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The Steelers’ first possession saw them already trailing 7-0, and were able to must just one first down before punting the ball back to Oakland. The Raiders’ first punt of the game set up Pittsburgh at the 33-yard line for their second possession. Ben Roethlisberger was able to connect with multiple threats on third down to move the offense to the two-yard line in the early portion of the second quarter. The next play saw Stevan Ridley dive into the endzone for the touchdown. Chris Boswell’s extra point was good, tying the game at 7-7.
Oakland’s next possession continued to emphasize none other than Jared Cook, but he wasn’t beating linebackers, but safety Morgan Burnett this time. Cook’s impressive day continued, but the Raiders were forced to settle for a Daniel Carlson field goal, making the score 10-7.
With 8:04 left in the half, Pittsburgh was given 30 yards as a gift in the form of two 15-yard facemask penalties, but when they got to the red-zone were forced to settle for a Chris Boswell field goal attempt. The kick wasn’t even close, and sailed wide right, keeping the score 10-7 with 4:29 left in the second quarter.
A defensive stop gave the Steelers the football back with 2:54 left in the half, and Roethlisberger moved the ball with ease, often to Vance McDonald, into the red-zone. Facing a 3rd and goal situation from the one yard line, Roethlisberger’s pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster looked like it was too high, but upon review it showed the second year stud got two feet down with possession.
Boswell banked in the point-after off the right upright to give the Steelers their first lead of the game, 14-10 heading into halftime.