favored. Many expected them to dominate the Rams, who were seen as underdogs who had somehow managed to make it to the big game. However, the Rams were determined to prove that they belonged on the same field as the mighty Steelers. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Steelers received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three-and-out. The Rams' first possession showed promise, with Ferragamo completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Los Angeles was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Steelers kicker Matt Bahr connected on a 41-yard field goal, giving Pittsburgh a 3 to zero lead. This score was set up by a 32-yard pass from Bradshaw to Stallworth, showcasing the Steelers' big-play ability. The Rams responded quickly, putting together a drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Cullen Bryant. This gave Los Angeles a 7 to 3 lead and sent shockwaves through the Rose Bowl. The underdogs were not only competing but leading against the mighty Steelers. As the second quarter began, the Steelers started to assert their dominance. Bradshaw led a methodical drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs from Harris and Rocky Bleier. The drive culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Franco Harris, giving the Steelers a 10 to 7 lead. The Rams, however, weren't about to back down. They responded with another impressive drive, moving the ball effectively against the ...
