NFL team season
The 1988 Houston Oilers season was the franchise's 19th season in the National Football League and the 29th overall. The franchise scored 424 points, which was second in the AFC and second overall in the NFL. The defense gave up 365 points. Their record of 10 wins and 6 losses resulted in a third-place finish in the AFC Central Division. The Oilers appeared once on Monday Night Football and appeared in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Warren Moon would be selected for the Pro Bowl. In the playoffs, they defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-23 in the Wild Card game. However, in the divisional playoffs, they lost 17-10 to the Bills.
Offseason
NFL draft
1988 Houston Oilers draft |
Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
1 | 22 | Lorenzo White | Running back | Michigan State | |
11 | 298 | Jethro Franklin | Defensive line | Fresno State | |
Made roster * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career |
[1]
Personnel
Staff
1988 Houston Oilers staff | Front office - Owner/Chairman of the Board/President – Bud Adams
- Executive Vice President/General Manager – Ladd Herzeg
Head coaches Offensive coaches | | | Defensive coaches Special teams coaches - Special Teams – Richard Smith
- Special Teams Intern- Dwight Point
Strength and conditioning - Strength and Rehabilitation – Steve Watterson
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Roster
1988 Houston Oilers roster |
| Quarterbacks Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends | | Offensive linemen Defensive linemen - 97 Robert Banks DE
- 71 Richard Byrd NT
- 79 Ray Childress DE
- 95 William Fuller DE
- 96 Sean Jones DE
- 99 Doug Smith NT
| | Linebackers Defensive backs Special teams | | Reserve lists - -- Kurt Crain LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
- 82 Willie Drewrey WR (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
- -- Mark Dusbabek LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
- 22 Kenny Johnson S/PR (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
- 27 Quintin Jones S (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
- 26 Audray McMillian CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
- -- David Viaene C/G (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
- 35 Ray Wallace RB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
- 69 Doug Williams G (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
- -- Almon Young G (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
Practice squad none
47 active, 10 inactive Rookies in italics |
Regular season
Schedule
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
1 | September 4 | at Indianapolis Colts | W 17–14 (OT) | 1–0 | Hoosier Dome | 57,251 |
2 | September 11 | Los Angeles Raiders | W 38–35 | 2–0 | Astrodome | 46,050 |
3 | September 18 | at New York Jets | L 3–45 | 2–1 | Giants Stadium | 64,683 |
4 | September 25 | New England Patriots | W 31–6 | 3–1 | Astrodome | 38,646 |
5 | October 2 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 23–32 | 3–2 | Veterans Stadium | 64,692 |
6 | October 9 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 7–6 | 4–2 | Astrodome | 39,134 |
7 | October 16 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | W 34–14 | 5–2 | Three Rivers Stadium | 52,229 |
8 | October 23 | at Cincinnati Bengals | L 21–44 | 5–3 | Riverfront Stadium | 54,659 |
9 | October 30 | Washington Redskins | W 41–17 | 6–3 | Astrodome | 48,781 |
10 | November 7 | Cleveland Browns | W 24–17 | 7–3 | Astrodome | 51,467 |
11 | November 13 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 24–27 | 7–4 | Kingdome | 60,446 |
12 | November 20 | Phoenix Cardinals | W 38–20 | 8–4 | Astrodome | 43,843 |
13 | November 24 | at Dallas Cowboys | W 25–17 | 9–4 | Texas Stadium | 50,845 |
14 | December 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | L 34–37 | 9–5 | Astrodome | 47,791 |
15 | December 11 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 41–6 | 10–5 | Astrodome | 50,269 |
16 | December 18 | at Cleveland Browns | L 23–28 | 10–6 | Cleveland Municipal Stadium | 74,610 |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Season summary
Week 1
The game started at 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 4, 1988, in Hoosier Dome.
First Quarter:
Second Quarter:
Third Quarter: No points scored.
Fourth Quarter: No points scored.
Overtime:
The game ended in overtime at 17-14, with the Houston Oilers on top.
Week 2
Week 2: Los Angeles Raiders at Houston Oilers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Raiders | 7 | 21 | 0 | 7 | 35 |
Oilers | 7 | 14 | 3 | 14 | 38 |
at Astrodome • Houston, Texas
- Date: September 11, 1988
- Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
- Game attendance: 46,050
- Referee: Ben Dreith
- TV announcers (NBC): Ray Scott (play-by-play) and Joe Namath (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
The game started at 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 11, 1988. The game was played at the Houston Astrodome. In the first quarter, Marcus Allen of the Raiders rushed one yard for a touchdown. That same quarter, Allen Pinkett of the Oilers rushed three yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Willie Gault of the Raiders received a 42-yard pass from Steve Beuerlein for a touchdown. In that quarter, Tim Brown of the Raiders also received a 4-yard pass from Steve Beuerlein for another touchdown. Allen Pinkett of the Oilers rushed for a one-yard touchdown in the same quarter, Steve Smith of the Raiders received a 9-yard pass from Steve Beuerlein in the same quarter, Drew Hill received a 16-yard pass from Cody Carlson of the Oilers for the fifth touchdown in that quarter between both teams. In the third quarter, Tony Zendejas kicked a 19-yard field goal for the Oilers. In the fourth quarter, Ernest Givins of the Oilers received a 12-yard touchdown pass from Cody Carlson. Also in that quarter, Marcus Allen of the Raiders rushed one yard for a touchdown. Allen Pinkett of the Oilers brought back the lead on that quarter, rushing 6 yards for a touchdown. Eventually, the game ended 38-35 with the Oilers on top, resulting in a win.[2]
Week 3
The game started at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 18, 1988. The game was played at Giants Stadium. In the first quarter, Tony Zendejas of the Oilers kicked a 30-yard field goal, scoring the only points of the game for the Oilers. Kurt Sohn of the New York Jets received a 8-yard pass from Ken O'Brien for a touchdown in the same quarter. Also in the first quarter, Freeman McNeil of the New York Jets rushed 8 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Wesley Walker of the New York Jets received two touchdown passes from . Ken O'Brien, with the distances being 4-yards and 50-yards. In the third quarter, Pat Leahy of the Jets kicked a 47-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Wesley Walker received a 23-yard pass from Pat Ryan, resulting in a touchdown. Also in that quarter, Mike Zordich of the Jets intercepted a pass, and ran 35 yards for a touchdown. The final score was 45-3, with the New York Jets on top. This game was a loss for the Oilers.
