Today in 1978 - Houston Oilers vs Cleveland Browns

October 1, 1978 – Today in 1978, the Cleveland Browns hosted the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans) at the Dawg Pound at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in a Week 5 AFC Central matchup.

The Browns got on the board first on a 41 yard field goal by Don Cockroft.  In the second quarter, Cleveland increased its lead with a 7 yard touchdown pass from Brian Sipe to Dave Logan.  The Browns led 10-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Houston scored on a 41 yard touchdown pass from Dan Pastorini to Rich Caster, but Toni Fritsch missed the extra point.  At the end of the quarter, Cleveland led 10-6.

Rob Carpenter ran 7 yards for a touchdown and put the Oilers ahead 13-10 in the 4^th quarter.  Cockroft tied the game with a 40 yard field goal, but Fritsch put the game away with a 19 yard field goal.  The Houston Oilers beat the Cleveland Browns 16-13.

For the Oilers, Pastorini passed 14-29 215 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.  Ronnie Coleman rushed 19-62 yards and had 4 receptions for 63 yards.  For the Browns, Sipe passed 12-32 106 yards, a touchdown and 3 interceptions.  Clarence R. Scott got an interception for the Browns and Willie Alexander, Robert Brazile, and Mike Reinfeldt each had in interception for the Oilers. 

Both teams went to 3-2.  Cleveland ended the season at 8-8.  Houston ended the season at 10-6 and lost the AFC Championship to the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-5.

Notables

• There were 3 Hall of Famers in this game: Earl Campbell and Elvin Bethea for the Oilers, and Ozzie Newsome for the Browns.
  
• This was Sam Rutigliano’s first season coaching the Browns.  He would coach the team from 1978-84.  He would be replaced in 1984 by defensive coordinator Marty Schottenheimer.
  
• This was Bum Phillips’ fourth season coaching the Oilers.  He coached the team from 1975-80 and coached the New Orleans Saints from 1981-85.
  
• When Phillips was fired from the Oilers, defensive coordinator Ed Biles was named head coach.  He coached the team from 1981-83.  Phillips was the defensive coordinator of the Oilers in 1974 before he was hired as head coach.
  
• Houston’s defensive line coach was Wade Phillips.  He is now the defensive coordinator of another Houston team, the Texans.

Game stats can be found on Pro-Football-Reference.com at Houston Oilers vs Cleveland Browns - October 1, 1978.