Final thoughts as Week 9 begins speeding into memory …
You might remember a 2004 game against the Atlanta Falcons when the Broncos piled up 567 yards, but still fell 41-28 as the Falcons amassed 467 yards themselves and won the turnover margin by a 3-1 count. Well, Sunday, such numbers went in the Broncos favor, as the Steelers sprinted to 499 yards — their most in a loss since 1986.
Sunday, the Steelers were doomed by the Broncos’ six takeaways — including five by the defense that came inside the Broncos 10-yard-line. Back in 1986, it was something different entirely.
That day, it was not turnovers that did in the Steelers, but special teams. Pittsburgh was only minus-1 in giveaway-takeaway ratio, but surrendered touchdowns on a blocked field goal, a blocked punt and a kickoff return. Kansas City’s Nick Lowery added a 47-yard field goal to complete a day in which the Steelers outgained the Chiefs 515 yards to 171, but still could not keep Kansas City from a win that clinched their first postseason bid in 15 years.
In 1978, the structure of passing football changed forever. Offensive players were allowed to extend their arms and open their hands on pass blocking. Defenders could no longer contact and impede receivers once they got more than five yards clear of the line of scrimmage. And to make sure that these tweaks were enforced, a seventh official — the side judge — was added to the on-field arbiting crew.