On the ensuing kickoff, Pittsburgh surprised the Cowboys by executing a successful , with defensive back recovering the ball for Pittsburgh at their own 47-yard line.
In the second quarter, 's controversial 5-yard touchdown pass to gave Pittsburgh a 10—6 halftime lead replays showed that Stewart stepped on the end line before making the catch, which would have made him ineligible.
On the Steelers' first possession, the Dallas defense forced a three-and-out and subsequent punt, which Cowboys cornerback returned 11 yards to the 25-yard line.