And We're Off: Steelers Take A 14-0 Lead On Mendenhall's Five-Yard Touchdown

Save for an Antonio Brown 45-yard reception that led to Rashard Mendenhall's three-yard touchdown run, Cincinnati's defense has done a decent enough job holding the Steelers offense through the first quarter on Sunday. Following Cincinnati's uninspired three and out on the previous possession, the Pittsburgh Steelers takes possession from their own 35-yard line. That field position quickly turned around.

Feeling pressure in the pocket, Ben Roethlisberger takes the first down snap and chucks it down-field to Mike Wallace with Chris Crocker covering. With some hand-fighting, the officials called pass interference on Crocker, giving the Steelers 45 yards on the penalty. Rashard Mendenhall exploded through the line of scrimmage for a 15-yard gain. Following a quick stuff by Geno Atkins and Robert Geathers, Roethlisberger pitches to Mendenhall to the right.

Thanks to the terrible pursuit and over-aggressiveness by a majority of the defense, notably Rey Maualuga, Mendenhall cuts upfield and scores on a five-yard touchdown to give the Steelers a 14-0 lead.