Six weeks into the above season, the 0-5 Pittsburgh Steelers came into Franklin Field to play the 2-3 Philadelphia Eagles. Joe Kuharich was furious over losing to the worst team in the NFL. Philadelphia led in all the statistics but turnovers were the key to victory. I mentioned this game already but will sum it up. For the Steelers:
DB Willie Daniel ran a fumble back 17 yards for a touchdown;
Jim Bradshaw had the best game of his career, making three interceptions for 110 yards in returns. One went for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Bill Nelson threw his first touchdown pass of the season. Pittsburgh won 20 to 14.
Now two months later, the Eagles demolished the Steelers 47 to 13. The Eagles came in at 4-8, two games better than the 2-10 Steelers, Pittsburgh gave up 40 points or more points in the two previous games; to the eventual winners of both the Eastern and Western Conference. Both games were at home. To the Green Bay Packers 41 to 9 and the Cleveland Browns 42 to 21. Philadelphia, despite finishing 5-9, scored more points against Pittsburgh than the two conference champions. The Eagles recorded nine interceptions for 165 yards and three touchdowns, three fumble recoveries, and five sacks for 39 yards.
The Eagles scored four touchdowns in the first quarter, having the ball for virtually the entire period. Earl Gros and Ollie Matson made short runs capping drives. After Norm Snead threw a 20 yard touchdown pass to Pete Retzlaff, Linebacker Maxie Baughn returned an interception 33 yards for a score. At the quarter, the Eagles led 27 to 0. Early in the second frame, Linebacker Ralph Nettles returned an interception 56 yards for a touchdown.
Eagles 34 Steelers 0. Jack Fleming on KDKA said "Well now, all we have to do is get five touchdowns, all the extra points, and we've got them 35 to 34." the Steelers got into the act as quarterback Tommy Wade threw an 18 yard touchdown pass to Gary Ballman. On the last play of the first half, Norm Snead threw an ill advised screen pass shooting for Tom Woodeschick. Steelers' safety Marv Woodson stepped in front of TW and returned the interception 61 yards for a touchdown. This closed down the Steeler scoring for the game. It was one of the six games where the Steelers laid a duck egg in the second half.
In the that half, Israel Lang capped a drive with an 8 yard touchdown run . Former Steeler George Tarasovic ran an interception back 40 yards for the third defensive touchdown. Philadelphia 47 Pittsburgh 13.
Showing how meaningless certain statistics are, yards gained were roughly even for both teams. 324 for Pittsburgh and 305 for Philadelphia. The Eagles had revenge against the NFL's worst. Both clubs lost the final game. The Eagles finished 5-9 three games better than the Steelers at 2-12. Leaders for the game were: Gary Ballman with 9 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown; Ollie Matson carrying 11 times for 80 yards and a touchdown; and Tom Woodeshick caught a 60 yard pass. After Bill Nelson threw two interceptions, Steeler coach Mike Nixon replaced him with Tommy Wade. The Steelers completed 22 passes for 278 yards.