Super Bowl XIV: Pittsburgh Clinches Victory at the Rose Bowl – 31-19 Triumph over Los Angeles Rams
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, witnessed history on January 20, 1980, as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams clashed in Super Bowl XIV. In front of a Super Bowl record crowd of 103,985 fans, the Steelers secured their place in NFL history, becoming the first team to win four Super Bowl titles. The final score, Pittsburgh 31, Los Angeles 19, hardly tells the whole story of a game filled with twists, turns, and memorable plays.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
Super Bowl XIV was a game of shifting momentum, with the lead changing hands a record seven times. The underdog Rams, led by young quarterback Vince Ferragamo, proved to be a formidable opponent for Chuck Noll’s Steelers. The Rams, who made it to the Super Bowl with a 9-7 regular season record, came out strong, determined to prove they belonged on the big stage.
The Steelers, however, were looking to cement their dynasty. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw, despite throwing three interceptions, displayed the poise and talent that would earn him the Super Bowl XIV MVP award. Bradshaw completed 14 of 21 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Steelers to victory.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The first quarter saw both teams feeling each other out. Matt Bahr kicked a 41-yard field goal to put the Steelers on the board first. The Rams responded with a 1-yard touchdown run by Cullen Bryant, giving them a 7-3 lead.
The second quarter continued the seesaw battle. Franco Harris scored on a 1-yard run for the Steelers, but Frank Corral answered with two field goals for the Rams, giving Los Angeles a 13-10 lead at halftime.
Early in the third quarter, Bradshaw connected with Lynn Swann on a 47-yard touchdown pass, putting the Steelers back on top 17-13. The Rams quickly responded with a trick play, as Lawrence McCutcheon threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ron Smith. Corral missed the extra point, but the Rams were back in the lead 19-17.
The Stallworth Strike
The signature play of Super Bowl XIV came in the fourth quarter. Facing third-and-8 from their own 27-yard line, the Steelers needed a spark. Bradshaw dropped back and launched a deep pass to John Stallworth, who was streaking downfield. Stallworth made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch, eluding Rams cornerback Rod Perry, and raced into the end zone for a 73-yard touchdown. This play, known as “60 Prevent Slot Hook & Go,” put the Steelers ahead 24-19 and shifted the momentum for good.
Stallworth later recalled that the play never worked in practice. The defender believed the ball was going to land to the inside, upfield shoulder. It didn’t, he never saw it, and Stallworth made the adjustment to the outside to make the catch and run into the end zone.
Harris Seals the Deal
With the Rams threatening to score, Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert intercepted a pass from Ferragamo at the Pittsburgh 14-yard line. Bradshaw then drove the Steelers down the field, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Franco Harris. This score extended the Steelers’ lead to 31-19 and effectively sealed the victory.
Bradshaw’s MVP Performance
Terry Bradshaw’s performance in Super Bowl XIV was one for the ages. Despite throwing three interceptions, he remained composed and made several crucial throws, including the touchdown passes to Swann and Stallworth. Bradshaw’s 309 passing yards set a Super Bowl record at the time, and his leadership was instrumental in the Steelers’ victory.
The “Steel Curtain” Stands Tall
While the Steelers’ offense was making big plays, the “Steel Curtain” defense played a key role in containing the Rams’ offense. Players like “Mean” Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount made life difficult for Ferragamo and the Rams’ running game. Lambert’s fourth-quarter interception was a game-changing play that prevented the Rams from mounting a comeback.
A Coaching Masterclass
The coaching matchup between Chuck Noll of the Steelers and Ray Malavasi of the Rams was intriguing. Noll, a seasoned veteran, had guided the Steelers to three previous Super Bowl titles. Malavasi, on the other hand, was a relative newcomer to the head coaching ranks. While Malavasi had the Rams well-prepared, Noll’s experience and leadership proved to be the difference.
A Record-Breaking Crowd
Super Bowl XIV set a Super Bowl record for attendance, with 103,985 fans packing the Rose Bowl. The atmosphere was electric, as fans from both teams cheered on their respective sides. The game marked the first time the Super Bowl was played in the home market of one of the participants, as Pasadena is located just a few miles from downtown Los Angeles.
A Dynasty Cemented
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ victory in Super Bowl XIV cemented their status as a dynasty. With four Super Bowl titles in a six-year span, the Steelers established themselves as one of the greatest teams in NFL history. The Steelers’ success was built on a combination of talent, coaching, and teamwork.
The Aftermath
Terry Bradshaw shared Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year award that season with Willie Stargell, whose Pirates won the 1979 World Series.
A Super Bowl to Remember
Super Bowl XIV was a game filled with drama, excitement, and memorable moments. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 31-19 victory over the Los Angeles Rams was a testament to their talent, resilience, and championship pedigree. The game remains a classic in Super Bowl history, remembered for its back-and-forth action, outstanding individual performances, and the crowning of a dynasty.