Pittsburgh Steelers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats from August 21, 2025, provide a useful look at how both teams performed during the NFL preseason. Pittsburgh defeated Carolina 19-10 at Bank of America Stadium, finishing with 325 total yards compared with Carolina’s 255. The Steelers were especially effective through the air, producing 226 passing yards on 21 completions, while the Panthers generated 171 rushing yards but only 84 net passing yards.

This game was also notable for the way Pittsburgh created explosive passing plays without relying heavily on the run. Carolina, meanwhile, controlled the ball for nearly 35 minutes and ran 35 rushing plays, but struggled to turn that possession advantage into points.

For readers researching the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats, the most useful approach is not simply to look at the final score. Preseason games involve multiple quarterbacks, backups, young players, and changing lineups. Individual statistics therefore provide a better way to understand what actually happened on the field.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats

The August 21 preseason meeting ended with Pittsburgh ahead 19-10. The Steelers entered the game 1-1 in preseason and improved to 2-1, while Carolina fell to 0-3. The official NFL schedule confirms the matchup as Pittsburgh’s third preseason game and Carolina’s third preseason game. (NFL)

The scoring pattern tells an interesting story:

Quarter	Pittsburgh	Carolina
First	0	3
Second	10	7
Third	3	0
Fourth	6	0
Final	19	10

Carolina led 3-0 after the opening quarter and went into halftime with a 10-10 tie. Pittsburgh then produced the only points of the second half, scoring three points in the third quarter and six more in the fourth.

That second-half scoring difference was central to the result.

The Steelers did not dominate every statistical category. Carolina actually produced more first downs and substantially more rushing attempts. Pittsburgh’s advantage came from efficiency, explosive passing, field-goal production, and a defense that prevented Carolina from converting its offensive possession into second-half points.

Game Summary and Statistical Context

The most important team numbers from the game were:

Category	Pittsburgh	Carolina
Final Score	19	10
Total Yards	325	255
Passing Yards	226	84
Rushing Yards	99	171
Passing Completions	21	17
Passing Attempts	27	25
Passing TDs	1	1
Interceptions	1	1
Rushing Attempts	18	35
Average Rush	5.5	4.9
Total Offensive Plays	45	63
Time of Possession	25:02	34:58
Third Down	4/9	9/16
Fumbles Lost	0	1

The official NFL game summary lists Pittsburgh with 325 total yards and Carolina with 255. Pittsburgh averaged 7.2 yards per offensive play, while Carolina averaged 4.0. (NFL)

That difference is particularly revealing.

Carolina ran 18 more offensive plays than Pittsburgh, yet finished with 70 fewer total yards. In other words, the Steelers generated substantially more yardage per play.

This is one of the most important details for anyone analyzing the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats. Raw possession and play volume favored Carolina, but offensive efficiency favored Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Steelers Passing Stats

Pittsburgh completed 21 of 27 passes for 226 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per passing attempt. The Steelers recorded one passing touchdown and one interception, finishing with a team passer rating of 98.5.

The quarterback breakdown was:

Quarterback	Comp/Att	Yards	TD	INT	Rating
Skylar Thompson	11/13	152	1	0	141.0
Logan Woodside	4/6	38	0	0	84.0
Mason Rudolph	6/8	36	0	1	43.8
Team	21/27	226	1	1	98.5

Skylar Thompson’s Passing Performance

Skylar Thompson was the standout passer for Pittsburgh based on the supplied statistical line.

He completed 11 of 13 attempts for 152 yards and one touchdown without throwing an interception. His 141.0 passer rating was comfortably the highest among the Pittsburgh quarterbacks.

The efficiency is especially notable.

Thompson completed approximately 84.6 percent of his attempts while averaging about 11.7 yards per attempt. That combination indicates that his production was not based merely on short, conservative completions.

His 152 yards also accounted for roughly two-thirds of Pittsburgh’s total passing yardage.

For a preseason game, this type of performance can be particularly valuable because quarterback evaluation often depends on how efficiently a player operates with limited opportunities.