Week 4
Week 4: New England Patriots at Houston Oilers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Patriots | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Oilers | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
at Astrodome • Houston, Texas
- Date: September 25, 1988
- Game time: 12 Noon CDT
- Game attendance: 38,646
- Referee: Red Cashion
- TV announcers (NBC): Mel Proctor (play-by-play) and Jerry Kramer (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
Week 5
Week 6
Week 6: Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Oilers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Chiefs | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Oilers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
at Astrodome • Houston, Texas
- Date: October 9, 1988
- Game time: 12 Noon CDT
- Game attendance: 39,134
- Referee: Fred Silva
- TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play-by-play) and Reggie Rucker (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
Week 7
Week 8
Week 8: Houston Oilers at Cincinnati Bengals
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Oilers | 0 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
Bengals | 28 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 44 |
at Riverfront Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio
- Date: October 23, 1988
- Game time: 12 Noon CDT
- Game attendance: 54,659
- Referee: Fred Wyant
- TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play-by-play) and Jimmy Cefalo (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
Week 9
Week 9: Washington Redskins at Houston Oilers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Redskins | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
Oilers | 7 | 17 | 7 | 10 | 41 |
at Astrodome • Houston, Texas
- Date: October 30, 1988
- Game time: 7:00 p.m. CST
- Game attendance: 48,781
- Referee: Pat Haggerty
- TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick (play-by-play) and Joe Theismann (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
Week 10
Week 10: Cleveland Browns at Houston Oilers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Browns | 3 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
Oilers | 0 | 7 | 14 | 3 | 24 |
at Astrodome • Houston, Texas
- Date: November 7, 1988
- Game time: 8:00 p.m. CST
- Game attendance: 51,467
- Referee: Tom Dooley
- TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Dan Dierdorf (color commentator) and Frank Gifford (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
Week 11
Week 11: Houston Oilers at Seattle Seahawks
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Oilers | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
Seahawks | 7 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 27 |
at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington
- Date: November 13, 1988
- Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST
- Game attendance: 60,446
- Referee: Dick Hantak
- TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play-by-play) and Jimmy Cefalo (sportscaster)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
Week 12
Week 12: Phoenix Cardinals at Houston Oilers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Cardinals | 0 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 20 |
Oilers | 7 | 17 | 7 | 7 | 38 |
at Astrodome • Houston, Texas
Week 13
Week 13: Houston Oilers at Dallas Cowboys
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Oilers | 0 | 10 | 3 | 12 | 25 |
Cowboys | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
at Texas Stadium • Irving, Texas
- Date: November 24, 1988
- Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST
- Game attendance: 50,845
- Referee: Gene Barth
- TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
Week 14
Week 14: Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Oilers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Steelers | 3 | 14 | 7 | 13 | 37 |
Oilers | 0 | 13 | 14 | 7 | 34 |
at Astrodome • Houston, Texas
- Date: December 4, 1988
- Game time: 7:00 p.m. CST
- Game attendance: 47,791
- Referee: Bob McElwee
- TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick (play-by-play) and Joe Theismann (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
Week 15
Week 15: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Oilers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Bengals | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
Oilers | 7 | 17 | 7 | 10 | 41 |
at Astrodome • Houston, Texas
- Date: December 11, 1988
- Game time: 12 Noon CST
- Game attendance: 50,269
- Referee: Tom Dooley
- TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play-by-play) and Jimmy Cefalo (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
Week 16
Standings
Playoffs
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Attendance |
Wild Card | December 24, 1988 | at Cleveland Browns | W 24–23 | 74,977 |
Divisional | January 1, 1989 | at Buffalo Bills | L 10–17 | 79,532 |
AFC Wild Card
AFC Wild Card Playoff: Houston Oilers at Cleveland Browns
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Oilers | 0 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 24 |
Browns | 3 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 23 |
at Cleveland Stadium • Cleveland, Ohio
- Date: December 24, 1988
- Game time: 12:30 p.m. CST
- Game attendance: 74,977
- Referee: Jerry Seeman
- TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
- Pro-Football-Reference.com
AFC Divisional
Awards and records
- Warren Moon, Pro Bowl
- Warren Moon, All-Pro selection
Milestones
- Drew Hill, 3rd 1,000 Yard Receiving Season (1,141)
References
- ^ "1988 Houston Oilers draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
- ^ "Los Angeles Raiders at Houston Oilers - September 11th, 1988". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
External links
Tennessee Titans |
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- Founded in 1960
- Formerly the Houston Oilers (1960–1996) and the Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998)
- Based and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee
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Division championships (11) | |
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Conference championships (1) | |
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League championships (2) | |
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Tennessee Titans seasons |
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Formerly the Houston Oilers (1960–1996) and the Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998) |
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