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.
Vance McDonald isn't playing around!
(via @NFL)https://t.co/TVNwlSdmhD
— PFF (@PFF) September 25, 2018
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.