Logan Woodside’s Passing Stats

Logan Woodside completed 4 of 6 passes for 38 yards.

He did not throw a touchdown or interception and posted an 84.0 rating. His sample size was considerably smaller than Thompson’s, so the statistics should be interpreted in that context.

A six-attempt passing workload does not provide enough volume to draw broad conclusions about a quarterback’s overall ability. It does, however, show that Woodside avoided a major mistake during his opportunities.

Mason Rudolph’s Passing Stats

Mason Rudolph completed 6 of 8 attempts for 36 yards but threw one interception.

His resulting passer rating was 43.8.

The low rating was largely influenced by the interception and limited yardage production. Rudolph also contributed three rushing yards on one carry.

One important lesson from these numbers is that quarterback statistics can move sharply in small preseason samples. A single interception can have a major impact on passer rating when a player has only a handful of attempts.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Stats

Pittsburgh finished with 18 rushing attempts for 99 yards, an average of 5.5 yards per carry.

The leading individual rushers were:

Player	Carries	Yards	Average	Long
Trey Sermon	4	39	9.8	30
Kaleb Johnson	5	24	4.8	Not listed
Lew Nichols	2	14	7.0	Not listed
Evan Hull	2	9	4.5	Not listed
Kenny Gainwell	2	7	3.5	Not listed
Mason Rudolph	1	3	3.0	Not listed
Jaylen Warren	2	3	1.5	Not listed

Trey Sermon Leads Pittsburgh’s Rushing Attack

Trey Sermon produced the most explosive rushing performance for Pittsburgh.

He carried the ball four times for 39 yards, averaging 9.8 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 30 yards.

That means his longest carry accounted for most of his total rushing production. This is an important distinction when interpreting preseason rushing numbers.

Sermon’s average was excellent, but the small number of attempts means the performance should be viewed as an explosive sample rather than evidence of sustained volume.

He also caught three passes for 14 yards, giving him involvement in both phases of Pittsburgh’s offense.

Kaleb Johnson’s Contribution

Kaleb Johnson led Pittsburgh in rushing attempts with five.

He gained 24 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He also caught one pass for two yards.

His workload was slightly larger than Sermon’s, although Sermon’s explosive 30-yard run gave him the stronger overall rushing efficiency.

Lew Nichols Adds Efficiency

Lew Nichols recorded only two rushing attempts but gained 14 yards, an average of 7.0 yards per carry.

He also caught three passes for 21 yards.

The combined rushing and receiving involvement makes Nichols one of the more interesting statistical contributors from the Pittsburgh offense, even though his rushing workload was limited.

Pittsburgh Steelers Receiving Stats

Pittsburgh recorded 21 receptions for 226 yards, averaging 10.8 yards per reception. The longest reception went for 53 yards.

The main receiving production included:

Receiver	Receptions	Yards	Average	TD
Scotty Miller	3	82	27.3	0
Lance McCutcheon	3	52	17.3	1
Ke’Shawn Williams	2	31	15.5	0
Lew Nichols	3	21	7.0	0
Trey Sermon	3	14	4.7	0
Jaylen Warren	2	12	6.0	0
Pat Freiermuth	2	6	3.0	0
Max Hurleman	1	4	4.0	0
Evan Hull	1	2	2.0	0
Kaleb Johnson	1	2	2.0	0

Scotty Miller’s Explosive Production

Scotty Miller led all Pittsburgh receivers in yardage.

He caught three passes for 82 yards, averaging an impressive 27.3 yards per reception.

His three catches represented fewer than 15 percent of Pittsburgh’s receptions but more than one-third of the team’s receiving yardage.

That is the clearest example of Pittsburgh’s big-play passing efficiency.

A receiver does not necessarily need a large number of targets to have a major statistical impact. Miller’s production demonstrates how a few explosive plays can quickly change the structure of a preseason box score.

Lance McCutcheon Scores Pittsburgh’s Touchdown

Lance McCutcheon caught three passes for 52 yards and scored one touchdown.

