The Pittsburgh Steelers closed out their preseason slate with a solid 19-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Thursday night. After trading early blows, Pittsburgh seized control in the second quarter and never looked back, outscoring Carolina 10-3 before cruising through the second half. The win marked the Steelers’ preseason finale and set a positive tone heading into the regular season opener.
Offensively, the story belonged to backup quarterback Skylar Thompson. Thompson entered in relief of Mason Rudolph in the second quarter and delivered an efficient performance, completing 11 of 13 passes for 152 yards. He capped his night with a perfectly placed 24-yard touchdown strike to Lance McCutcheon, showcasing the depth of Pittsburgh’s aerial attack. Wideout Scotty Miller also made his mark, hauling in three receptions for 82 yards, including a 53-yard catch that flipped field position and kept drives alive.
Kicker Ben Sauls was automatic, drilling four field goals from 38, 50, 49 and 28 yards to account for all of Pittsburgh’s second-half scoring. Sauls’ consistency gave the Steelers breathing room whenever Carolina threatened, and his perfect night underscored the importance of special teams in tight contests. Sauls may have opened some eyes around the league, in his quest to find a job.
Defensively, the Steelers bent early but didn’t break. After allowing a pair of first-half scores, Pittsburgh’s front and secondary locked down the Panthers through the final two quarters, forcing multiple three-and-outs and keeping Carolina off the scoreboard after intermission. The second-half shutout highlighted a squad built on depth and a “next man up” mentality, traits head coach Mike Tomlin will lean on once the games start counting in September.
With the preseason wrapped, Pittsburgh turns its attention to the regular season opener at the New York Jets on September 7. The win in Charlotte not only provided momentum but also valuable reps for players vying for roster spots, giving the coaching staff clarity on depth chart battles as cutdowns loom. The Steelers will look to carry the balanced attack and stout defense from the preseason finale into Week 1 and beyond.
Steelers who stood out last night::
Skylar Thompson: 11-of-13 passing, 152 yards, 1 TD
Lance McCutcheon: 1 reception, 24 yards, 1 TD
Scotty Miller: 3 receptions, 82 yards (long of 53)
Ben Sauls: 4-for-4 on field goals (38, 50, 49, 28 yards)
(photo courtesy of PFF)