Steelers oddball victory: Malone’s romp over the Colts in 1985
In the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, only three Steelers have hurled four or more touchdown passes in one NFL game.
Big Ben has done it six times, Terry Bradshaw did it three times, and the third quarterback? Mark Malone threw for five on August 9th, 1985, in a 45-3 rout of the Indianapolis Colts. Probably Malone’s one rare stand-out performance in his career as the Steelers quarterback.
For the Colts, the performance was as forgettable as their quarterback that day. The Colts 3rd string back up Art Schlicter started for the Colts. He was the backup for Mike Pagel and Matt Kofler. He only played in the NFL 3 seasons, missing the 1984 season, and only played in 13 games, starting six and having a 0-6 record.
Not that Malone had a better career, just a longer one. Malone played in 73 games, starting 54 games, and had a 23-30 record. His best season would have been 1984, with the highlight being his victory over John Elway in the playoffs, beating them 24-17 leading the Steelers to the AFC championship game.
The Steelers’ first game in 1985 following their loss to Miami in the 1984 AFC championship game, they opened the season as if they were on a mission to get back to the Superbowl. Malone was on fire that afternoon. Out of Malone’s five touchdowns, Louis Lipps snagged three. Legendary wideout John Stallworth along with Rich Erenberg caught the other two. Malone racked up 287 passing yards on 31 attempts with 21 completions and still managed to get in one of his compulsory interceptions. The Steelers also managed 163-yard rushing, with Frank Pollard leading with 74 yards and Walter Abercrombie putting up another 54 yards. Steve Morse and Todd Spencer rounded out the rest of the rushing yardage.
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After that game, the rest of the season was downhill for Pittsburgh as they finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs. It was by far their best game of the season and one of the most memorable performances for Mark Malone, who frankly most fans that remember the ‘80s try to forget his time as Steelers quarterback. However, this performance by Mark Malone qualifies as one of the Steelers oddball victories.