Read a preview and watch a live stream of the Steelers vs the Panthers…
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte.
When: Monday September 22, 01:30 (UK time)
Watch live: Click here to watch online with Channel 4!
Watch live: Click here to watch online with NBC Sports (USA only)!
The Carolina Panthers will be looking to go 3-0 to start the season when they welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday night.
Having won without their first choice quarterback in Week 1, Cam Newton returned to the field last week for the 24-7 victory over the Detroit Lions.
After recovering from a rib injury, Newton went 22 of 34 for 281 yards and a touchdown, and he will now hope to help the franchise forget about matters off the field by guiding them to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2003.
Carolina went on to make an appearance at the Super Bowl that year, but they will have to avoid being distracted by the Greg Hardy situation this week, after he was removed from the roster as he appeals a conviction for assault on a female and communicating threats.
It hasn’t been an ideal time for the NFL as a whole in recent weeks with various organisations being hampered with controversial stories off the field, while commissioner Roger Goodell is also under fire for his handling of various situations.
Nevertheless, Pittsburgh will be looking to fare better against a franchise in ‘turmoil’ this week than they did last time out, after they fell to defeat against bitter rivals the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday.
The Steelers (1-1) turned the ball over three times in the loss with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger going 22 of 37 for 217 yards and an interception.
Pittsburgh haven’t forced a turnover in their opening two games and have been poor defensively, with only three teams surrendering more than their 340 yards on the ground.
However, the fact that they have won the last four matchups with the Panthers by an average of 21.0 points will give them some hope, although Carolina boast an even more impressive recent run of winning 13 of its last 14 regular season games and eight straight at home by 16.6 points per game.
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