Steelers vs. Panthers first half open thread

The Steelers head into one of their toughest road games this season, a prime time affair with the 2-0 Carolina Panthers. We already know rookies Dri Archer and Martavis Bryant will be out for this game, which isn't exactly a surprise.

A huge output of offensive production from the Steelers tonight, however, would be a surprise. The Panthers returned a large portion of their 2013 defense which, led by Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly, was one of the top units in the NFL. They lost free safety Mike Mitchell, who defected to Pittsburgh in the off-season, essentially completing a trade for ex-Steelers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. Mitchell will get a chance to play against his former team tonight, but Cotchery will not play for the Panthers. Another ex-Steelers player will, though, as Fernando Velasco will get the start at right guard.

Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET in Charlotte, N.C., and stick around here for the second-half open thread as well as all the post-game coverage you'll need here on BTSC. We're unveiling Steelers Final Score, a live call-in show for fans to sound off and ask questions about tonight's game, or whatever else Steelers-related may be worth discussing.

It's gonna be a great night, so stick around, Steelers prime time football is coming up next.