The 5-8 Steelers are trying to avoid handing Mike Tomlin his first losing season as a head coach.
They’re off to a good start in that endeavor.
Running back Najee Harris finished Pittsburgh’s opening possession with a 7-yard touchdown, capping a 12-play, 67-yard drive that took 7:06 off the clock.
Harris ran the ball effectively, gaining 34 yards on six carries. Pittsburgh’s offense converted a pair of third downs — one was an 8-yard pass to Diontae Johnson on third-and-6. The other was a QB sneak by Mitch Trubisky on third-and-1 that put Pittsburgh in the red zone.
Trubisky was 4-of-4 passing on the drive, but for just 26 yards.
The Panthers offense went three-and-out to open the game. Sam Darnold and company could use a big response drive.
