1972 season: Miami 21, Pittsburgh 17
The Steelers led 7-0 when the Dolphins ran a fake punt deep into Pittsburgh territory that set up a touchdown run by Larry Csonka. Bob Griese took over Miami’s quarterback duties from Earl Morrall in the second half and led the Dolphins to two touchdowns, one of which was set up by a blocked field goal.
1974 season: Pittsburgh 24, Oakland 13
The Raiders had a 10-3 lead in the third quarter, but the Steelers scored three touchdowns in the fourth, one of which was set up by Jack Ham’s interception of Ken “The Snake” Stabler.
1975 season: Pittsburgh 16, Oakland 10
The Raiders intercepted two Terry Bradshaw passes in the first quarter, but wound up with only a missed field goal to show for it. Pittsburgh led 3-0 heading into the fourth quarter and then led 10-0 after Franco Harris’ 25- yard touchdown run.
1976 season: Oakland 24, Pittsburgh 7
Oakland took a 10-0 lead on drives set up by a partially blocked punt and an interception off a deflection. Pittsburgh played without its injured starting running backs, Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier.
1978 season: Pittsburgh 34, Houston 5
A cold rain that led to a postseason record 12 fumbles could not slow the Steelers, who rushed for 179 yards. Pittsburgh led 31-3 at the half.
1979 season: Pittsburgh 27, Houston 13
The final score was not indicative of how close the AFC Central rivals played. The Steelers’ final touchdown came with less than a minute left, and they only managed to hang on to the lead late in the third when officials ruled the Oilers’ Mike Renfro did not have possession on what would have been the tying TD.
1984 season: Miami 45, Pittsburgh 28
Miami’s Dan Marino set AFC championship game records with 421 yards passing and four touchdown tosses. The Steelers countered with Mark Malone at quarterback and racked up 455 total yards. The Dolphins, however, totaled 569 yards.
1994 season: San Diego 17, Pittsburgh 13
The Steelers almost doubled the Chargers in total yards, but two drives inside the San Diego 20 netted only field goals. The Steelers had a fourth-and-goal play from the 3-yard line in the waning seconds, but Chargers linebacker Dennis Gibson batted down the pass.
1995 season: Pittsburgh 20, Indianapolis 16
Jim Harbaugh’s “Hail Mary” pass to Aaron Bailey on the final play of the game was batted away by Steelers defensive back Randy Fuller. Pittsburgh had scored late on Bam Morris’ 1-yard run after Neil O’Donnell completed a 37-yarder to Ernie Mills to set up the score.
1997 season: Denver 24, Pittsburgh 21
John Elway threw for two touchdowns in the final 1:47 of the first half to give the Broncos a 24-14 lead at the break. The Broncos made the points stand up, but allowed a touchdown pass with 2:46 left in the game.
2001 season: New England 24, Pittsburgh 17
Drew Bledsoe relieved an injured Tom Brady in the second quarter and completed a drive that gave the Patriots a 14-3 lead. Kordell Stewart could not rally Pittsburgh in the second half.
2004 season: New England 41, Pittsburgh 27
The Patriots converted three first-half turnovers into a 24-3 halftime lead and a relatively easy win. Rodney Harrison returned an interception 87 yards for the touchdown that put New England up 24-3.
