Haltime Thoughts: Steelers 20 Panthers 0

As it has seemed the past couple home games, the Steelers again started slow, but have since regained total control of the game as they lead the two-win Panthers 20-0 at the half. It should have been worse.

It was a half that belonged to Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, as he went 16-for-23 for 259 yards with a touchdown and a QB rating of 121.5. He enjoyed having his starting TE back as well, as Heath Miller had a good first half, catching four passes for 58 yards. Mike Wallace had the biggest half, catching three passes for 98 yards including a 43-yard score.

The defense though has been the story, they got to Jimmy Clausen after they missed tackles on the first drive, and since then he hasn’t had time nor success doing much of anything. He was 7-for-15 for 55 yards with a pick, and the Panthers run game with Jonathan Stewart had just 33 yards on 12 carries, a 2.8 yards per carry average.

At 20-0, it would be hard to think this being much of a game in the second half. Then again, this is pretty much what it should have been from a two-win team taking on a Steelers team that is none too happy after losing Sunday at home against the Jets. They shouldn’t have to sweat this out, and should be able to walk away with a 34-0 win.