6 takeaways from the Steelers’ 19-10 win over the Carolina Panthers

The Pittsburgh Steelers ended their preseason schedule with a 18-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers, leaving fans and analysts with plenty to digest and dissect as they prepare for the regular season. While preseason games are often dismissed as meaningless, there are still valuable takeaways, analysis, and potential overreactions that can be drawn from the final exhibition game.

One of the key takeaways from the Steelers’ preseason finale was the continued struggles of the offense. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the first team offense failed to get into a rhythm and were unable to put points on the board. Roethlisberger completed just 8 of 13 passes for 63 yards and was sacked twice. The offensive line also had its share of issues, allowing pressure on Roethlisberger and failing to open up running lanes for the ground game.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers showed promise with their pass rush. Linebacker T.J. Watt and defensive end Cam Heyward were able to generate pressure on Panthers’ quarterback Sam Darnold, sacking him twice and forcing him into some errant throws. The secondary also had its moments, with cornerback Joe Haden making a nice interception in the end zone to prevent a touchdown.

In terms of analysis, one of the main areas of concern for the Steelers is the depth at the quarterback position. Mason Rudolph, who is expected to be the backup to Roethlisberger, had a lackluster performance against the Panthers, completing just 7 of 12 passes for 77 yards and throwing an interception. With Roethlisberger’s injury history, it is essential for the Steelers to have a reliable backup quarterback who can step in and perform at a high level if needed.

Another area of analysis is the running back position. With the departure of James Conner in the offseason, the Steelers are looking for someone to step up and take over as the lead back. Najee Harris, the team’s first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, showed flashes of his potential in the preseason finale, rushing for 10 yards on two carries and catching two passes for 15 yards. However, the running game as a whole struggled, with the team only managing 51 rushing yards on 20 carries.

In terms of potential overreactions, some fans and analysts may be quick to write off the Steelers’ offense based on their lackluster performance in the preseason finale. It is important to remember that preseason games are not always indicative of regular season success, and the team still has time to address any issues and make improvements before their Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Overall, the Steelers’ preseason finale provided plenty of takeaways, analysis, and potential overreactions for fans and analysts to ponder as they look ahead to the regular season. While there were some areas of concern, there were also some positives to take away from the game, and the team will be looking to build on those as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

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Source: Behind the Steel Curtain