September 10, 1989, will go down as one of, if not the worst day ever in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was the start of the 1989-90 NFL season; legendary Head Coach Chuck Noll and his young quarterback Bubby Brister were planning on going in and proving that they were an elite team after finishing 5-11 the season prior. But an elite performance would have been anything but the outcome of their first game against the Cleveland Browns.
AP Photos
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Bubby Brister and Chuck Noll talk before their game against the Cleveland Browns to open the 1989-90 NFL season.
This Awful Display From The Steelers
This awful display from the Steelers started with our first pick from the draft, Tim Worley, who would fumble the ball and have it picked up by Browns legend, Clay Matthews Jr. for the first touchdown of the game. The very next possession, another fumble from Worley, but this was just the start of the awful showing from the offense.
The Steelers would try an end around on their next possession. They gave it to Louis Lipps, who would have the ball ripped out of his hand by David Grayson, who would take it to the endzone for yet another defensive touchdown. This would finish up the first quarter and Pittsburgh would be down 17-0 going into the second quarter.
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Cleveland Browns legendary player Clay Matthews Jr. during a game.
The Browns would start the quarter by getting a field goal from Matt Bahr. After that, fullback Tim Manoa would practically run the ball down the Steelers' throats to score yet another touchdown. This would be followed by a field goal afterward from Bahr to give the Browns a 30-0 lead at the end of the half.
The second half would not be any better as Manoa would score yet another touchdown. This would be followed by Brister throwing a pick-six that would be returned by Grayson for his second touchdown of the game. The last score of the game would come from running back, Mike Oliphant for 21 yards to bring a final of 51-0.
In the game, Brister would throw for 84 yards with three interceptions. Worley would run for 36 yards and have one of the worst performances from a running back ever.
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland Browns' fullback Tim Manoa breaks free on a hand off.
During an interview with The New York Times, Noll would say that this was the worst loss he had ever seen as a coach at the time. The new Head Coach Bud Carson tried to keep a humble approach to his team after they blew out the Steelers.
"I'm sure we are not that good. It was our day."
The Steelers would not allow this game to define them as they would go on to finish 9-7. This secured them a spot in the Wild Card which they would end up winning against the Houston Oilers. Then they would lose in the Divisional Playoffs against the Denver Broncos. Along with that, Tunch Ilkin and Rod Woodson would make the Pro Bowl.
Jeff Glidden / AP
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson (26) returns an interception against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game in Cleveland.
Under the leadership of quarterback Brister, the Steelers would go on to do relatively nothing. It would not be until 1996 under new Head Coach Bill Cowher and quarterback Neil O'Donnell that they would see success as they would make it to Super Bowl XXX. These major setbacks are what helped build the Steelers that we know today.
So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Is this the worse loss ever from the Steelers? Let me know in the comments below!
