SteelerSal
06-14-2011, 11:52 AM
Steelers unleash big-play offense
By Bob Labriola - Steelers Digest
1978 AFC Divisional Playoff
http://www.steelers.com/assets/images/playoff%20recaps/77_DEN2_Bradshaw_5.jpg
Another in a series of stories chronicling the 52 playoff games in Steelers history.
The Steelers had to be tickled that 1977 was over, because the playing field where they had their most consistent success was the one where the major players were lawyers. Ernie Holmes was acquitted of cocaine possession charges; Chuck Noll was cleared of charges brought by George Atkinson over the “criminal element” remarks; and Mel Blount dropped his defamation lawsuit against Noll for including him in the “criminal element,” which had happened under questioning by Atkinson’s lawyer.
All of that contributed to an unsettled environment in the Steelers’ locker room, and throughout the season it became clear the team had lost its singular focus. Jack Lambert held out. Mel Blount held out. Glen Edwards, Jimmy Allen, Ernie Holmes all moaned about money. Guys walked out during the season, and in some cases Noll relented and took them back.
But times were about to change. read more... (http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-unleash-big-play-offense/88389600-add3-4c64-bae6-f64f0e9cc21b)
By Bob Labriola - Steelers Digest
1978 AFC Divisional Playoff
http://www.steelers.com/assets/images/playoff%20recaps/77_DEN2_Bradshaw_5.jpg
Another in a series of stories chronicling the 52 playoff games in Steelers history.
The Steelers had to be tickled that 1977 was over, because the playing field where they had their most consistent success was the one where the major players were lawyers. Ernie Holmes was acquitted of cocaine possession charges; Chuck Noll was cleared of charges brought by George Atkinson over the “criminal element” remarks; and Mel Blount dropped his defamation lawsuit against Noll for including him in the “criminal element,” which had happened under questioning by Atkinson’s lawyer.
All of that contributed to an unsettled environment in the Steelers’ locker room, and throughout the season it became clear the team had lost its singular focus. Jack Lambert held out. Mel Blount held out. Glen Edwards, Jimmy Allen, Ernie Holmes all moaned about money. Guys walked out during the season, and in some cases Noll relented and took them back.
But times were about to change. read more... (http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-unleash-big-play-offense/88389600-add3-4c64-bae6-f64f0e9cc21b)