Steelers @ Panthers
Final Score: Steelers 19, Panthers 10
Writer: Brett Ford (@FadeThatMan)
In a preview of Thursday Night Football, the Pittsburgh Steelers visited the Carolina Panthers, and the offenses were predictably grating. Neither team looked great, but individuals shined on each side. Skylar Thompson looked as good as I had ever seen him play in the NFL, while Trevor Etienne put himself on my deep, deep sleeper radar for later in the season. Let’s dig in.
Two Up
- Skylar Thompson – A solid stat line and limited mistakes for the Steelers’ third-string QB.
- Trevor Etienne – Broke off a long 28-yard run and was targeted three times in the passing game, even if he didn’t bring in any of those targets.
Two Down
- Mason Rudolph – Hard to say it’s that much of a down week for Rudolph, but he threw the team’s only interception. Still the backup QB entering Week 1.
- Pat Freiermuth – A pair of catches for six yards. We’ll have to see how things shake out with Jonnu Smith now in the fold.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback
Mason Rudolph: 6/8, 36 yards, INT | 1 carry, 3 yards
Rudolph was a satisfactory game manager outside of one bad decision. He was looking to hit a deep crossing route on a play action pass, but never saw the nickel corner dropping late into the deep flat and undercutting the route for a pick.
Skylar Thompson: 11/13, 152 yards, TD
Thompson looked extremely confident in the pocket, delivering throws on time and in rhythm to lead the Steelers to a touchdown drive.
Logan Woodside: 4/6, 38 yards
Woodside did very little with the limited opportunity he was presented with. He’s likely a roster casualty.
Running Back
Jaylen Warren: 2 carries, 3 yards | 2 targets, 2 receptions, 12 yards
Someone needs new cleats. On consecutive plays in the first quarter, Warren slipped and lost his chance at any sort of gain because of his lack of traction. Warren was also a little loosey-goosey with his ball handling, having it punched out after a short reception over the middle – luckily for the Steelers, his teammate recovered. Johnson looked like the better back in this one, but knowing what we know about Mike Tomlin, expect Warren to see more work than Johnson in the early season.
Kaleb Johnson:5 carries, 24 yards
Kaleb Johnson runs hard downhill and looked like the most talented back on the field in this one. The fact that he was on the field deep into the second quarter could be just because the Steelers wanted their rookie to get more reps – or it could be because he’s buried third on the depth chart behind Gainwell and Warren.
Kenneth Gainwell: 2 carries, 7 yards
On his second carry of the night, Gainwell cut back against the grain and scampered around the edge for a 25-yard gain, but it was called back for holding. He exited the game early and should be a lock for RB3, maybe even RB2 early in the season, but Johnson will pass him in short order.
Trey Sermon: 4 carries, 39 yards | 4 targets, 3 receptions, 14 yards
Remember when he was THE GUY in San Francisco? I still haven’t forgiven him (or Kyle Shanahan).
Lew Nichols: 2 carries, 14 yards | 4 targets, 3 receptions, 21 yards
Evan Hull: 2 carries, 9 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 2 yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Roman Wilson: DNP
This is notable because it probably means that Wilson is the Steelers’ WR2 heading into the year.
Scotty Miller: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 82 yards
Miller hasn’t sniffed fantasy relevance since 2020. HOWEVER, he caught all nine of his preseason targets and looked like a reliable slot option for the Steelers, who aren’t exactly teeming with talent at the position. The last time that Miller produced any offense worth mentioning was with a legend under center. Well, now he’s got another one. I’m not saying… I’m just saying.
Pat Freiermuth:2 targets, 2 receptions, 6 yards
Freiermuth was on the field in Preseason Week 3 and Jonnu Smith wasn’t. Take that for what you will.
Lance McCutcheon:4 targets, 3 receptions, 52 yards, TD
McCutcheon bounced back from a bad performance last week (including an interception off his hands) with a touchdown in Preseason Week 3. It might not be enough to make a difference in the Steelers’ roster decision here.
Ke’Shawn Williams: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 31 yards
Max Hurleman: 1 target, 1 reception, 4 yards
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Jack Plummer: 7/14, 48 yards, TD, INT | 2 carries, 22 yards
Plummer was inaccurate on his first drive, missing a couple of easy throws as the Panthers were forced to settle for a field goal. In the second quarter, Plummer did an excellent job of escaping a collapsing pocket, extending the play, and finding a receiver for a first down. He tried to extend another play in the red zone, making a second incredible escape, but then threw on the move, right to a Steeler defender in the end zone. Plummer capped his day with a touchdown throw just before the half, executing a successful two-minute drill.
Bryce Perkins: 10/11, 71 yards | 2 carries, 28 yards
Perkins had been picked up less than a week ago, practicing with the Panthers for the first time on Monday. When he entered the game to begin the second half, the Panthers’ offense basically stalled out. Carolina struggled to move the ball, and though Perkins was overall accurate with his passes, it didn’t make much difference as the home team sputtered to the finish line with no second half points. Perkins was the UFL MVP with the Michigan Panthers, but he will have to adjust quickly in his return to the NFL, assuming he sticks on the roster or practice squad with Andy Dalton sidelined with an injury.
Running Back
Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams: 7 carries, 10 yards
Lynch-Adams likely needed a splash performance to make this team for Week 1. This wasn’t it.
Trevor Etienne: 3 carries, 26 yards | 3 targets
Etienne looked explosive on his first rush of the night, breaking off a long run to open the Panthers’ first drive. Etienne exited the game early, which indicated that he may be ahead of Blackshear in the running back pecking order.
Raheem Blackshear: 11 carries, 35 yards
Blackshear was the feature back for the Panthers – if there is such a thing in Preseason Week 3 – and looked like he belonged on the 53-man. Blackshear has been a solid returner and depth back for the Panthers the past couple of years and ought to stick around for one more season.
Emani Bailey: 9 carries, 31 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, -1 yard
Wide Receiver/Tight End
David Moore: 1 target | 1 carry, 19 yards
Moore started the game, caught his only target, and left relatively early. His spot in the depth chart is secure and could improve if the Panthers move a receiver.
Hunter Renfrow: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 5 Yards
Renfrow was on the field a lot – not a great sign for those who consider him a deep sleeper this season. But he did the right thing every time he was out there, including throwing downfield blocks and running solid routes. He was targeted in the end zone (sort of), but the defense did a good job of covering to force a throwaway. The feel-good Renfrow comeback story is not looking quite as promising as it did a few weeks ago, but if the Panthers end up trading Thielen (there are rumors he may reunite with the Vikings), it could open things up in the slot.
James Mitchell: 1 target, 1 reception, 7 yards, TD
Mitchell capitalized on his only opportunity, pulling in a touchdown on a corner route on his only target. Pretty much any names from Mitchell on down are not fantasy relevant and will only make the team based on special teams ability.
Bryce Pierre: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 11 Yards
Dominique Dafney: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 21 yards
T.J. Luther: 1 target, 1 reception, 15 yards
Jimmy Horn Jr.: 1 target, 1 reception, 13 yards,
Jacolby George: 1 target, 1 reception, 12 yards,
Kobe Hudson: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 12 yards, 0
Ja’seem Reed: 1 target, 1 reception, 6 yards