On Sunday, Rams-Vikings won’t be the only ‘70s-era rivalry that suddenly has relevance again. In Pittsburgh, the Raiders return for a reprise of a matchup that fueled the Steelers’ rise to prominence after decades of futility.
A clear reminder comes for anyone arriving to or leaving from the Pittsburgh International Airport. At the midpoint of the bank of escalators leading to all gates stands a full-life replica of Franco Harris catching the ball in full stride as part of what would be known as the Immaculate Reception.
While the Steelers wouldn’t win the Super Bowl in 1972, it was the franchise’s first playoff victory and the turning point that would lead to four championships in six seasons.
The first Super Bowl appearance came after a win over the Raiders in the AFC title game two years later, one week after the “Sea of Hands” game that ended Miami’s quest for three straight Super Bowl wins.
In recent years, the rivalry hasn’t been relevant because the Raiders have been reeling since making to the Super Bowl in 2002. But the Raiders have nevertheless owned the Steelers in the last decade, winning four of five times since 2006.
Sunday’s game between the two teams, while not a playoff game, could have a significant influence on the question of whether one or both franchises will get back to the postseason. Hopefully, one of these days, the Raiders and Steelers will meet again in the playoffs.
[Photo credit: Me.]