The Steelers closed out the preseason with a win at Bank of America Stadium against the Panthers. Joshua Dobbs rushed in from two yards out with 3-seconds left on the clock to put the Steelers ahead 17-14. Dobbs finished the game 16/23 for 212 yards, one passing and one rushing touchdown. With the win the Steelers finished the preseason at 3-1 heading into the regular season.
Chris Boswell started the scoring for the Steelers with a 35-yard field goal. It's important to note that rookie long snapper Colin Holba didn't have any bad snaps tonight. Later in the second quarter Dobbs found Justin Hunter streaking down the sidelines for a 58-yard touchdown. Besides the long pass to Hunter it was a mostly quiet first half for the Steelers offense. The Panthers took the lead heading into halftime after Kaelin Clay beat Cam Sutton and Malik Golden for a 47 yard reception down to the Steelers 13 yard line. Two plays later Joe Webb hit a wide open Damiere Byrd for the go ahead touchdown.
The Steelers had a chance to take the lead late in the third quarter when Golden intercepted an errant Webb pass and had a clear lane to walk into the endzone but injured himself while making the catch and hobbled out of bounds. The Steelers would end up turning the ball over on downs when Terrell Watson was stuffed on a fourth down and 1 at the 6-yard line. LJ Fort, and Terrish Webb recovered two fumbles to set up the Steelers offense with good field position but Dobbs and company weren't able to take advantage of it.
With under two minutes left in the game Dobbs found Cobi Hamilton wide open near the sideline. He turned up field with potential to score a touchdown, but as he cut back to the middle he was hit from behind and fumbled the ball 20-yards into the endzone for a touchback.
The defense was able to force a three and out to give Dobbs time to lead the game winning drive. A Demarcus Ayers 20-yard punt return set up the Steelers game winning drive.
Notes
Newly signed tight end Vance McDonald played several series in the second quarter. He wasn't targeted on any passes. Joe Haden did not dress or play after being signed yesterday. Terrell Watson ran for 89 yards on 19 carries. Knile Davis was the only other running back to receive a hand off.
Injuries
Cam Sutton - Hamstring (re-aggravation)
Malik Golden - Groin
Jordan Dangerfield - Ankle
