Carolina Loses Final Preseason Game

In a battle of two teams coming off of disappointing 8-8 seasons, the Carolina Panthers were defeated 19-3 by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth and final preseason game for both teams.  Neither team played many of their first-string contributors, and the game actually did very little to answer any lingering questions fans of either team might have as to whether their team is ready to make the rebound from 2006.  Neither team looked particularly sharp or game-ready, but when it’s only third-stringers playing, how can you really tell?

For the Panthers, it was hit or miss all night long.  Keary Colbert does seem to have locked up the number two receiver opposite Steve Smith - who spent all his time during the game Thursday filling cups of water for his teammates.  David Carr showed some signs of life but also threw a very easy interception over the middle.  The Panthers bench had six turnovers altogether.  Here’s  hoping the starters protect the ball a bit better once the regular season begins.

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