Using a slow, methodical drive after the opening kick-off, the Pittsburgh Steelers took a 7-0 lead on the New York Jets on the back of a 1-yard run by running back Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall touched the ball 8 times on the 15-play drive, rushing for 28 yards.
The drive could be costly for the Steelers as they lost rookie Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey to an apparent leg injury when he was rolled up in a pile. Pouncey was unable to put any weight on his leg and was seen leaving the field on a cart.
The Steelers also got a scare when Ben Roethlisberger took a knee to his hip during the drive but he was able to continue.