NFL News & Analysis

PFF ReFocused, NFL Preseason Week 4: Carolina Panthers 25, Pittsburgh Steelers 19

Will Grier had his best game as a pro as the Carolina Panthers finished the preseason with a 25-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

PFF's ReFocused series features immediate takeaways from the two analysts who graded the game live. The two offer a detailed breakdown of the game's most notable performances before the grades and advanced stats are reviewed and finalized by Senior Analysts.

All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game and the other games played this week will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle. ELITE subscribers can view player grades, advanced statistics, positional snap counts and more in Premium Stats.

PFF's ELITE subscribers can also preview NFL and NCAA games in PFF Greenline, an online dashboard with projections for the spread, totals and moneyline.

Final Score

Carolina Panthers 25, Pittsburgh Steelers 19

Carolina Panthers

Jordan Kunaszyk was all over the field for the Panthers' defense, as he recorded five tackles and a pass breakup. Kunaszyk was able to show well in coverage, and that might be enough to see him make the final roster.

Elijah Holyfield looked the best of the running backs in Week 4 of the preseason, as he was able to use his vision and strength to gain extra yards when the point of attack was blocked up.

Rookie Takeaways

Will Grier had his best game of the preseason and was able to push the ball downfield a couple of times. However, he still looked uncomfortable under pressure and was looking for his checkdown very quickly.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Mason Rudolph did not start the game for the Steelers, but he was the only quarterback on the field who looked comfortable out there. His deep ball to Johnny Holton was a well-placed throw that led the receiver for a long touchdown.

Jayrone Elliott was able to generate a sack with a forced fumble which he scooped up and took to the house. Outside of that play, he didn't make a lot of noise as a pass-rusher but was a threat on the edge in the run game, making a couple of tackles for a short gain.

Rookie Takeaways

The Steelers used Benny Snell in a variety of ways as they look to be trying to find a way to use him more of a mismatch weapon. Snell only recorded two catches for 23 yards and only averaged 1.5 yards on the ground, but don't be surprised if by midseason the Steelers are using two running back sets like the Patriots have been doing.

[Editor’s Note: All of PFF’s player grades and advanced statistics are finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle of each game during the preseason. Sign up today to gain access!]

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