His 17.3 yards per reception showed that his production was also based on meaningful gains rather than high-volume short receptions.

Together, Miller and McCutcheon accounted for 134 receiving yards.

That is approximately 59 percent of Pittsburgh’s 226 receiving yards.

The distribution suggests that Pittsburgh’s passing production was concentrated among a few explosive contributors rather than spread evenly across the entire receiving group.

Pat Freiermuth’s Limited Statistical Role

Pat Freiermuth finished with two receptions for six yards.

Those numbers are modest, but preseason statistics should always be considered alongside playing time and personnel usage. A small receiving total does not necessarily describe a player’s overall importance to the offense.

Carolina Panthers Passing Stats

Carolina completed 17 of 25 passes for 84 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. The Panthers averaged only 4.8 yards per passing attempt and finished with a 75.3 passer rating.

The quarterback breakdown was:

Quarterback	Comp/Att	Yards	TD	INT	Rating
Bryce Perkins	10/11	71	0	0	93.6
Jack Plummer	7/14	48	1	1	52.1
Team	17/25	84	1	1	75.3

Bryce Perkins

Bryce Perkins completed 10 of 11 attempts for 71 yards.

He did not throw a touchdown or interception and recorded a 93.6 passer rating.

His completion rate was approximately 90.9 percent, making him Carolina’s most accurate passer by completion percentage in the supplied statistics.

Perkins also ran twice for 28 yards.

That rushing contribution is significant because it added another 28 yards to his overall offensive output. His combined passing and rushing yardage reached 99 yards.

Jack Plummer

Jack Plummer completed 7 of 14 passes for 48 yards.

He threw one touchdown and one interception, producing a 52.1 rating.

Plummer also carried twice for 22 yards.

His performance illustrates how quarterback evaluation can become complicated when passing and rushing numbers move in different directions. The passing line was inefficient, but the rushing contribution added useful yardage.

Carolina Panthers Rushing Stats

Carolina ran the ball 35 times for 171 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

The main rushing contributors were:

Player	Carries	Yards	Average
Raheem Blackshear	11	35	3.2
Emani Bailey	9	31	3.4
Bryce Perkins	2	28	14.0
Trevor Etienne	3	26	8.7
Jack Plummer	2	22	11.0
David Moore	1	19	19.0
Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams	7	10	1.4

Raheem Blackshear Leads in Attempts

Raheem Blackshear received the largest rushing workload with 11 carries.

He gained 35 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per carry.

His 11 attempts represented nearly one-third of Carolina’s rushing attempts. That workload made him an important part of the ground game, even though his average was lower than several other Carolina runners.

Emani Bailey

Emani Bailey carried nine times for 31 yards.

He averaged 3.4 yards per carry and also recorded one reception for minus-one yard.

The nine carries gave Bailey one of the largest rushing workloads on the Carolina roster in this game.

Explosive Runs From Carolina’s Quarterbacks and Backs

The most efficient rushing numbers came from players with smaller workloads.

Bryce Perkins gained 28 yards on two carries, averaging 14.0 yards per attempt.

Jack Plummer gained 22 yards on two carries, averaging 11.0 yards per attempt.

Trevor Etienne gained 26 yards on three carries, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt.

David Moore recorded one 19-yard carry.

These numbers show why team rushing statistics should not be interpreted only through the leading rusher. Carolina produced several explosive individual runs despite its overall scoring difficulties.

Carolina Panthers Receiving Stats

The Carolina finished with 17 receptions for 119 receiving yards and one touchdown.

The supplied receiving numbers include:

Receiver	Receptions	Yards	TD
Dominique Dafney	2	21	0
T.J. Luther	1	15	0
Jimmy Horn Jr.	1	13	0
Jacolby George	1	12	0
Kobe Hudson	2	12	0
Bryce Pierre	1	11	0
Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams	2	10	0
Raheem Blackshear	2	8	0
James Mitchell	1	7	1
Ja’seem Reed	1	6	0
Hunter Renfrow	2	5	0
Emani Bailey	1	-1	0

James Mitchell supplied Carolina’s receiving touchdown with a seven-yard reception.

