NOTEBOOK Steelers vs. Panthers

Little fireworks: The Steelers' offense displayed few fireworks. Starting quarterback Tommy Maddox completed 5-of-7 passes for 56 yards and rookie Ben Roethlisberger was 2-of-5 for 45 yards. Late in the game, Brian St. Pierre complete 5-of-12 for 67 yards. "They're a tough defense," Maddox said of Carolina. "We moved the ball a little bit, stalled out a little bit, but we finished off with a good drive. We did pretty well."
Receiving: Chris Doering was the only Steelers receiver with more than one catch (he had three for 53 yards). Starter Hines Ward (one catch, 6 yards) credited the Panthers' defenders. "They are coming off the Super Bowl," said Ward of the defending NFC champions. "We knew it was going to be a challenge, especially [with] their front seven. It's one of the best front sevens in the NFL."
Rushing: Starting tailback Duce Staley did not play. "It was by design," coach Bill Cowher said. "We had other guys we had to look at." None excelled. Dante Brown had 34 yards on seven carries while Willie Parker had 28 yards on 13 carries. Verron Haynes had 30 yards on five tries while starter Jerome Bettis had 17 yards on five carries. "I'm just waiting in line and waiting for my opportunity to showcase what I [have]," Haynes said. "Every time I get an opportunity, I have to make the best of it."
Up-and-down night: Steelers safety Russell Stuvaints had mixed results. On the first series of third quarter, Panthers quarterback Chris Weinke passed to Keary Colbert who dropped the ball into Stuvaints' hands for an interception at the Pittsburgh 46. Stuvaints was later called for illegal block on a punt return. He also was beaten by Colbert on an 87-yard game-tying touchdown.
Tom Williams