Oakland Raiders Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Renewing Another Old Rivalry

Two weeks ago, the Oakland Raiders reinvigorated the intensity of their AFC West rivalry with the Kansas City Chiefs in a thrilling overtime victory to close the gap on the division race while becoming a playoff contender.  This week, the Raiders will go to Pittsburgh to take on another old rival in the Steelers.

In the 1970s, the Raiders and Steelers had developed the most intense rivalry in the NFL.  With games like “The Immaculate Reception” in 1972, the 1975 AFC Championship game, the 1976 regular season opener and the 1976 AFC Championship game, amongst others, these teams have a long history of hating one another. 

It will be different players, but similar stakes when Oakland goes to Pittsburgh.  Replace Ken Stabler with Jason Campbell, Terry Bradshaw with Ben Roethlisberger, Dave Casper with Zach Miller, Willie Brown with Nnamdi Asomugha, Mel Blunt with Troy Polamalu and Lynn Swann with Hines Ward. 

The players are new, but the common theme of the 70s games was that every time until 1976, it was the Steelers knocking the Raiders out of the playoffs.  The Raiders are on the verge of the playoffs and a win here helps the Raiders chances of a division crown.  Will history repeat itself?

Maybe not.

The last time these teams played, it was the game that placed Bruce Gradkowski into the hearts of Raider Nation with his refusal to accept defeat and a rallying of Oakland to three fourth quarter touchdowns for a win.  For those of you who have forgotten: Bruce Gradkowski Leads Raiders Comeback. 

This game will be another milestone in this great rivalry with both teams looking for playoff trips this season.  The Raiders have won three straight and are possibly the hottest team in the AFC while the Steelers aren't looking so great after the loss on Sunday night to the Patriots.