1974 AFCCG: was this the most important game in PG Steelers History?

[silver & black]

Originally Posted by LambertLunatic

The Raiders were an awesome team back then. IMO, they were the 2nd best team of all time. They just had the misfortune of playing at the same time as the greatest team of all time. If not for the Steelers, the Raiders would have won 5 Super Bowls in the 70's. Is it any wonder that they hated us so much?

As much as I would like to disagree with you, I can't. The 70's Steelers were the best football team that has ever played... period. some argue that the 85 Bears were the best team ever... maybe, but, the Steelers dominated almost a whole decade. No other team has done that.

I know the 49ers of the 80's and the Cowboys of the 90's were very good but, they were nothing even close to what the Steelers were in the 70's... or the Raiders, for that matter.

The Raiders do have one thing over every other team in the NFL... they have been to a Superbowl in 4 out of the last 5 decades... no other team has done that.

The 70's, in my opinion, were the golden years for the NFL. We will never see teams like the Steelers and Raiders of that era again, unfortunately. The Steelers and the Raiders didn't play games.................. they had wars!

[clevestinks]

That was a huge turning point in Steelers history. But history is written everyday. In the modern era bens game saving tackle will go down like the Immaculate reception.

[silver & black]

Originally Posted by clevestinks

That was a huge turning point in Steelers history. But history is written everyday. In the modern era bens game saving tackle will go down like the Immaculate reception.

Ahem... you mean Immaculate Deception, right?

[LambertLunatic]

Ahem... you mean Immaculate Deception, right?

Still whining about that, huh?

[SteelersFanInSeattle]

The intensity of the Raiders/Steelers games from then makes it sad to see the Raiders without their mystique. I can think of at least 6 teams I'd rather see in the cellar. Maybe Art Shell will bring them back to glory.

[HometownGal]

Originally Posted by DIESELMAN

ALWAYS remember these names ? Mad Dog White ? Lambert ? Joe Greene ? Ham ? Blount ? Holmes.....

Oh absolutely! Can't forget Donnie Shell, Andy Russell and Mike Wagner either. They weren't in the limelight as much as the other Steelers D players, but were all excellent at their positions, hard hitting as tough as nails.

Anyone remember Andy Russell's fumble recovery in the 1975 playoff game at TRS against the Baltimore Colts? LOL - he ran 93 yards and collapsed in the endzone all out of breath but grinning from ear to ear!

I loved the Steelers-Raiders rivalry as a kid. I hated them, admittedly, but so enjoyed the intense battles between the teams. Kenny "The Snake" Stabler, Fred Biletnikoff (with his stickum on his uniform- LOL!), Cliff Branch, the old guy, George Blanda, Art Shell, Bubba Smith, Jack Tatum. I strongly disliked Phil Villapiano back then - I thought he was a big meanie - I really miss that fierce rivalry and the intensity of which both teams played whenever they were on the same field. The rivalry with the Bengals pales in comparison.

[SteelShooter]

Originally Posted by LambertLunatic

The Raiders were an awesome team back then. IMO, they were the 2nd best team of all time. They just had the misfortune of playing at the same time as the greatest team of all time. If not for the Steelers, the Raiders would have won 5 Super Bowls in the 70's. Is it any wonder that they hated us so much?

I hear that!!! They really were something back then.

Unfortunately, I was alive at that time and remember, somewhat, these games. But that was the year that inspired me to play on the STEELERS team in little league. I almost threw a fit because they were originally going to put me on the VIKINGS. ....and I was going to have NONE of it! I wanted my Black helmet and black jersey and nothing else...

[silver & black]

Originally Posted by LambertLunatic

Still whining about that, huh?

Nah, just thought I'd have a little fun with it.

[3 to be 4]

there may have never been a better collection of 3 teams in one year than the 1974 Steelers,Dolphins, and Raiders. there was one year in late 60's when the Packers,Cowboys,Rams, and Colts were all excellent too.
growing up there was a stretch when you always knew the Dolphins,Steelers,Raiders,Cowboys, Vikings ,and Rams would be winning their divisions.
kind of like now with the Patriots!

[SteelerFanInCA]

I remembered Mel Blount that day. I remembered watching as they benched him. It was probably the right thing to do at the time. It helped keep the defense on their toes. Knoll left little margin for error.