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Teams: Steelers at Raiders
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Date: Sept. 23, 2012
Location: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
SB Nation Raiders Site: Silver And Black Pride
TV Schedule: CBS regional
Announcers: Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Radio stream: Steelers Radio Network WDVE-FM (102.5)/WBGG-AM (970)
The Steelers have more match-up advantages in this game than they've had in their first two games. That's another way of saying they really should be able to beat this team comfortably.
But that's why they play the games.
Week 3 Coverage: | Steelers Out West | Run Game | Carson Palmer | Raiders At A Glance | Oakland CBs | Five Burning Questions | Four Best Hours | Final Injury Report | Replacement Officials
The local prisons are emptied to fill Oakland-Alameda County Stadium when the Raiders are in town, and so far, Oakland isn't playing well enough to keep a rabid fan base in good behavior.
This game is likely to be chippy and bullyish, which is the kind of game the Steelers can play, but haven't yet. With two games under the belts of both teams, expect it to be much more physical now that both teams have adjusted to the product they have on the field.
It's premature to say it's do-or-die for the Steelers' running game, but frankly, if they aren't going to get a decent average and run for several first downs, it's tough to see at what point and against which opponent they'll have that kind of success.
Expect a balanced approach offensively, but the Steelers are likely to incorporate some no-huddle, and look to get points on the board early. Taking a mob-like crowd out of the game will be critical in the second half if the Steelers take a lead into the locker room.
Put Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman on notice, too, because this is likely the last game of deactivation for Rashard Mendenhall. After the bye in Week 4, he'll be ready for action against Philadelphia.