In the 1970s, the Oakland raiders and Pittsburgh steelers had an AFC rivalry that was the mirror of the modern day Colts-Patriots battles. Some of the fiercest games of that era were played by and between these two teams, including a massive string of AFC Championship games. From 1970 to 1981 only a single AFC Championship game was played that didn’t feature one of these two teams.
The Raiders hold the record for most AFC Championship game appearances at five, from 1973 to 1977, which included three in a row against the Steelers. The Steelers landed their first playoff victory against the Raiders in the legendary Immaculate Reception game, before losing to the undefeated Miami Dolphins in the ‘72 Championship game.The Raiders then ended the Steelers second playoff bid the following year, only to lose the next two AFC Championship games to Pittsburgh.
Fast forward to 2000 where a loss to Pittsburgh cost the Raiders home field advantage in the playoffs, and their most recent meeting in 2006 which took the Steelers out of playoff contention altogether, highlighted by a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by Oakland’s Chris Carr.
While this rivalry used to be one of the hottest, it’s lost most of its fire over the last two decades. The Steelers have held up their end, landing two Superbowl Championships in the last few years, but the two haven’t been serious contenders in the same year in a very long time.
So, what does that mean for this weekend’s matchup? Oakland’s playoff dreams are all but gone with a 3-8 record and little signs of life. Pittsburgh is also reeling from three straight losses that have dropped them to third in their division and looking in through a rapidly shrinking playoff window.
If history is any indication, the Raiders will once again rise up and dash the Steelers’ hopes of a playoff berth. A victory for the Silver & Black this weekend would put the defending Superbowl Champs at 6-6 in a conference where nothing short of ten wins will guarantee a non Division Champion a spot in the post season.
With an ailing offensive line, concussion riddled quarterback and disarray in the locker room, the Steelers are ripe for the Raiders’ picking.
But, let’s get real, this is the 2009 Oakland Raiders, not the feared teams of old. More players smile at the thought of facing Oakland these days than ever before, including Pittsburgh. Oakland’s offensive incompetence, coupled with inconsistent defensive efforts could spell the perfect recipe for a bounce back game the Steelers sorely need.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is for sure; this will quickly become one of the most forgettable games in a storied rivalry that used to mean drama and excitement, but now means nothing of the sort.