With the Pittsburgh Steelers preparing to host the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field this Sunday in Week 9 NFL action, it seemed appropriate the 'Throwback Thursday' article would target these two organizations. There is a rich history of hatred between the two, dating back to the dynasty of the 1970s, but I chose to go more recent with this selection.
The funny thing about this series between two storied franchises, is the Raiders have owned the Steelers in the past decade. In fact, the Raiders have beaten the Steelers 4 of their last 5 meetings. The lone victory for Pittsburgh? A 2010 drubbing at Heinz Field.
Some fans might remember the situation the team saw themselves in when the Raiders came to town. Pittsburgh was 7-3 and coming off a close loss to the New England Patriots the week prior. In a tie with the Baltimore Ravens for first in the AFC North, the Steelers knew this was a game they must have, and did they ever have a day.
After a 3-0 lead for the Raiders in the first quarter, the Steelers scored 35 unanswered points for a final score of 35-3. The Steelers even took their foot off the gas at the end of the game, but players didn't want to. The reason why they wanted to crush the Raiders, and why most remember the game itself, was due to Richard Seymour's punch to Ben Roethlisberger's helmet which landed him a $25,000 fine from the NFL, as well as ejected from the football game.
This play was the tipping point for the Raiders after being beaten up and down the field in the second quarter. The Steelers were shocked at Seymour's behavior after the game.
"I've never seen a quarterback get punched since I've been in this league," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.
Seymour and his teammates had questions to answer after the game, and most didn't truly believe what they were "selling".
"I'm not sure why he ran up on me," said Seymour, who apologized to his teammates for being ejected. "I just turned around and it was a natural reaction."
"I heard that Big Ben said something," defensive lineman Tommy Kelly said. "I guess Big Rich didn't like it."
The Steelers and Raiders look to renew their storied rivalry this Sunday, but fans of the Steelers hope there will be a repeat drubbing of the sliver and black, minus Ben Roethlisberger getting punched in the helmet.