Steelers vs. Panthers Preseason Week 4: 1st quarter in-game update

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers went head-to-head in Week 4 of the NFL Preseason in Charlotte, NC Thursday night, and both teams were displaying nothing but backups for their respective teams in this exhibition game. Nonetheless, a game had to be played, and the Panthers won the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff.

After a penalty on the kickoff against Carolina, the defense started the night on the Carolina 10-yard line. After a lengthy Carolina drive, the Steelers’ defense stood tall and Ulysees Gilbert III blocked a 48-yard field goal to give the Steelers their first possession of the game.

Taking over on the 38-yard line, the Steelers went three and out on their first drive. After a 3 yard gain from Benny Snell Jr. on first down, Josh Dobbs’ inconsistent play continued when he threw a nearly intercepted ball behind James Washington before bobbling the shotgun snap from B.J. Finney. Escaping the pocket, Dobbs was brought down from behind for the sack which forced the punt team onto the field. Jordan Berry connected on a 54-yard punt to the Carolina 10-yard line. A ten yard return set the Panthers up on their own 20.

To start the next drive, the Steelers gave up a 54-yard catch and run from Will Grier to DeAndrew White on the very first play. After a near sack on third down by Tyson Alualu, the Panthers were set up first and goal on the 4-yard line. Two plays later, Jayrone Elliot stripped the football from the former West Virginia Mountaineer Grier and returned the fumble 91 yards for a Steelers touchdown!

Matthew right add the extra point to give the Steelers a 7-0 lead.

The Panthers had the ball, and were driving to end the first quarter.