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For the sake of the publication's long-standing tradition of naming a Player of the Game, someone had to be after the Steelers' dropped their fourth straight preseason game, this one 25-10 to the Panthers.
For his two-sack and forced fumble effort, outside linebacker Chris Carter took home the prize.
Carter had to be considered on the bubble, certainly before the Steelers traded OLB Adrian Robinson. Carter didn't perform particularly well against the Panthers' starters, but got stronger as the game continued.
There's something to be said for conditioning, particularly the back-ups. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told the broadcasting crew at halftime he wanted to see the conditioning level of the Steelers' roster spot combatants, and they may have gotten a good look at Carter throughout the second half.
That's all fine and good, the main question is still whether Carter did enough to make this team. With a particularly strong overall preseason from rookie Alan Baxter, it will be a tough decision between the rookie and the more expensive veteran.
Carter left it on the field tonight, though, and that at least should be commended.
More from Behind the Steel Curtain:
- Steelers vs. Panthers Postgame News and Updates
- Little has changed in running backs group
- Final 53 man roster predictions
- Colbert: No contracts being negotiated
- 5 things we learned this preseason
- Chris Carter named Steelers Digest Player of the Week
- Steelers fans reactions to loss to Carolina
- Winners and Losers from Steelers loss to Panthers
- Steelers lose 25-10 to Panthers in preseason finale
- Will Johnson injury update
- Steelers vs. Panthers: Linebackers are what to watch
- NFL settles concussion suit
- Which Panthers player would you want on the Steelers roster?
- 2014 NFL Mock Draft
- Steelers Film Room: Redman should start
- 5 Questions with Cat Scratch Reader
- Mike Adams sounds off on Johnny Manziel
- Steelers vs. Panthers: Last-ditch effort for several Steelers first-year players
- Steelers Film Room: The boom or bust running back