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Steelers’ Woodruff Says Big Plays Are Difference Between 1985 and the ‘70s

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Newsday

Cornerback Dwayne Woodruff was a rookie in Pittsburgh in 1979 when the Steelers became the first team in the NFL to win a fourth Super Bowl. He has experienced what the New York Giants may never know, and, if for no other reason, that is why Woodruff will do everything he can to help the Steelers beat New York today at Giants Stadium.

It comes from pride of what the Steelers once were, and what Woodruff believes they can become again. In his case, it overrides the fact that the Steelers are 7-8, and have been eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in four seasons, and third time in the past 14.

He can’t forget the Steelers of Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene and Jack Lambert. They won Super Bowls in 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979--and in Woodruff’s view, 1986 starts today.

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“We can be those Steelers again,” he said. “I feel we can start right now, with this game. We’re in New York on national television, and we want to show the nation we still have a good football team.”

But what happened to the present Steelers, the mixture of solid veterans and hardy youth who appeared to have regained the winning formula? Many had predicted the Steelers would win the AFC Central.

“The character and philosophy of this game has changed so much from when I first came here and the Steelers were winning Super Bowls,” Woodruff said. “So many teams are just as good as you are. One or two big plays will win a game for you. We’ve lost eight, and I can only remember two we really weren’t in up until the last minute.

“That’s the difference. We’re not dominating the teams like the Steelers used to in the late ‘70s. Who comes out on top at the end of the season depends on who makes those big plays. Just like the Cowboys did against the Giants. It could be anybody. We could win 12, 13 games next season. It’s that close.”

Woodruff is aware that the Giants need a victory to make the NFC playoffs, and said he expects them “to come out with both barrels loaded to win the ballgame.” When asked if the Steelers have any incentive, he said, “Definitely.”

Still, it seems their main concern would be finishing 1985 and going home for the holidays and the off-season.

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“Yeah, a lot of guys feel that way,” Woodruff said. “The fact that we’re not in the playoffs is a terrible feeling. The thought of not making it, being out and still having another game to play, it isn’t worth a darn. You hate it, but still in all we’re professionals and in this together. The only way it could get any worse is if we go and lose.”

When asked if the Steelers, who last played the Giants in the regular season in 1976 and beat them, 27-0, might show a little kindness to the playoff-hopeful Giants, he laughed and said, “The only people we’re thinking of right now are the Pittsburgh Steelers, and what this game means to us and how it can help us going into the off-season.

“If we can end up at .500, that’s far better than having a losing record. Right now it’s the little things that mean the most to us--one victory, a .500 record. That wouldn’t mean anything to a team that is looking forward to the playoffs, but when you’re out of it, those are the things that really stand out.”

A victory also would assure the Steelers of 14 consecutive non-losing seasons.

Win or lose, Woodruff will return to Pittsburgh and resume the law course he attends four nights a week at Duquesne. When told that the Jets’ Marvin Powell also attends law school, and has predicted he will run for president of the United State, Woodruff said, “Maybe some day I could work in his Cabinet.”

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