The Steelers started the second quarter in Tampa Bay territory, and the Steelers turned the possession into a Boswell field goal, his first of the season, giving Pittsburgh a 9-7 lead.
The Buccaneers’ next possession ended quickly when Fitzpatrick completed a pass to C.J. Godwin, but Artie Burns jarred the ball loose and it was recovered by Mike Hilton for the first Pittsburgh turnover of the game.
So... we need to update you on some stuff...
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 25, 2018
This happened. pic.twitter.com/24kT8CRMWe
Two plays later, Ben Roethlisberger hit Antonio Brown on a quick slant, and after making a defender miss Brown was off to the races for the score.
Then @AB84 did what he does best. pic.twitter.com/L4ywgV91J8
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 25, 2018
Boswell tacked on the extra point to give the Steelers a 16-7 lead.
For the second straight possession, Ryan Fitzpatrick had the Buccaneers in scoring position, but a Jon Bostic tipped pass turned into a Mike Hilton interception, denying Tampa Bay of points again.
For those counting at home:
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 25, 2018
1️⃣ fumble recovery for @MikeHilton_28
1️⃣ interception for @MikeHilton_28 pic.twitter.com/HC4iv5irfn
Pittsburgh failed to turn the turnover into points, but on the next Tampa Bay drive Fitzpatrick was picked off again, this time by rookie safety Terrell Edmunds.
First interception alert pic.twitter.com/YRcWSrpuTx
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 25, 2018
For the second straight possession, the Steelers failed to convert the turnover into points, giving the ball back to the Bucs.
What happened next was Fitzpatrick’s third straight interception, this time to Bud Dupree and Dupree walked into the endzone for the Steelers’ touchdown.
Speaking of firsts...@Bud_Dupree with the first touchdown of his career‼️ pic.twitter.com/QGp9uLZ0TX
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 25, 2018
The Boswell point-after made the score 23-7 with 2:50 left to go in the first half.
The Buccaneers weren’t going to just roll over and die, and a big pass play from Fitzpatrick to Mike Evans moved the Tampa Bay offense inside the 10-yard line. However, the Steelers’ defense held strong and forced a 21-yard field goal attempt to make the score 23-10 with 1:15 left in the half.
With three timeouts remaining, Roethlisberger orchestrated a beautiful drive deep into Tampa Bay territory, and with 10 seconds left Roethlisberger hit Ryan Switzer for the touchdown.
The Buccaneers weren’t going to just roll over and die, and a big pass play from Fitzpatrick to Mike Evans moved the Tampa Bay offense inside the 10-yard line. However, the Steelers’ defense held strong and forced a 21-yard field goal attempt to make the score 23-10 with 1:15 left in the half.
Boswell made the extra point, giving the Steelers a 30-10 lead heading into halftime.
The Buccaneers will get the football to start the second half.