The 5-8 Pittsburgh Steelers were looking to avoid their first losing season in Mike Tomlin’s tenure when they matched up with the 5-8 Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Behind a solid defensive effort and an offense that got going early, the Steelers were able to beat the Panthers 24-16 and move to 6-8.
Carolina started with possession, but the Steelers’ defense stepped up and forced a three-and-out. P Johnny Hekker’s first punt went just 39 yards, and WR Steven Sims returned it five yards, so the Steelers started their first possession on their own 33-yard line.