The Carolina Panthers began with an impressive nine-play drive, including a fourth-down conversion, leading to their first game opening touchdown of the season. The momentum lasted for one play, an ensuing kickoff, before Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found JuJu Smith-Schuster down the sideline for a 75-yard answer.
Backed up on the Panthers next possession due to a penalty on kickoff return, quarterback Cam Newton was wrapped up in the end zone and an errant pass attempt was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. In just 24-seconds Carolina went from leading 7-0, to trailing 14-7 and the onslaught had begun.