Steelers Week 12 1963 Vs Eagles Part II

[LeonardRachiele]

At Forbes Field in Pittsburgh

The Steelers put on a great time chewing drive. Midway through the second quarter Lou Michaels booted a 10 yard field goal, giving Pittsburgh a 3 to 0 lead. The last four minutes of the first half were a Pittsburgh nightmare.

Ed Brown threw the first of his four interceptions; this one came from Dave Lloyd and he returned it to the Steeler 24. One the next play King Hill through a touchdown pass to Pete Retzlaff and Philadelphia led 7 to 3. Gary Ballman fumbled the kickoff at the 14 yard line and LeRoy Caffey recovered. Timmy Brown ran the next play over the goal line. Four disastrous plays, one after the other, and Pittsburgh, heavily favored, was behind 14 to 3. On the last play of the first half, Ed Brown threw what seemed like a 52 yard touchdown pass to Buddy Dial. However, the officials ruled that, after the catch, Dial stepped out at the two yard line.

In the third quarter, Eagles' Jimmy Carr intercepted at the 40 yard line. After a few first downs, Mike Clark kicked an 18 yard field goal. Pittsburgh put on another good drive which ended poorly with the second interception from Dave Lloyd. It was in the Eagles end zone for a touchback. After three quarters, the Eagles had 17 points to just three for the Steelers.

Four minutes into the fourth quarter the Steelers showed perfect coordination. Ed Brown dropped back behind a virtual wall of protection at the Pittsburgh 43. Brown threw to Gary Ballman who caught the ball right in stride at the Eagle 17 and scored a touchdown. Finally crossed the goal line narrowing the score to 17 to 10.

Pittsburgh fans anticipated a score but again there was a short in the circuit. Jimmy Carr intercepted a pass and Mike Clark kicked a 40 yard field goal. Now the Steelers needed two scores thanks to four interceptions and a lost fumble. 20 to 10 score.

Gary Ballman returned the ensuing kickoff 63 yards to the Eagle 37. Just three plays later, Ed Brown threw an eight yard touchdown pass to Buddy Dial. After the kickoff, the Steelers' defense dug in and forced a three and out. Pittsburgh moved downfield after the punt and scored on a 20 yard field goal. The game ended in a 20 to 20 standoff.