Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals: A Gridiron Rivalry Through the Decades

Introduction

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals are two of the most storied franchises in NFL history. The teams have met 38 times since 1934, with the Steelers holding a narrow 21-17 advantage. The rivalry has been filled with memorable moments and heated competition over the years.

Historical Context

The first meeting between the Steelers and Cardinals took place on November 25, 1934, in Philadelphia. The Cardinals, then known as the St. Louis Gunners, defeated the Steelers 6-0. The teams met again three years later in 1937, with the Steelers winning 23-10.

The rivalry began to intensify in the 1960s and 1970s, as both teams emerged as contenders in their respective conferences. The Steelers won their first Super Bowl in 1975, and the Cardinals made their first Super Bowl appearance in 2009.

Memorable Moments

Over the years, there have been several memorable moments in the Steelers vs Cardinals rivalry. In 1982, Joe Montana led the Cardinals to a 38-10 upset victory over the heavily favored Steelers in the playoffs. In 1994, Jerome Bettis scored his first touchdown as a Steeler in a 28-17 victory over the Cardinals.

In 2015, Ben Roethlisberger threw for 522 yards and six touchdowns in a 58-36 victory over the Cardinals. The game is still the highest-scoring game in Cardinals history.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the Steelers vs Cardinals rivalry include:

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger, Jerome Bettis, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris
• Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson, Kurt Warner, Chandler Jones

Current State of the Rivalry

The Steelers and Cardinals have not met since 2018, but the rivalry is still alive and well. Both teams are expected to be competitive in 2023, and a meeting in the playoffs is a possibility.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals rivalry is one of the most storied in NFL history. The teams have met 38 times, with the Steelers holding a narrow advantage. The rivalry has been filled with memorable moments and heated competition over the years, and it is sure to continue for many years to come.

Key Statistics

• The Steelers have won 21 of the 38 meetings between the two teams.
• The Cardinals have won 17 of the 38 meetings between the two teams.
• The Steelers have outscored the Cardinals 945-878 in the 38 meetings between the two teams.
• Ben Roethlisberger is the Steelers' all-time leading passer against the Cardinals, with 2,898 yards and 22 touchdowns.
• Larry Fitzgerald is the Cardinals' all-time leading receiver against the Steelers, with 1,174 yards and eight touchdowns.

Tables

Table 1: Head-to-Head Record

Table 2: Scoring by Quarter

Table 3: Key Stats

Table 4: Player Records

FAQs

Q: Which team has won the most games in the rivalry?
A: The Pittsburgh Steelers have won 21 of the 38 meetings between the two teams.

Q: Which team has scored the most points in the rivalry?
A: The Pittsburgh