The Pittsburgh Steelers are off to a strong start in the Monday night showdown against the upstart Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a commanding 30-10 lead in the first half.

This huge offensive outpour in the first half saw some big plays by the Steelers in the passing game that included a 75-yard touchdown reception from tight end Vance McDonald that saw him lay out a big stiff arm on Buccaneers defensive back Chris Conte that allowed for him to break free for the big play.

Article Continues Below

Vance McDonald showed his impressive strength to take it a smaller defender on the play as he gave a clean stiff arm to Chris Conte that eased him off the potential tackle with nothing but green grass in front. It was a part of a strong showing in the first half for the Steelers that saw them put up 284 total offensive yards with Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at the forefront of that effort a highly-effective performance completing 21-of-25 passes for 273 yards with three touchdowns to one interception.

Meanwhile, Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled in the first half completing 11-of-21 passes for 184 yards with three interceptions that have put his team in a huge hole. Fitzpatrick has made some untimely throws that include a 10-yard pick-six from Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree.

The Steelers have a chance to build on their strong showing through the first two quarters with the chance to put the game out of reach quickly in the second half.