What Is 1978 Houston Oilers football team

Overview

The 1978 Houston Oilers were a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL), representing Houston, Texas. They competed in the AFC Central division and were led by head coach Bum Phillips, who emphasized a strong defense and physical running game.

Finishing the regular season with a 10–6 record, the Oilers secured a playoff berth but were eliminated in the first round. Their performance reflected a transitional phase, balancing veteran leadership with emerging talent on both sides of the ball.

• Record: The team posted a 10–6 win-loss record during the 14-game regular season, their best mark since the mid-1970s.
• Division Standing: They finished second in the AFC Central, behind the 11–5 Pittsburgh Steelers, who went on to win Super Bowl XIII.
• Playoff Result: In the 1978 AFC Wild Card game, the Oilers lost 31–14 to the New England Patriots on December 24, 1978, at the Astrodome.
• Stadium: All home games were played at the Astrodome in Houston, a multi-purpose stadium known for its indoor climate control and iconic design.
• Key Player: Quarterback Dan Pastorini started 13 games, throwing for 2,316 yards and 12 touchdowns with a 58.5% completion rate.

How It Works

The 1978 season operated under standard NFL rules of the era, including a 14-game regular season and a four-team playoff format per conference. The Oilers’ strategy centered on a run-heavy offense and a disciplined defense under Bum Phillips’ leadership.

• Offensive Scheme: The team ran a pro-style offense emphasizing ball control, with running back Earl Campbell in his rookie year rushing for 973 yards.
• Defensive Approach: The defense used a 3–4 alignment, a hallmark of Bum Phillips’ coaching style, prioritizing aggressive line play and zone coverage.
• Quarterback Rotation:Dan Pastorini was the primary starter, but Gifford Nielsen and Ken Stabler also saw action due to injuries.
• Special Teams: Kicker Tom Dempsey converted 18 of 27 field goals, including a long of 53 yards, contributing crucial points.
• Training & Conditioning: The team emphasized offseason strength programs, helping Earl Campbell endure a heavy rookie workload of 302 carries.
• Game Planning: Weekly preparation included extensive film study and situational drills, especially for short-yardage and red-zone scenarios.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1978 Houston Oilers with their division rivals and playoff opponents:

The Oilers ranked middle-of-the-pack in scoring but struggled to convert drives into touchdowns consistently. Their defense allowed 288 points, slightly above league average, which contributed to narrow losses against top teams. Despite solid performances, they lacked the depth and big-play ability of the eventual Super Bowl champions.

Why It Matters

The 1978 season was pivotal for the Oilers as it marked the arrival of Earl Campbell, who would go on to win NFL MVP the following year. It also highlighted Bum Phillips’ ability to build competitive teams quickly, setting the stage for future success.

• Rookie Impact:Earl Campbell’s 973 rushing yards as a rookie signaled a new era of power running in Houston.
• Coaching Legacy: Bum Phillips gained national acclaim, later leading the Oilers to the AFC Championship in 1978 and 1979.
• Franchise Momentum: The 10-win season boosted fan engagement and attendance at the Astrodome during a competitive era.
• Historical Context: This season preceded the Oilers’ two consecutive AFC title game appearances in 1978 and 1979.
• Player Development: The season helped groom young players like Gifford Nielsen, who showed promise in limited action.
• Media Attention: National broadcasts of Oilers games increased, elevating the team’s profile across the NFL landscape.

The 1978 Houston Oilers may not have advanced deep into the postseason, but they laid the foundation for a formidable team in the late 1970s and early 1980s, remembered for their physical style and passionate fan base.