The last time the Steelers visited Oakland, Ben Roethlisberger threw four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, in a 20-13 Raiders victory.
The Steelers have manhandled the Raiders twice since that time - both at Heinz Field - including a 35-3 dismantling in 2010.
Like those two other teams the Steelers beat up on, this Oakland team looks like a mess.
The Raiders can't run the ball, putting up 68 yards in their first two games, can't stop the run, allowing 142 yards per game on the ground, and can't rush the passer, picking up just two sacks.
Other than that, they're fine.
Troy Polamalu and James Harrison will sit out again for the Steelers, but Roethlisberger and his receivers are healthy.
The Steelers haven't had much of a running game themselves, but they'll find one against the Raiders as they adjust from all of the outside runs they've attempted in the first two weeks to a more straight-ahead style.
Take Pittsburgh, which is favored by four points, to win this one, 24-13.
3 comments:
I don't know if I'd call the 2009 game "manhandling" -- that game saw Bruce Gradkowski lead 3 4th quarter touchdown drives to take the lead 3 separate times, part of the 5 game slide that ruined the Steelers' season. It actually reminded me a lot of the 2006 game, which I was in the stands for. Oakland fans couldn't even say much because they had remarkable good fortune with turnovers and STILL almost went to overtime when a Hail Mary bounced off a couple players in the end zone on the last play. It was a pretty pathetic game on both sides.
I'll take the Steelers 34-21, Oakland getting one defensive & one garbage time TD. For no particular reason I am feeling it's not close.
I'm hoping the days of playing down to the competition are over.
I'll take the Steelers 27-20 with Oak getting to 20 with barely any time left.
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