Unlike Pittsburgh, Carolina did not produce a large number of explosive receiving plays. The Panthers averaged 7.0 yards per reception in the supplied team statistics.

That difference helps explain why Carolina’s 119 gross receiving yards translated into only 84 net passing yards after accounting for sack yardage.

Why Pittsburgh Won Despite Carolina’s Possession Advantage

One of the most interesting elements of this game is that Carolina had the ball for 34:58, compared with Pittsburgh’s 25:02.

Usually, a team that controls possession for almost ten additional minutes has more opportunities to score.

Carolina also ran 63 offensive plays compared with Pittsburgh’s 45.

Yet Pittsburgh won by nine points.

The explanation is efficiency.

Pittsburgh averaged 7.2 yards per offensive play, while Carolina averaged 4.0. The Steelers generated 325 yards on 45 plays. Carolina needed 63 plays to produce 255 yards.

The difference can be expressed simply:

Pittsburgh gained more than seven yards per play while Carolina gained four.

This is one of the most useful lessons from the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats.

Volume did not equal production.

Carolina possessed the ball longer and ran more plays, but Pittsburgh created larger gains and converted those gains into enough scoring opportunities to win.

Pittsburgh’s Passing Efficiency Was the Main Statistical Advantage

The passing numbers create perhaps the clearest contrast.

Pittsburgh:

• 21 completions
• 226 passing yards
• 8.4 yards per pass attempt
• 1 passing touchdown
• 1 interception

Carolina:

• 17 completions
• 84 passing yards
• 4.8 yards per pass attempt
• 1 passing touchdown
• 1 interception

Pittsburgh therefore produced 142 more passing yards despite attempting only two more passes.

That is a major efficiency difference.

The Steelers also had multiple receivers capable of producing explosive gains. Scotty Miller averaged 27.3 yards per reception, while Lance McCutcheon averaged 17.3.

Carolina’s passing game was much more limited in terms of yardage per completion.

Carolina’s Rushing Advantage Was Not Enough

Carolina had the stronger rushing volume.

The Panthers rushed 35 times for 171 yards.

Pittsburgh rushed only 18 times for 99 yards.

Carolina therefore gained 72 more rushing yards.

But Pittsburgh’s passing advantage was 142 yards.

The result was a net total-yard advantage of 70 yards for Pittsburgh.

This illustrates an important football principle: success in one phase does not automatically overcome inefficiency in another.

Carolina’s rushing attack provided consistent yardage, but the passing offense did not create enough additional production to keep pace with Pittsburgh.

Turnovers and Field Position

Both teams threw one interception.

Pittsburgh recorded one team fumble but did not lose it according to the supplied team statistics. Carolina had three team fumbles and lost one.

The Steelers therefore finished with fewer lost fumbles and the same number of interceptions.

Special teams also played an important role in the scoring profile.

Pittsburgh made four field goals and one extra point. Carolina made one field goal and one extra point.

That means Pittsburgh scored 13 points through field goals and extra-point production, while Carolina’s 10 points came from one touchdown, one field goal, and one extra point.

The Steelers’ ability to convert four field-goal opportunities was a major reason the offense could win without producing multiple touchdowns.

Red Zone Efficiency

The red-zone numbers provide another useful layer.

Pittsburgh went 0-for-2 in the red zone.

Carolina went 1-for-2.

At first glance, that looks like an advantage for Carolina.

However, Pittsburgh compensated with field goals.

The Steelers converted four field-goal attempts, meaning drives that did not end in touchdowns could still produce points.

This is especially relevant in preseason analysis because teams are often evaluating offensive execution rather than relying exclusively on established red-zone packages.

Defensive Statistical Overview

Pittsburgh’s supplied defensive totals were:

Defensive Category	Pittsburgh
Total Tackles	80
Solo Tackles	44
Sacks	3
Tackles for Loss	10
Pass Deflections	1
Quarterback Hits	4

The three sacks and four quarterback hits indicate that Pittsburgh generated meaningful pressure.

