Panthers Preview

The traditional Steelers (2-1) and Panthers (1-2) preseason game will take place tonight in Panther country as the teams look to solidify their rosters before Saturday's final cuts.

This game has become a tradition, as this will be the thirteenth meeting between the Steelers and Panthers in the preseason. That is pretty amazing when you factor in the Panthers have only been a team for seventeen years. In the previous twelve meetings the Steelers have the edge 8-4 including four straight victories.

The starters will play very sparingly, if at all. Ben Roethlisberger will not play and Doug Legursky will get the start at right guard instead of Tony Hills. The Steelers are looking to fill in their last five or so roster spots, so expect the young guys to get a lot of quality playing time. There are still some spots that the Steelers are looking to fill with quality backups and I expect a few upsets.

Inactives:
Ben Roethlisberger, Ike Taylor, Chris Carter, Jerricho Cotchery

Questionable:
James Farrior, Troy Polamalu, Casey Hampton, Bryant McFadden, Maurkice Pouncey

So, what should we all be watching or tonight? Here are my focuses for this final preseason match-up.

Secondary:
Donovan Warren needs to make a final impressive push for a roster spot, and this is his chance. With Cortez Allen out almost the entire preseason Donovan has a chance to sneak onto the Steelers roster after going undrafted in 2010. Donovan took advantage of the playing time he received last week against the Falcons and he needs to do that same tonight against the suspect Panthers offense.

Defensive Line:
The defensive line is set but I could easily see Steve McLendon making the roster with Byron Letwich possibly being put on IR. McLendon has played really well this preseason, not enough to unseat the 10 year veteran Chris Hoke, but enough to possibly make the roster. This is Steve's make or break time and he needs to turn up the heat to get a spot on the touted Steelers defense.

Linebackers:
Mortty Ivy has a chance to grab a roster spot after a good showing against the Redskins and Falcons. Ivy can contribute on special teams as well as being a solid backup. Ivy is also cheaper than the other linebackers gunning for a position so that makes this the most intriguing battle in this final preseason match-up.

Kicker:
Shaun Suisham is most likely going to start the season as the Steelers kicker because incumbent Swayze Waters couldn't kick his way to a roster spot. Waters has a stronger leg than Suisham but he has been inaccurate and this is his last chance to try and steal a spot away.