NFL Primetime 1997 Divisional Playoff Saturday (ESPN January 3rd, 1998)

Chris Berman, Tom Jackson, and Joe Theismann host ESPN NFL Primetime for Divisional Playoff Saturday, where the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New England Patriots 7-6, while Steve Young, Jerry Rice and the San Francisco 49ers defeated Chris Carter and the Minnesota Vikings 38-22. Quarterback Kordell Stewart's 40-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was the difference in a defense-dominated game. The Patriots were severely depleted by injuries, playing without star running back Curtis Martin. Pro Bowl tight end Ben Coates was limited to just a few plays, while receiver Terry Glenn was out of the game a few minutes into the fourth quarter. Minnesota came into the playoffs with the second-to-last ranked defense during the regular season, something the 49ers proved more than capable of exploiting. By the end of the game, San Francisco racked up 394 yards without losing a single turnover and only giving up one sack. Filling in for the injured starter Garrison Hearst, 49ers running back Terry Kirby ran for a career-high 120 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver J. J. Stokes caught a career-high nine passes for 101 yards. Steve Young threw for 220 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 37. Minnesota had 374 yards, but lost 91 of them with 12 penalties. Vikings quarterback Randall Cunningham threw for 331 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. His top target was Jake Reed, who caught five passes for 114 yards. Cris Carter added six receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns. _____________________________________________________