Steelers vs. Dolphins: Jan. 6, 1985

The AFC Championship Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins had one big story line — Dan Marino.

And the Pittsburgh kid delivered.

Marino threw for 421 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-28 win.

Steelers quarterback Mark Malone tried to keep up with Marino, throwing for more than 300 yards, but also was picked off three times.

Marino and the Dolphins went on to lose to another western Pennsylvania QB, Joe Montana, in the Super Bowl.

Click here to see 1972 playoff pictures | Click here to see 1979 playoff pictures

Steelers coach Chuck Noll, left, talks with Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula before the action gets underway in the AFC Championship game at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. (Rusty Kennedy/Associated Press)
Steelers running back Frank Pollard (30) tries for added yardage as he is hit by Dolphins linebacker Bob Brudzinski (59) in the opening moments of the game. (Rusty Kennedy/Associated Press)
Steelers running back Walter Abercrombie (34) goes up against Miami Dolphin Glenn Blackwood (47) during first half action. (AP Photo)
Steelers wide receiver John Stallworth (82) pulls in a pass from quarterback Mark Malone for their second touchdown in the first half. (Raul Demolina/Associated Press)
Dolphins running back Tony Nathan runs for a touchdown as the Steelers’ John Goodman tries to close the space for a tackle. (AP Photo)
Shula confers with Dan Marino and backup quarterback Don Strock during a timeout near the end of the first half. (John Kaplan/Special to the Pittsburgh Press)
Dolphins wide receiver Mark Duper (85) hauls in a touchdown pass in the end zone from Marino during the third quarter. (Doug Jennings/Associated Press)
Marino searches for a receiver down field. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
Dolphins’ safety Mike Kozlowski (40) is tackled by Steelers linebacker Craig Bingham (54) on a punt return in the third quarter. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)
Marino smiles from the sidelines as the Dolphins defeated the Steelers, 45-28. (Rusty Kennedy/Associated Press)
Miami Dolphins fans cheer from the stands during the game. (Rusty Kennedy/Associated Press)
Dolphins tight end Joe Rose (80) gets crowded as he tries to catch a Marino pass with Steelers safety Donnie Shell (31) and Sam Washington (41) getting in the way. (Mark Foley/Associated Press)
Shula smiles during his regular press conference following his team’s win over the Steelers. Shula said, “It only seems right” that the Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers will meet in the Super Bowl, adding “I don’t think you could dream of a better matchup.” (Kathy Willens/Associated Press)

Click here to see 1972 playoff pictures | Click here to see 1979 playoff pictures