Josh Dobbs got the start in the final preseason game for Pittsburgh, he lead the Steelers downfield efficiently on their first drive of the game and did his best Superman impersonation to put the Steelers on the board. Pittsburgh off to an early 7 to 0 lead.
It's a bird!
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 30, 2018
It's a plane! pic.twitter.com/jgWfhbkqqW
Dobbs then picked up right where he left, connecting with Justin Hunter for a huge 46-yard completion. Dobbs stayed sharp and connected with Tevin Jones on a 27-yard touchdown connection to put the Steelers up 14 to 0.
.@josh_dobbs1 ➡️➡️➡️➡️ @TswaggJones
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 31, 2018
PIT 14 | CAR 0 pic.twitter.com/pszw3jYt32
Josh Dobbs posted a stat line of 6 for 8 completed passes, 139 yards, 1 touchdown pass, and a rushing touchdown after one quarter. Yes, that's pretty good.
The Panthers would finally get on the scoreboard themselves after twelve plays, Taylor Heinecke connected with Mose Frazier on a 6-yard touchdown pass. Steelers still lead Carolina, 14 to 7.
Stevan Ridley and the Pittsburgh offense got downfield and ate up a good portion of the clock in the second quarter. Chris Boswell put an end to this drive, hitting a chip shot from 21 yards to give the Steelers a 17 to 7 lead. Check out the moves by Stevan Ridley on this drive.
Juke game real ????.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 31, 2018
????@StevanRidley pic.twitter.com/PwKEgaJCsp
Carolina's next drive was not so fortuitous for them, as Ola Adeniyi sacked Garrett Gilbert for an 8-yard, and forced the Panthers quarterback to cough the ball up. Steelers recover on the big time defensive play by Adeniyi.
We're feeling a little déjà vu...@Love_Ola_9 knocks it loose, @civilSAVAGE1 picks it up. pic.twitter.com/hkacM4scZk
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 31, 2018
Adeniyi's play would also help the Steelers put some points on the board on the offensive side of the ball, as Mason Rudolph finds Tevin Jones for his second touchdown of the game. Rudolph capped off the drive with a successful two-point conversion attempt to put Pittsburgh up 25 to 7 at half time.
.@TswaggJones getting comfortable in the end zone. pic.twitter.com/GTjZ7j9ims
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 31, 2018
Carolina opened up the second half with Kyle Allen at quarterback, Allen helped give Graham Gano a chance to add to the Panthers score as the Carolina kicker nailed a 54-yard field goal to cut the lead down to 15.
Mason Rudolph added to his impressive play by connecting with Tevin Jones on a big 39-yard pass and then capping the drive off by hitting Quadree Henderson on a 7-yard touchdown pass, in which Henderson looked a bit like OBJ with this nice one-handed catch. Pretty impressive grab for your first career NFL touchdown!
Touchdown with @Pitt_FB ✅
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 31, 2018
Touchdown with @steelers ✅
Congratulations Quadree! pic.twitter.com/jy1Uxz0FSj
After three quarters, Pittsburgh putting on a nice show and keeping Carolina's offense at bay, the Steelers lead 32 to 10.
The Steelers obviously missed having the ball back on offense, Matthew Thomas pulled off an impressive strip sack on Kyle Allen, and returned the ball for 75 yards. Jarvion Franklin then finished the drive, pounding the ball into the end-zone to put Pittsburgh up 39 to 10.
So.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 31, 2018
Close. pic.twitter.com/jnZ3Zicz7B
The Panthers bounced back on the next drive, Allen passed the ball with efficiency and the drive ultimately finished with Reggie Bonnafon getting into the end-zone on a 2-yard rushing attempt. Pittsburgh still with a large lead, 39 to 17.
Allen stayed in the game for Carolina and helped them downfield once more, this time it was Bug Howard who snagged a touchdown pass from Allen. Howard fumbled the ball on the play, but would recover for the score. Carolina still down by multiple scores, now 39 to 24.
It was an impressive way to cap off the preseason for Pittsburgh, defeating Carolina 39 to 24. As the regular season starts for them next Sunday in Cleveland, we have a lot to look forward to in this talented group.
Team Stats Leaders
Passing Leader: Josh Dobbs 8 for 12, 151 yards, 1 touchdown
Rushing Leader: Stevan Ridley 8 rushing attempts 39 yards
Receiving Leader: Tevin Jones 3 receptions, 90 yards, 2 touchdowns
Defensive Leader(s): Matthew Thomas 9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
