Tommy Maddox, the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year, orchestrated one of the most memorable comebacks in Pittsburgh Steelers history, throwing three touchdown passes in the final 19 minutes to defeat the Cleveland Browns 36-33 in a thrilling AFC wild-card game. The Steelers overcame a 17-point deficit, securing their most dramatic playoff comeback victory since Franco Harris’ Immaculate Reception in 1972.
Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala scores the game-winning touchdown for the Steelers.
Trailing 24-7 in the third quarter and 33-21 with just over 10 minutes remaining, the Steelers appeared to be on the verge of another disappointing home playoff loss. However, Maddox rallied his team, inspiring a belief that victory was still within reach. Wide receiver Terance Mathis recalled Maddox’s halftime message: “He said if you don’t think we’re going to win this game, you need to go back into the locker room.”
The Browns, seeking their first road playoff victory since 1969 and their first playoff win since returning to the NFL in 1999, were left stunned. The loss evoked memories of John Elway’s “The Drive” in the 1987 AFC Championship game, a painful reminder of past playoff heartbreaks. Ironically, Maddox was drafted by Denver five years after that game, intended to be Elway’s successor. After struggling to find a consistent role in the NFL, Maddox finally earned a starting position with the Steelers earlier that season, 10 years after his last NFL start.
Maddox, reflecting on his experience with Elway, said, “I was very fortunate to play behind John Elway and see all the things he was able to do in games we did not think we had a chance to win.” He finished the game 30-of-48 for 367 yards, two interceptions, and three crucial touchdowns.
The Browns’ inability to establish a running game proved costly. Rookie William Green managed only 30 yards on 25 carries, forcing the Browns to rely heavily on the pass. Kelly Holcomb, making only his fourth NFL start, had a spectacular performance, throwing for 429 yards and three touchdowns. However, as the Steelers’ defense tightened in the crucial final minutes, the Browns’ one-dimensional offense stalled.
Despite Holcomb’s heroics, the Steelers chipped away at the lead. Maddox connected with Plaxico Burress for a touchdown, followed by a scoring pass to Hines Ward, cutting the deficit to 33-28 with 3:06 remaining. The Browns, needing only a first down to seal the victory, faltered. Dennis Northcutt, who had two touchdown receptions and a long punt return, dropped a crucial third-down pass.
With the Steelers needing a touchdown to win, Maddox orchestrated a final, decisive drive. Completing passes to Burress and Ward, Maddox moved the Steelers down the field, setting up Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala’s game-winning 3-yard touchdown run with 54 seconds left.
The Steelers’ victory propelled them to the divisional round against the Tennessee Titans. For the Browns, the loss was a devastating blow. Dennis Northcutt lamented, “This is going to hurt. This burns inside. It’s going to be very hard to move on.”
Holcomb, despite the loss, delivered a remarkable performance for a quarterback with limited experience. He threw for more yards in a Browns playoff game than anyone except Bernie Kosar, who threw for 489 yards in 1987 against the Jets. He connected on long passes of 83, 32, 29, 15, and 43 yards against a depleted Steelers secondary. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Steelers’ resilience and Maddox’s late-game heroics. The Browns’ playoff woes continued, extending their road playoff losing streak.
The Steelers, who had struggled in home playoff games under coach Bill Cowher, celebrated the improbable victory. Cowher, known for his intensity, threw his cap in the air and jumped for joy in the stadium runway. “It’s one of those wins you can’t see happening, but you just keep hoping it will keep going the way it’s going,” he said of the stunning comeback. The win marked a turning point for the Steelers, proving their ability to overcome adversity and setting the stage for a deep playoff run.
