‘80s 49ers, ‘70s Steelers Compare--Offensively

Many NFL observers are saying that the San Francisco 49ers of the ‘80s might be the best football dynasty ever. Their competition is the Pittsburgh Steelers of the ‘70s.

How do the teams compare? Former Steeler Steve Furness, an assistant coach under former Steeler defensive coordinator George Perles at Michigan State, told Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Press:

“Offensively, they have a lot of similarities to us. They have a great quarterback, we had a great quarterback. They have outstanding wide receivers, and we had outstanding wide receivers. The running backs shared some similarities.

“But defensively, I don’t think there is a great comparison between us and the 49ers. Their offense is so powerful the defense doesn’t have to play traditional defense. (Joe) Montana takes them on a 12-play, 70-yard drive and they score.

“They never have to hold the team time after time. Their offense is so powerful it’s ahead, 7-0, 14-0, 21-7. That’s the question I have in my mind. They have never been on the field where they had to hold the team repeatedly. We did that.”

Trivia time: What was the first Super Bowl called?

No comparison: Nose tackle Fred Smerlas and his Buffalo Bill teammates played against both the 49ers and Broncos this season. Smerlas said: “When we played Denver, we came out flat as a pancake and we still almost beat them. When we played San Francisco, our defense was flying all over the place and playing great and they still beat us without Joe Montana.

“Montana makes it all work. He has the greatest vision of any quarterback. He’s like Larry Bird looking for an open man. Montana can read and deliver better than anyone I’ve ever played against, and I’ve played against some great ones: (Terry) Bradshaw, (Dan) Marino, (Bob) Griese.”

Bands of gold: If the 49ers win the Super Bowl, Montana, Bradshaw and former Raider quarterback Kenny Stabler will have nine Super Bowl rings and nine marriages among them. With a victory, Montana would tie Bradshaw with three marriages and four rings. Bronco quarterback Elway has no Super Bowl rings and one marriage.

Trivia answer: The AFL-NFL World Championship Game.

Quotebook: Bronco safety Dennis Smith: “I’m hell when I’m well.”