Dobbs, Jones Impressive as Steelers win 39-10

When you have 2 days before NFL Cut Day, you better believe that those players who are on the bubble will treat that non-important 4th game of the Preseason game like it’s the biggest game of their lives. Such is the case with QB Joshua Dobbs, who may either be retained, kept or cut by Saturday, as well as rookie Marcus Allen, who hasn’t looked too sharp all Preseason, or WR Tevin Jones, who spent last season on the practice squad.

Well, Dobbs and Jones made strong impressions, as they led the Steelers to a 39-17 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field. Dobbs was stupendous as he went 8-12 and passes for 151 yards with a TD and a rushing TD. He also ran for 18 yards and showed great poise in the pocket. His main target was Jones, who caught 3 passes for 90 yards and 2 TDs. Fellow WR Justin Hunter also impressed as he caught 3 passes for 72 yards, and WR/KR Quadree Henderson also hopes to make an impression as he caught an incredible on-handed TD.

Rookie QB Mason Rudolph doesn’t have to fight for his spot, but he sure made impressions as well as he went 5 for 9 for 102 yards and 2 TDs. On Defense, it was LB Matthew Thomas who may have earned a roster spot after he had 11 tackles and a sack/forced fumble that led to a 75- yard return to the Panthers 1-yard line.

Who didn’t make an impression is S Marcus Allen who was the Steelers 5th round pick. He was running around and beat on several passes and it’s been that way all season. Also, LB Tyler Maakevich also hasn’t looked too impressive as well as he continues to struggle with tackling.

For the Panthers, QB Kyle Allen made the most of his opportunities as he passed for 250 yards and 2 TDs. Like the Steelers Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Newton didn’t start for the Panthers.

The Steelers finish the Preseason 3-1 and will now prepare to travel to Cleveland in Game 1 of the Regular Season Sunday September 9th.

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