The 10 tackles for loss are also significant because they suggest the defense consistently disrupted plays behind or near the line of scrimmage.

Carolina’s defense had individual statistics available, but the supplied team-level defensive excerpt is partial. For that reason, it would be misleading to construct a complete Carolina defensive ranking from the available information.

What the Player Stats Reveal About Each Offense

The box score tells two different offensive stories.

Pittsburgh’s Offensive Profile

Pittsburgh was built around efficiency and explosive passing.

The Steelers:

1. Averaged 7.2 yards per offensive play.
2. Produced 226 passing yards.
3. Averaged 8.4 yards per pass attempt.
4. Recorded a 30-yard rushing play.
5. Recorded a 53-yard reception.
6. Scored one passing touchdown.
7. Converted four field goals.

The offense did not need a high number of plays because it generated significant yardage from individual opportunities.

Carolina’s Offensive Profile

Carolina relied much more heavily on volume.

The Panthers:

1. Ran 63 offensive plays.
2. Ran the ball 35 times.
3. Produced 171 rushing yards.
4. Controlled possession for 34:58.
5. Completed 17 passes.
6. Produced only 84 net passing yards.
7. Scored only in the first half.

The biggest issue visible from the statistics was the disconnect between possession and scoring.

Most Important Individual Performers

Several players stand out when the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats are examined beyond the final score.

Skylar Thompson

Thompson completed 11 of 13 passes for 152 yards and one touchdown without an interception.

His 141.0 passer rating was the highest among the quarterbacks listed.

Scotty Miller

Miller recorded three catches for 82 yards.

His 27.3-yard average was the best receiving average listed for Pittsburgh and demonstrated significant explosive-play ability.

Lance McCutcheon

McCutcheon caught three passes for 52 yards and scored Pittsburgh’s passing touchdown.

His 17.3-yard average was another indicator of Pittsburgh’s downfield efficiency.

Trey Sermon

Sermon carried four times for 39 yards, including a 30-yard run.

His 9.8-yard rushing average led Pittsburgh’s primary ball carriers.

Bryce Perkins

Perkins completed 10 of 11 passes for 71 yards and added 28 rushing yards.

His 93.6 passing rating and rushing contribution made him one of Carolina’s most efficient offensive contributors.

Trevor Etienne

Etienne gained 26 yards on only three carries, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt.

His limited workload means the sample should not be overstated, but the efficiency was notable.

What the Statistics Mean for Preseason Evaluation

Preseason statistics should be read differently from regular-season statistics.

A player may receive only a few opportunities because coaches are evaluating several players at the same position. A quarterback may play only a portion of the game. A running back may have three carries while another receives 10 or more.

That is why efficiency metrics can sometimes be more informative than raw totals.

For example, Trey Sermon’s 39 yards came on four carries, while Raheem Blackshear’s 35 yards came on 11 carries.

Similarly, Skylar Thompson produced 152 passing yards on 13 attempts, while Carolina’s entire passing offense produced 84 net yards.

The correct interpretation is not that one small sample automatically proves long-term superiority. Instead, these numbers identify which players produced efficiently during the opportunities shown in this game.

How to Read These Match Player Stats Correctly

When researching an NFL game, it is tempting to search for the player with the most yards and stop there.

A better process is:

Start With Team Efficiency

Look at total yards, plays, yards per play, passing efficiency, rushing efficiency, and turnovers.

Examine Volume

Determine how many opportunities each player received.

Four carries for 39 yards and 15 carries for 39 yards are very different statistical performances.

Examine Explosive Plays

Look at long receptions and long runs.

Pittsburgh’s 53-yard reception and 30-yard run were particularly important examples.

Consider Scoring Conversion

Yardage is valuable, but points decide the game.

Pittsburgh converted four field goals and finished with 19 points despite going 0-for-2 in the red zone.

Separate Preseason Context From Regular-Season Conclusions

A single preseason performance is a snapshot.

