Houston Oilers at New England Patriots 31 to 14
Sunday, December 31, 1978, Divisional RoundThe Patriots began their playoff run at home against the Houston Oilers on Sunday, December 31, 1978. The Oilers began their playoff run the previous week with a win against the Miami Dolphins. The Oilers continued their playoff run with a victory, 31-14, against the Patriots. The Patriots finished their season 11-5-0 in the regular season, 0-1 in the playoffs.
Houston Oilers offense
| Total yards | Pass yards | Rush yards | Turnovers | First downs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 344 | 170 | 174 | 1 | 21 |
Coaches
Head Coach: Bum Phillips Offensive Coordinator: Ken Shipp Defensive Coordinator: Ed Biles Wide Receivers Coach: King Hill Offensive Line Coach: Joe Bugel Offensive Backs Coach: Andy Bourgeois Defensive Line Coach: Wade Phillips Linebackers Coach: John-Paul Young Defensive Backs Coach: Bob Gambold Special Teams Coach: John-Paul Young
New England Patriots offense
| Total yards | Pass yards | Rush yards | Turnovers | First downs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 263 | 180 | 83 | 3 | 15 |
Coaches
Head Coach: Chuck Fairbanks Defensive Coordinator: Charlie Sumner Quarterbacks Coach: John Polonchek Wide Receivers Coach: Raymond Berry Offensive Line Coach: Jim Ringo Offensive Backs Coach: Tom Yewcic Offensive Backfield Coach: Ron Erhardt Assistant Offensive Coach: Ernie Adams Defensive Line Coach: Hank Bullough, Fritz Shurmur Special Teams Coach: Tom Yewcic Special Assistant to the Head Coach: John Polonchek Administrative Assistant: Ernie Adams