What's Happening?
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 19-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in their preseason finale. Skylar Thompson, stepping in for Mason Rudolph, completed 11 of 13 passes for 152 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown to Lance McCutcheon. Rookie Ben Sauls contributed significantly with four field goals. The Steelers played several starters, while the Panthers rested theirs. However, the game saw Steelers' first-round pick Derrick Harmon suffer a knee injury, which coach Mike Tomlin described as significant. Despite the win, Tomlin noted areas for improvement, particularly in tackling and penalties.
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Why It's Important?
The preseason games are crucial for teams to evaluate their rosters and make final adjustments before the regular season. The Steelers' victory, while a positive outcome, highlighted potential vulnerabilities, such as tackling and discipline issues, which could impact their performance in the regular season. The injury to Derrick Harmon is a significant concern, as it could affect the team's defensive capabilities. For the Panthers, the game underscored the challenges they face, having gone winless in the preseason, which might affect team morale and strategy moving forward.
What's Next?
Both teams are set to begin their regular season on September 7, with the Steelers facing the New York Jets and the Panthers playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers will need to address their defensive issues and monitor Harmon's recovery closely. The Panthers, on the other hand, will focus on improving their offensive execution and integrating new players like Bryce Perkins into their system effectively.