It can show efficiency, mistakes, explosiveness, and workload, but it should not automatically be treated as a prediction of future production.

Pittsburgh vs Carolina Statistical Comparison

The overall comparison can be summarized as follows:

Area	Pittsburgh	Carolina	Statistical Difference
Points	19	10	Pittsburgh +9
Total Yards	325	255	Pittsburgh +70
Passing Yards	226	84	Pittsburgh +142
Rushing Yards	99	171	Carolina +72
Offensive Plays	45	63	Carolina +18
Yards per Play	7.2	4.0	Pittsburgh +3.2
Possession	25:02	34:58	Carolina +9:56
Passing TDs	1	1	Even
Interceptions	1	1	Even
Lost Fumbles	0	1	Pittsburgh +1
Sacks	3	Not provided in supplied team totals	Pittsburgh data available

This table captures the central story.

Carolina had greater volume, while Pittsburgh had greater efficiency.

Key Takeaways From the Game

The biggest lessons from the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats are not simply about who accumulated the most yards.

First, Pittsburgh’s passing efficiency was the defining offensive advantage. The Steelers produced 226 passing yards compared with Carolina’s 84.

Second, Carolina’s rushing attack was productive. The Panthers gained 171 yards on 35 attempts, showing that their ground game could consistently move the football.

Third, Pittsburgh’s explosive plays changed the statistical balance. Scotty Miller averaged 27.3 yards per reception, Trey Sermon averaged 9.8 yards per rush, and Pittsburgh recorded a 53-yard reception and a 30-yard rush.

Fourth, possession did not translate directly into points. Carolina held the ball for almost 35 minutes but scored only 10 points.

Fifth, Pittsburgh’s field-goal production mattered. Four made field goals provided a significant portion of the Steelers’ 19 points.

Finally, the defensive numbers show Pittsburgh generated pressure, recording three sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score between the Steelers and Panthers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Carolina Panthers 19-10 on August 21, 2025, in an NFL preseason game.

Who was Pittsburgh’s leading passer?

Skylar Thompson was Pittsburgh’s leading passer in the supplied statistics. He completed 11 of 13 passes for 152 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, with a 141.0 passer rating.

Who led Pittsburgh in receiving?

Scotty Miller led Pittsburgh in receiving yards with 82 yards on three receptions. He averaged 27.3 yards per catch.

Who led Pittsburgh in rushing?

Trey Sermon led Pittsburgh in rushing yards with 39 yards on four carries. His longest run was 30 yards.

Who led Carolina in rushing?

Raheem Blackshear had the most rushing attempts for Carolina with 11 and gained 35 yards. Carolina’s rushing total was 171 yards.

Did Carolina have more possession than Pittsburgh?

Yes. Carolina had the ball for 34:58, while Pittsburgh had possession for 25:02. Despite that advantage, Pittsburgh won 19-10.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats from August 21, 2025, show a game in which efficiency outweighed possession volume.

Pittsburgh finished with 325 total yards on only 45 offensive plays. Carolina ran 63 plays and controlled possession for nearly 35 minutes, but produced 255 total yards.

The clearest statistical difference came through the passing game. Pittsburgh generated 226 passing yards at 8.4 yards per attempt, while Carolina finished with 84 net passing yards at 4.8 yards per attempt.

Skylar Thompson provided the most productive quarterback performance for Pittsburgh, while Scotty Miller and Lance McCutcheon supplied major receiving contributions. Trey Sermon added an explosive rushing element with 39 yards on four attempts.

Carolina’s offense found more success on the ground. The Panthers produced 171 rushing yards, with Raheem Blackshear receiving the largest workload and several other players contributing explosive runs. Bryce Perkins also added 28 rushing yards while completing 10 of 11 passes.

The defensive statistics further favored Pittsburgh in several important areas, with three sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits.

Ultimately, the box score presents a useful example of why football statistics should be evaluated together rather than individually. Carolina controlled possession and generated more rushing volume, but Pittsburgh’s passing efficiency, explosive plays, field-goal production, and overall yards per play helped produce the 19-10 result.