The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers met in an exciting preseason game on August 21, 2025. Fans on both sides were eager to see how new players and backups would perform before the regular season began. The game took place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and ended with the Steelers taking the win thanks to their strong kicking game and sharp passing.
This article takes a detailed look at the player stats, team performance, and key moments from the match. We also share post-game thoughts and highlight what fans learned about both teams from this game.
Game Overview
The Steelers defeated the Panthers with a final score of 19–10. It was not a high-scoring game, but it showed how both teams are shaping their depth and testing young talent.
The biggest star of the game was kicker Ben Sauls, who made four field goals, helping the Steelers take and hold their lead. The Panthers tried to fight back with short passing and running plays, but they could not keep up with the Steelers’ rhythm.
Steelers Offensive Highlights
Skylar Thompson Shines at Quarterback
Steelers’ quarterback Skylar Thompson had an impressive night. He completed 11 out of 13 passes, throwing for 152 yards and 1 touchdown. His accuracy and calm control in the pocket gave Pittsburgh’s offense the spark it needed. Thompson showed good decision-making, keeping the drives alive and avoiding costly mistakes.
Scotty Miller Makes Big Plays
Wide receiver Scotty Miller was the top target for Thompson. He caught 3 passes for 82 yards, including a long gain that excited fans and helped set up one of Ben Sauls’ field goals. Miller’s speed and timing were key in stretching the Panthers’ defense.
Trey Sermon Adds Power on the Ground
Running back Trey Sermon carried the ball 4 times for 39 yards, averaging 9.8 yards per carry. Although he didn’t score, his performance helped move the chains and balance the Steelers’ offense.
Steelers Defensive Performance
The Steelers’ defense looked sharp and confident throughout the game. They limited the Panthers’ total yardage to 255 yards, applying strong pressure on Carolina’s quarterbacks and keeping the running game in check.
The defense also forced one interception and created several third-down stops. Linebackers and safeties worked together to control the middle of the field, while the defensive line held firm against the run.
This kind of strong defensive showing gave fans confidence that the Steelers’ defensive depth will continue to be a key part of their success in the 2025 season.
Panthers Offensive Struggles
Quarterback Play
Carolina used two quarterbacks during the game: Bryce Perkins and Jack Plummer.
- Bryce Perkins completed 10 of 11 passes for 71 yards, showing good short accuracy but limited deep threat ability.
- Jack Plummer finished 7 of 14 passes for 48 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. His performance had ups and downs — while he managed to score, he also threw a costly interception that hurt Carolina’s momentum.
Running Game
Running back Raheem Blackshear led the Panthers with 11 carries for 35 yards. Although he worked hard, the Steelers’ defense often stopped him before he could find open lanes. The Panthers’ offensive line struggled to create consistent space, and that made it harder for their quarterbacks to execute play-action passes.
Special Teams Impact
The difference in this game came from special teams. Steelers’ kicker Ben Sauls was perfect on the night, making four field goals from different distances. Each kick added confidence to Pittsburgh’s side and pressure on Carolina’s.
On the Panthers’ side, the special teams were less effective. Missed returns and poor field position limited their scoring chances.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Steelers | Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 325 | 255 |
| Passing Yards | 210 | 135 |
| Rushing Yards | 115 | 120 |
| Time of Possession | 25:02 | 34:58 |
| Penalties | 13 for 104 yds | 7 for 73 yds |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
The Panthers held the ball longer, but the Steelers made better use of their drives. The high number of penalties on both teams showed that preseason still brings mistakes as players adjust to live action.
Key Moments from the Game
- Early Field Goal Drive: The Steelers opened the game with a long drive that ended with Ben Sauls’ first field goal. It set the tone for the night.
- Scotty Miller’s Big Catch: Late in the first half, Miller’s long catch helped set up another field goal.
- Jack Plummer’s Touchdown: The Panthers’ only touchdown came in the third quarter, when Plummer connected with a short pass in the red zone.
- Fourth-Quarter Defense: The Steelers’ defense stopped a key fourth-down play late in the game, securing the win.
What This Game Means for Both Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ win showed depth and balance. Their backup quarterback and kicker stood out, which is a good sign for a long season. The offensive line held strong, and the defense continued its tradition of pressure and turnovers. If this form continues, Pittsburgh could surprise many teams in the AFC.
Carolina Panthers
For the Panthers, the loss highlighted issues that still need work. The offensive line must improve protection and run blocking. The defense showed effort but allowed too many big plays. However, young players like Bryce Perkins showed promise, giving fans hope that the team is moving in the right direction.
Player of the Game
The Player of the Game title goes to Ben Sauls, the Steelers’ kicker. His four field goals were the difference between a close game and a solid win. Reliable special teams are often overlooked, but Sauls proved their importance in this match.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will now focus on their final preseason preparations. The Steelers aim to fine-tune their offense and keep the defense sharp. The Panthers will use the lessons from this game to adjust their offensive strategy and improve consistency before the regular season starts.
Fans from both sides can take positives — the Steelers showed discipline and control, while the Panthers saw flashes of future potential.
Conclusion
The Steelers vs Panthers preseason game was more than just another warm-up. It was a test of preparation, teamwork, and potential. The Steelers came out on top, thanks to their efficient offense, strong defense, and perfect kicking. The Panthers fought hard but will need to work on consistency and execution before the season begins.
In football, small details make a big difference — and this game proved it again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who won the Steelers vs Panthers game in August 2025?
The Pittsburgh Steelers won the game 19–10. - When was the Steelers vs Panthers game played?
The game took place on August 21, 2025. - Who was the top performer for the Steelers?
Kicker Ben Sauls stood out, making four field goals. - Who played quarterback for the Steelers?
Skylar Thompson led the passing attack with 11 completions for 152 yards. - Which player led the Panthers’ passing game?
Bryce Perkins went 10 of 11 for 71 yards, while Jack Plummer added 48 yards and one touchdown. - How many yards did the Steelers gain?
The Steelers totaled 325 offensive yards. - How did the Panthers perform on defense?
The Panthers defended well at times but allowed big plays and struggled against long drives. - Who led the Panthers in rushing?
Raheem Blackshear had 11 carries for 35 yards. - Where was the game played?
The match was held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. - What was the main reason for the Steelers’ win?
Their strong kicking performance, accurate passing, and solid defense secured the victory.
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