Dolphins Hall Of Famer Larry Little Believes Steelers Dynasty Never Should Have Started

The Pittsburgh Steelers' dynasty began in the mid-1970s, a transformative era for the franchise that saw them claim four Super Bowl titles and establish a legacy of greatness. The foundation of this dynasty was built on the strength of the iconic Steel Curtain defense, led by legendary figures such as "Mean" Joe Greene, and the leadership of quarterback Terry Bradshaw. The Steelers’ journey to their first Super Bowl victory in 1975 began with a thrilling 16-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX, a game that would go down in history as the starting point of an unprecedented era of dominance.

The path to the championship wasn’t easy. The Steelers first had to conquer the Buffalo Bills in a decisive playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium on December 22, 1974, earning a hard-fought victory. That win propelled them into the AFC Championship, where they faced the powerful Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum. Despite a tough battle, the Steelers triumphed with a 24-13 win, securing their spot in Super Bowl IX. The victory over the Vikings was the crowning achievement of that season, and it marked the beginning of a dominant run in the NFL throughout the 1970s.

Interestingly, the Miami Dolphins, who had been a powerhouse in the early '70s, winning Super Bowl VII and VIII. In a first-round playoff game during the 1974-1975 season, the Dolphins suffered a close loss to the Raiders. However, in a revealing moment on the Chasing Hardware podcast, Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Little suggested that if the Dolphins had defeated the Raiders, they would have likely dominated the Steelers in the AFC Championship. This hypothetical scenario, while speculative, highlights the fierce competition the Steelers faced during their championship run and adds another layer to their storied history.

"We had the Steelers' number," Little said. "We would have beaten the Steelers the next week. [The Raiders] carried John Madden's big a** off the field like they had won the Super Bowl when they beat us in that game."

As the Steelers' dynasty continued, they would go on to win three more Super Bowls during the decade, solidifying their status as one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Their dominance on both sides of the ball, from the relentless defense of the Steel Curtain to the high-flying offense led by Bradshaw, was unmatched. The Steelers’ success in the 70s left an indelible mark on the league, and their ability to perform in the postseason set the standard for future generations.

Hypotheticals are always intriguing, and Little does raise a valid point. The Dolphins had defeated the Steelers twice before, with victories in 1971 (24-21) and 1973 (30-26). While the Steelers had played the Dolphins tough, they couldn’t manage to beat them. But after those losses, the Steelers went on to win their first Super Bowl and never looked back. They would face the Dolphins two more times during the 1970s, and this time, Pittsburgh emerged victorious in both matchups.

This makes Little’s assertion that the Dolphins would have guaranteed a victory had they beaten the Raiders and faced the Steelers in the AFC Championship even more interesting. While the Dolphins did win the first two games, that sample size is quite small. 

It’s incredibly difficult to beat a great team three times, and by the time the two teams were set to meet again, the Steelers had gained momentum and established themselves as a dominant force. Whether the Dolphins would have defeated the Steelers in a playoff matchup is speculative, but what we do know is that they never got the chance. The Steelers’ dynasty was set in motion.

Steelers' Dynasty Could Have Stopped Before It Started

Had the Dolphins defeated the Raiders, and if Little’s prediction had been correct — that they would have knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs — the Steelers’ first Super Bowl victory might never have happened. It’s a fascinating thought: What if the Steelers’ dynasty had never started? That’s the unpredictability of sports. The way fate unfolds can completely alter the course of legacies and dynasties. It’s truly a game of inches, where a single Super Bowl victory can launch an entire era, just as a playoff loss could have shifted the narrative entirely.

Fortunately for the Steelers, they don’t have to wonder what if. They now proudly stand with six Super Bowl trophies, a testament to their dominance and legacy in the NFL. Of course as of late, the Steelers have not inspired much confidence amongst their fan base. They are working hard to get back in the Super Bowl hunt.

#SteelerNation