With the Pittsburgh Steelers finally ending the shutout with 51-yard field goal, Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers offense quickly responded with a five play, 79-yard touchdown drive to put the Niners up 13-3. Vernon Davis caught a rollout pass from Smith, who sold a great playaction dive into the middle of the line to hit a wide open Davis.
The drive was highlighted by a huge screen to speedy running back Kendall Hunter, who scampered 27 yards down the right sideline and deep into Pittsburgh territory. Smith would find Davis on drag play back across the field just one play later. Davis took the lob and went toward the left pylon but was ruled out of bounds at the one yard line. The two Niners would hook up one play later, however, for the 13-3 lead.
Video of the touchdown below:
Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers responded with a quality drive of their own, but came up empty when Shaun Suisham missed a 48-yard field goal attempt. Big Ben hit Jerricho Cotchery who broke through a the San Francisco secondary for a 36-yard gain. But Suisham would miss wide left and the third quarter would end with Niners in front by ten.
For more news and notes on Pittsburgh, be sure to visit SB Nation's Steelers blog Behind the Steel Curtain. For a look behind enemy lines, check out SB Nation's 49ers blog Niners Nation.