‘Big Ben’ and the Pittsburgh Steelers Crush the Carolina Panthers

The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the Carolina Panthers, defeating the Panthers on Thursday night at Heinz Field.

The 52-21 defeat of the Panthers on Thursday tied for the most points allowed in Carolina history, showing Ben Roethlisberger delivering masterpieces.

Steelers Scored two TDs in 13 seconds

The Steelers started off the game in the right direction.

Their offense needed a single play to enter the end zone, and thanks to ‘Big Ben’s’ deep connection to JuJu Smith-Schuster for a 75-yard touchdown in the first half.

https://twitter.com/steelers/status/1060707665871953920

Then, thirteen seconds later, Vince Williams caught a pass from Cam Newton that returned the interception 17 yards for a touchdown and a 14-7 lead.

https://twitter.com/steelers/status/1060709050793381888

McCaffrey’s Game Gets Overshadowed

Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey rushed 14 times for 77 yards and two touchdowns in the Panthers’ 52-21 loss to the Steelers.

The 2017 first-round pick opened up with a 20-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter.

By the second quarter, the Carolina Panthers were down 17 on the road.

After holding the Steelers to a field goal, Cam Newton’s pass to Christian McCaffrey allowed for him to score his second touchdown of the night.

https://twitter.com/Panthers/status/1060720344422481921

Roethlisberger Takes Brutal Hit

Then things got ugly during the third quarter of the game as a big hit on Roethlisberger led to a scuffle and ejection during the second half.

Shortly when Roethlisberger started to slide, Panthers safety Eric Reid came flying in to deliver a shot near Roethlisberger’s head that led to a scuffle after Steelers players came to his defense.

David DeCastro gets in Eric Reid's face after a late hit on Ben Roethlisberger pic.twitter.com/atDCyG1KOs

— Bleacher Report NFL (@BR_NFL) November 9, 2018

After the game, Ron Rivera disagreed with the ejection.

“I don’t think that was warranted, I really don’t. I don’t think he him hard enough to eject him,” Rivera said. “They are trying to protect the quarterbacks, and he was high.”

Tree of Life tribute

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wore special cleats designed to pay tribute to the victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting.

The cleats that Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger is wearing for tonight’s game against the Carolina Panthers, in honor and remembrance of the victims of the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue. #StrongerThanHate. pic.twitter.com/i5YnYm93cg

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2018

Cam Newton joined in on the tribute as he wore cleats of his own that honored the victims.

Cleats that Panthers’ QB Cam Newton is warming up in for tonight’s game in Pittsburgh, honoring the Tree Of Life Synagogue victims, via @mattfreedpghpg. pic.twitter.com/rfGrV1HTSl

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2018

What’s Next?

The Steelers pushed their record (6-2-1) and will face off the Jacksonville Jaguars next week. The Steelers are in first place in the AFC North.

Carolina’s record dropped to 6-3, and face off the Detroit Lions next Sunday.