Fort knocks: Linebacker L.J. Fort definitely stated his case for a spot on the roster against the Panthers, as he was all over the field while playing in just the first half. Fort accounted for 10 tackles in the half, three solo stops and seven assists.
Game action from the Steelers' 2016 preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers.
Fort, who is in his second season, was claimed off waivers by the Steelers last year. He spent most of the year on the practice squad before being activated late in the season. Fort said his goal has been to take advantage of every opportunity, and one of the things he likes about the Steelers is they give you just that, an opportunity.
"That is what I love about here," said Fort. "Everybody gets an opportunity. You aren't in a situation like I was before where you don't get a lot of reps and you can see your future coming. Everybody here gets a chance to make a play.
"It makes you work harder. When people believe they have a chance to make the team, they are going to work that much harder."
Don't cross the Moats: Linebacker Arthur Moats approached the Panthers game with the same zest as he would a postseason game, and it showed.
Moats had 1.5 sacks in the game, and provided plenty of pressure. Moats also had two tackles, playing only in the first half.
Burning it up: No. 1 draft pick Artie Burns made his debut against the Panthers, and he provided a glimpse at why the Steelers drafted him high.
Burns broke up two Panthers' passes to keep them out of the end zone. The Panthers had to settle for field goals both times. Burns also had four tackles, three solo stops and an assist.
Going into the game Burns felt like he had something to prove after missing the previous three preseason games with a quad injury.
"I have to prove something to my team, to my whole city," said Burns. "I have to go out there and compete and show them what I've got."
He did just that.
On the run: Running back Daryl Richardson gave the Steelers their only points with a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Richardson, who is fighting for a roster spot, led the Steelers in rushing with nine carries for 45 yards, including a 26-yard run.
