The Panthers gained 534 yards, converted 8 of 14 third downs and scored 34 points. That efficiency outweighed three interceptions thrown as Charlotte opened its 2054 preseason with a 34-24 road victory over Pittsburgh on Aug. 8.

The game’s yardage split was stark: the Panthers produced 334 passing yards and 200 rushing, while the Steelers managed 128 through the air and 57 on the ground. Charlotte also finished with three red-zone touchdowns on six visits, while Pittsburgh scored touchdowns on both of its two trips inside the red zone. The Steelers’ 5-for-15 third-down rate left little margin against that much Panthers production.

Charlotte struck first with Terrell Stevenson’s 1-yard touchdown pass to Joseph Thompson late in the first quarter, taking a 7-3 lead after Robert Martinelli’s extra point. Pittsburgh answered early in the second with Scott Bernstein’s 7-yard touchdown connection to Corey Tom. Martinelli tied the game at 10 with a 30-yard field goal, then added another from 38 yards to put the Panthers ahead 13-10.

The lead changed hands on the ensuing kickoff: Bennie Wayman returned it 102 yards for a Pittsburgh touchdown, moving the Steelers in front 17-13. Colin Pettit answered for Charlotte with an 18-yard rushing touchdown, and the Panthers carried a 20-17 advantage into the second half. Pittsburgh regained the lead, 24-20, on Ruben Burke’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Ronnie Tidwell in the third quarter.

Vernon Scott and Patrick Cabral supplied the decisive response. Scott, who finished with 152 passing yards and two touchdown passes, found Cabral for a 3-yard score late in the third to restore Charlotte’s lead at 27-24. With 5:12 remaining, the pair connected again—this time for 80 yards. Cabral’s second touchdown made it 33-24, and Shawn Lagarde’s extra point set the final margin.

Cabral finished with 111 receiving yards and two scores. Pettit added 66 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Donald Nowlin contributed 87 receiving yards. The Panthers’ three interceptions were a notable counterweight to their offensive output; Pittsburgh’s defense recorded three picks. But Charlotte’s ability to keep converting—especially on third down—and its 200-yard ground total helped it withstand the giveaways and finish the preseason opener with the win.