Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert (number 58) and Miami Dolphins safety Glenn Blackwood (number 47) during the 1984 AFC Championship Game.
The 1984 AFC Championship Game remains one of the most memorable and intense playoff matchups in NFL history. Played on January 6, 1985, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, this game was not only a battle between two of the league’s elite teams—the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins—but also a clash of iconic players who embodied the physical and relentless nature of the sport during one of its most storied eras. Among the many standout players on both teams, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert (number 58) and Miami Dolphins safety Glenn Blackwood (number 47) were two of the fiercest and most impactful defensive players on the field, contributing to a game that would go down in history as one of the most hard-hitting, dramatic contests ever played in the AFC.
While the game itself may not have ended in a Pittsburgh victory—Miami won 45-28, securing their place in Super Bowl XIX—the performances of players like Lambert and Blackwood exemplified the grit and determination that would come to define these two teams during the 1980s. Both were integral to their respective teams’ defensive schemes, and their individual efforts that day told a story of how critical defensive play can shape the outcome of a postseason contest. Their respective roles, styles of play, and leadership on the field reflected the larger dynamics of the 1984 AFC Championship, a game filled with intrigue, emotion, and raw power.
By the time the 1984 AFC Championship Game rolled around, both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins were at distinct points in their respective franchises’ histories. The Steelers, having dominated the 1970s with four Super Bowl victories, were in the process of transitioning from their dynasty years into a new era. The team was still dangerous, boasting some of the best defensive players in the league, including Lambert, but they were also fighting against the changing tides of the NFL.
In contrast, the Miami Dolphins were in the midst of a resurgence under head coach Don Shula. The Dolphins had a powerful offense led by quarterback Dan Marino, whose breakout season in 1984 was one of the greatest individual performances in NFL history. Marino set the single-season passing record for yards (5,084) and touchdowns (48), and he had an outstanding supporting cast of receivers, including Mark Duper and Nat Moore. The Dolphins’ defense, while often overshadowed by their explosive offense, was anchored by players like Glenn Blackwood, whose hard-hitting, no-nonsense approach was a crucial part of Miami’s ability to slow down potent offenses.
For the Steelers, the 1984 season marked a turning point. While they still had some of the old guard—like Lambert and fellow linebacker Mel Blount—the team had begun to experience the decline of their once-dominant defense, and they were no longer the overwhelming force they had been in the 1970s. Pittsburgh’s defense was still tough, but it was aging. Jack Lambert, who had been one of the premier middle linebackers of the 1970s, had begun to show signs of wear and tear but was still a leader and a playmaker. Lambert had earned his reputation as one of the most aggressive and intimidating linebackers in NFL history, and he remained a constant force in the middle of the Steelers’ defense.
Lambert, wearing number 58, was the heart and soul of the Steelers’ defense during his prime. A ferocious and relentless tackler, Lambert had made his name in the late 1970s as a part of the Steel Curtain defense, one of the most dominating defensive units the league had ever seen. Known for his piercing gaze, punishing tackles, and unwavering toughness, Lambert was an embodiment of the physical style of football that the Steelers became famous for. His presence on the field had the ability to change the momentum of a game with a single hit or a clutch stop.
By 1984, however, the Steelers’ defense was beginning to show its age, and the days of the Steel Curtain were behind them. Despite this, Lambert was still the leader of the unit. Even though he was 30 years old and dealing with various injuries, including knee problems, Lambert was still as tough as they come. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion and had earned eight Pro Bowl selections by this point in his career. His football IQ and ability to read offenses were unparalleled, and his leadership on the field was crucial in keeping Pittsburgh’s defense competitive against the high-powered offenses of the NFL in the 1980s.
Against Miami in the 1984 AFC Championship Game, Lambert’s role was to try to neutralize the Dolphins’ high-flying offense, especially the passing game. As the middle linebacker, Lambert was expected to cover ground in both the run game and the passing game. With Marino at the helm, Miami’s offense was designed to attack through the air, relying on quick passes and a potent receiving corps. For Lambert, this presented a tough challenge: how do you contain one of the most prolific quarterbacks in history when he can throw the ball almost anywhere, at any time?
