Steelers at Panthers Preview: September 1, 2011

8:00PM | Bank of America Stadium | TV: KDKA

On the surface, this game looks to be tremendously boring before it even starts. Ben Roethlisberger won’t play. Both first teams are expected to only play a couple of series. The Panthers aren’t that exciting to begin with. But if you dig a little deeper, there is a lot of the line tonight for much of the Steelers roster. It’s the last chance to shine for rookies and veterans who are on the bubble. Dennis Dixon could play himself into the backup role or a trade or he could end up buried on the Steelers depth chart. Other guys deeper on the depth chart could be one interception or long TD run away from making the roster (or just as importantly, impressing other NFL teams).  

Enjoy the calm before the storm and enjoy rooting for guys like Tyler Grisham and Crezdon Butler and Swayze Waters. Before you know it, Baltimore week is going to be here and there is no more time to breathe. Relax and enjoy just watching a football game where the outcome doesn’t matter one last time.

Two things to watch for
Injuries, injuries, injuries The last preseason game is always the most gut-wrenching on the injury front. The Steelers are already old and banged up on the defensive side. Let’s hope things don’t get worse. 
Cam Newton vs Jimmy Clausen
The Panthers could choose their starting QB based off of who performs best tonight. Will Newton show flashes of brilliance?

Panthers Blog To Read
Cat Scratch Reader

On the Steelers:
Tonight last chance to impress – AP
Charlie Batch unhappy Terrelle Pryor got suspended – Yahoo! Sports
10 most memorable games at Heinz Field – Blitzburgh Blog

On the Panthers:
John Clayton not impressed with Cam Newton – Cat Scratch Reader
Star LB Jon Beason is hurt – Cat Scratch Reader
TE Jeremy Shockey saved a teammates life during lunch – CBS

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