While the offense was explosive, it was the defense that got the Steelers on the scoreboard first.
Linebacker Joey Porter sacked Lions quarterback Mike McMahon, forcing a fumble that fellow linebacker Jason Gildon picked up and took 27 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
"We wanted to go out there and start fast and give them (the offense) as many touches as possible," said Gildon. "That is the way we approached it."
The Lions came back and scored on their next drive to tie the game, but it was all Steelers after that.
Everyone seemed to get in on the act as far as scoring. Tight end Matt Cushing had a two-yard touchdown reception, Stewart ran for a two-yard score, and receiver Hines Ward caught a five-yard touchdown pass.
Receiver Plaxico Burress added a 19-yard touchdown reception from Stewart, and before the day was over, quarterback Tommy Maddox came in and scored on a five-yard run.
"It was a very good win," said Coach Bill Cowher. "I felt that we came out very focused. Detroit made some plays in the first half. A lot of it was the quarterback who made some plays. I thought offensively we did the things that we've been doing week in and week out. We ran the ball efficiently. We converted some third downs, particularly on that first drive. The quarterback has been playing like he has been playing, and I thought the kicking game was good.
"It was a very good win."