Lambert played with his trademark grit, always staying in the face of Marino and putting pressure on him when possible. He was known to bring the physicality, even in the pass-rush game, but Marino’s quick release often made it difficult for Lambert to reach him. As the game wore on, however, it became clear that the Dolphins’ offense was too potent for the Steelers’ defense to handle. Despite Lambert’s best efforts, Marino’s precise throws and the speed of the Dolphins’ receivers would eventually wear down Pittsburgh’s defense.
On the other side of the ball, Glenn Blackwood was one of the key players who helped the Dolphins stay competitive on defense. As the starting safety for Miami, Blackwood was known for his ability to lay down the law in the secondary. Wearing number 47, Blackwood was the kind of player who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He was aggressive, physical, and always ready to step up in big moments. Blackwood’s role was to patrol the deep middle of the field and provide support in run defense, but he was also often called upon to make big tackles and create turnovers. His style of play was perfectly suited to the Dolphins’ defensive philosophy, which emphasized making plays, being aggressive, and reacting quickly to the offense.
The Dolphins’ defense wasn’t as celebrated as their offense, but they had key players like Blackwood who helped them stay competitive. Blackwood’s toughness was invaluable in a game where Pittsburgh’s offense had the ability to make big plays with the likes of quarterback Mark Malone and running back Franco Harris. On the afternoon of the 1984 AFC Championship Game, Blackwood’s contributions were crucial in keeping the Steelers’ offense in check. While he was not necessarily the most flashy player on the field, Blackwood’s instincts and physicality allowed him to make critical stops and force Pittsburgh into uncomfortable situations.
Blackwood’s job in the secondary was to help limit the effectiveness of Pittsburgh’s passing game and provide support in run defense, which he did effectively. While Lambert struggled to stop Marino’s passing attack, Blackwood and the Dolphins’ defense were able to key in on Pittsburgh’s more traditional offensive strategies. Blackwood was known for his ability to read quarterbacks, and he was always lurking in the right place at the right time to make an interception or a big hit. His combination of intelligence and physicality made him one of the unsung heroes of Miami’s defense, and he earned a well-deserved spot in the Dolphins’ defensive legacy.
Despite the fact that the game ended in a Miami victory, 45-28, it was a hard-fought contest filled with big hits, high-intensity plays, and plenty of physicality. The Steelers’ defense, led by the likes of Jack Lambert, tried to slow down Marino’s record-breaking offense, but the Dolphins’ passing attack was simply too powerful. Marino threw for 421 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing why he was one of the league’s most elite quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, Lambert’s relentless style of play still stood out, as he continued to lay the foundation for the Steelers’ defensive pride. He racked up tackles and was always in the right position to make a play, but the Dolphins’ speed and the quick release of Marino often neutralized his efforts. However, Lambert’s legacy wasn’t defined by a single game, and his ability to go up against one of the most prolific offenses in NFL history spoke volumes about his skill and toughness.
Glenn Blackwood, too, made his presence known. His ability to make stops in the secondary, along with his general leadership, helped ensure that the Dolphins were able to seal the victory. Though the Dolphins’ defense wasn’t as flashy as their offense, players like Blackwood were key to Miami’s success. His tackling ability and knack for being in the right place at the right time helped the Dolphins shut down key plays and set the tone for the game.
The 1984 AFC Championship Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins was more than just a clash of teams; it was a meeting of two defensive titans—Jack Lambert and Glenn Blackwood—whose efforts helped define their respective teams’ identities. While the Dolphins went on to represent the AFC in Super Bowl XIX, both Lambert and Blackwood earned the respect of fans for their relentless, hard-hitting play and leadership on the field. The game may not have ended in a Steelers’ victory, but the legacy of these two players continued long after the final whistle blew, serving as a reminder of the physicality and intensity that defined the NFL in the 1980s.
