1975 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers

Attribute	1975 Pittsburgh Steelers	1978 Pittsburgh Steelers
Head Coach	Chuck Noll	Chuck Noll
Regular Season Record	12-2	14-2
Playoff Record	3-0	4-0
Super Bowl Result	Won Super Bowl IX	Won Super Bowl XIII
Key Players	Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Mean Joe Greene	Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Jack Lambert

Introduction

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, with a total of six Super Bowl championships to their name. Two of those championships came in the 1970s, with the Steelers winning back-to-back titles in 1975 and 1978. While both teams were led by the legendary head coach Chuck Noll and featured a number of Hall of Fame players, there were some key differences in the attributes of the 1975 and 1978 Steelers.

Offense

In 1975, the Steelers offense was led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who had a breakout season and was named the Super Bowl MVP. Bradshaw was supported by a strong running game, with Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier forming a formidable backfield duo. The offensive line, known as the "Steel Curtain," was anchored by Hall of Famers Mike Webster and Jon Kolb. In 1978, the offense was even more explosive, with Bradshaw throwing for over 2,900 yards and 28 touchdowns. The addition of wide receiver John Stallworth added another dimension to the passing game, while Harris continued to be a force on the ground.

Defense

The Steelers defense was the backbone of both the 1975 and 1978 teams, with the unit famously known as the "Steel Curtain." In 1975, the defense was led by Hall of Famers Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount. The defense allowed the fewest points in the league and was dominant throughout the season. In 1978, the defense was just as formidable, with Greene and Lambert continuing to anchor the unit. The addition of rookie linebacker Jack Ham added another playmaker to the defense, and the Steelers once again led the league in fewest points allowed.

Special Teams

Special teams play was crucial for both the 1975 and 1978 Steelers teams. In 1975, kicker Roy Gerela was a reliable option for the Steelers, connecting on 22 of 33 field goal attempts. The return game was also strong, with Lynn Swann and Bleier providing a spark on punt and kick returns. In 1978, the special teams unit was just as solid, with Gerela once again coming through in clutch situations. Swann continued to be a threat in the return game, and the Steelers consistently won the field position battle thanks to their strong special teams play.

Coaching

Both the 1975 and 1978 Steelers teams were led by head coach Chuck Noll, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Noll's emphasis on discipline and fundamentals was evident in both teams, as the Steelers were known for their physical style of play and attention to detail. Noll's ability to get the most out of his players was a key factor in the success of both teams, as he was able to maximize the talent on the roster and put his players in positions to succeed.

Conclusion

While the 1975 and 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers teams both achieved Super Bowl success, there were some key differences in the attributes of the two squads. The 1975 team was known for its dominant defense and strong running game, while the 1978 team featured a more explosive offense and continued defensive excellence. Both teams were led by the legendary Chuck Noll and featured a number of Hall of Fame players, making them two of the greatest teams in NFL history.