FOURTH QUARTER: Steelers 0, Panthers 10
The Steelers once again started deep in their own territory on their first drive in the fourth quarter at the 11-yard line. Brendon Key, who came in at quarterback in the third quarter, completed a two-yard pass to Josh Harris, but threw incomplete to Robert Blanchflower. On third down Harris broke free for a 31-yard gain, giving the Steelers a first-down at the 44-yard line. A holding call backed the Steelers up to the 34-yard line, negating an 11-yard scramble by Kay. Kay managed three yards on a scramble out of the shotgun, and Harris was knocked for a one-yard loss. On third down Kay's pass to Lanear Sampson was incomplete.
After a defensive stop the Steelers got the ball back, but an eight-yard sack of Kay pushed them back to the 13-yard line and left them facing another long third down they couldn't convert, punting for the eighth straight time.
Panthers kicker Graham Gano missed a 39-yard field goal with 1:47 on the clock, giving the Steelers one last shot, but they were unable to do anything and punted again.
THIRD QUARTER: Steelers 0, Panthers 10
The Panthers scored the first touchdown of the game on a two-yard run by Fozzy Whittaker, giving the Panthers a 10-0 on a six play, 90-yard drive.
SECOND QUARTER: Steelers 0, Panthers 3
The offense continued to struggle on their next drive, with field position not in their favor backed up at their own nine-yard line. Landry Jones completed an eight-yard pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Le'Veon Bell had runs of two and six yards. On third down Jones was sacked for nine yard loss, forcing another Steelers' punt.
The Steelers defense came up big when Derek Anderson fumbled on an aborted snap and Jarvis Jones recovered at the 39-yard line. A 15-yard personal foul penalty was added on for a horse-collar tackle, giving the Steelers the ball at the 46-yard line. The offense wasn't able to take advantage, and had to punt once again.
The offense got new life on their final drive of the half, aided by a personal foul call on Carolina when Dri Archer was hit out of bounds. Jones completed an 11-yard pass to Heyward-Bey, and a 13-yard completion to Justin Brown. The offense stumbled after that when Jones was sacked and fumbled, but Wesley Johnson came up with the recovery for the Steelers and eventually they had to punt.
FIRST QUARTER: Steelers 0, Panthers 3
The Panthers opened the game sustaining a 14 play, 62-yard drive that ate up 5:38 on the clock and included a fourth-down conversion, but the defense stepped up when they needed to, holding Carolina to 33-yard Graham Gano field goal for a 3-0 lead.
Markus Wheaton got the offense rolling with an 11-yard run on their first play from scrimmage, followed up by a six-yard run by Dri Archer. Will Johnson moved the chains with a six-yard run off right guard. Landry Jones completed passes to Michael Palmer and Martavis Bryant for a combined four yards and out of the shotgun came up short on a five-yard completion to Darrius Heyward-Bey. The Steelers went for it on fourth down, but LeGarrette Blount was stopped for no gain, turning the ball over on downs.
The defense held the Panthers, forcing them to punt and the Steelers taking over at their own 10-yard line. Jones was sacked for a nine-yard loss, and threw incomplete to Justin Brown. Jones, lined up out of the shotgun in the end zone, completed an 18-yard pass to Will Johnson, coming up just short of the first down.
The Steelers continue to recognize USA Football Month with activities during Thursday's preseason game against the Panthers focusing on the game's future players.
The Steelers continue to promote USA Football's Heads Up Football, a nationwide program focused on safety in all levels of the game, starting with the youngest players. More than 5,500 youth football leagues across the country participate in Heads Up Football, reaching the high school level this year.
Among the features during the game to highlight USA Youth Football Month are the following:
- Dick's Sporting Goods Youth Football game played at halftime between the Penn Hills Indians playing the Gateway Gators.
- Youth Football co-captains Anthony Sciulli (Penn Hills) and Jaden Brown (Gateway)
- In-stadium banners
- Field stencils
- Helmet stickers
"The health and safety of every youth football player is our No. 1 priority and the NFL shares in that commitment," said USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. "The Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL have partnered with us to further advance a better and safer game for young athletes who enjoy the fun, fitness and other rewards gained by playing this great sport. We value the Steelers' continued support of USA Football Month."
