Panthers Close Preseason with Victory Over Steelers

The Carolina Panthers will enter the 2014 NFL regular season with a little momentum.

On Thursday, the Panthers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-0 to finish the preseason with a record of 2-2.

Quarterback Cam Newton and most of the other starters sat out to rest up for the impending season.

Backup quarterback Derek Anderson, who just recently became a father (congratulations Derek!), played for most of the first half and completed 8 of 14 passes for 98 yards. 

Late in the second quarter, after a snap sailed past him, Anderson attempted to scoop up the ball and missed. After falling and reaching to get the ball, a Pittsburgh defender hit Anderson in the hand with his helmet as the Steeler recovered the fumble. Anderson missed the rest of the game after injuring his hand. Luckily, x-rays came back negative and his hand is okay.

Third string QB Joe Webb came in and led the offense the rest of the game. He did a good job doing so, completing 8 of 11 passes for 116 yards, and led the Panthers to the only touchdown of the game (a 2 yard rush by Fozzy Whittaker).

Both Webb and Whittaker have performed exceptionally well this preseason. Whittaker finished the game with 23 rushes for 91 yards and a touchdown.

Due to their outstanding play, it would be shocking to see one of them not make the final 53 man roster, which the Panthers must have ready by 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin finished the game with 4 receptions for 56 yards. He more than proved himself this preseason and will without a doubt be the number one receiver come Week 1.

The Panthers' defense also played well, as they held the Steelers to only 185 yards of total offense and recorded 6 sacks.

One of the Panthers' biggest issues has been starting a season off strong. Under Ron Rivera, they've started each of the past three seasons 1-3.

They'll have to start this season out strong as they have a tough midseason stretch with games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles.

This win, however, should carry some momentum into the regular season.

The Panthers open the regular season at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7 at 4:25 p.m. ET.