Oakland Raiders: 30 Iconic Moments In Franchise History

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fan Andres Gonzalez tailgates with a flag before the game against the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

26. October 19, 1970 – Monday Night Football

With the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, a whole new world seemed to open up for professional football. Starting that year, there would be one league with two conferences – the AFC and NFC – under the NFL banner.

And with the merger came another innovation to professional football – Monday Night Football.

The October 19 game against Washington was Oakland’s first game against one of the old NFL teams. And it would be one to remember. That game would also mark Oakland’s first appearance on Monday Night Football.

Oakland bolted out to a 14-0 lead before Washington was able to get on the board with a field goal as the first quarter came to a close. Another field goal and then a touchdown toss from Sonny Jurgensen to Charley Taylor cut Oakland’s lead even more, trimming it to17-13. Oakland was able to respond with a field goal of their own, extending their lead to 20-13.

A Daryle Lamonica touchdown toss in the third quarter gave the Raiders a 27-13 lead. Oakland got the ball back and wasted no time in scoring again to put themselves up 34-13 – putting the game out of reach.

Washington scored once more to make the final 34-20, but the win gave the Raiders their first win on a Monday night – the first of many to come as for a time, the Raiders were utterly dominant on Monday nights.

Next: October 19, 1997