We're now one week removed from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell doing us a favor by using his almighty powers to allow the Panthers to take a bye week during the preseason. I feel bad for the Patriots and their fans, because I'm sure they were looking forward to watching their team get revenge for last season's loss on Monday Night Football. Oh well. Such is life, I suppose.
Contrary to popular belief, last week's preseason game never happened. Nope, not at all. Also, since the game never happened, Cam Newton doesn't have a fractured rib. Everything's fine and dandy, y'all.
With the much needed week of rest behind them, the Cats will travel to Pittsburgh for the annual Richardson/Rooney Cocktail Party, or as it's known to everyone else: the Panthers vs. Steelers Preseason Extravaganza, Episode 73. The game will take place at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA on Thursday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
Below you will find all the information you need to be able to watch the game live, stream it online, listen to it on the radio or catch a replay of it at a later date. Whatever your personal needs are for this game, we've got you covered (other than buying you a ticket, of course).
Live Television
The game will be broadcast locally on Panthers TV. Mick Mixon and Mike Rucker will handle the play-by-play duties, and Kelli Bartik will roam the sidelines to provide us with an in-depth look at the team throughout the game.
For more information on television coverage in your local area, you can visit panthers.com/news/television.
Online Streaming
If you're interested in streaming preseason games online you can sign up for NFL PreSeason Live. For just $19.99 you can get access to every preseason game from NFL.com. All you have to do is click this link to sign up. (Important note: I believe there are blackout restrictions that apply. Proceed with caution if you live in the Panthers television market)
Live Radio
You can listen to the live radio feed on 1110 AM WBT if you're in the local broadcast area. You can also download the WBT Radio App to your smartphone and listen to the radio feed of the game. (Your mileage may vary, but I've been told you do not have to be in the local broadcast area to take advantage of this option.)
If you have Sirius/XM Radio, you can listen to the game by tuning in to internet channel 804 for the Panthers' feed. (For some reason the standard Sirius/XM station isn't listed for the Panthers feed, but if you're able to bear the Steelers feed you can tune in to channel 132.)
TV Replays
NFL Network will show a replay of every preseason game at least once after it has aired live. Currently, the replay is scheduled to air on Friday, August 29 at 8 p.m. EDT. For more information you can check out the NFL Network TV Schedule.
Weather
The weather should not be a factor in this game. The current forecast calls for a low of 58° and a high of 80° with 7 mph NNW winds with 0% chance of precipitation. However, the weather is always subject to change, so to keep up to date with the conditions before you make your way to the stadium you can follow the weather forecast here.
Enemy Blog
If you'd like to keep track of things from the enemy's perspective, you can visit Behind the Steel Curtain.
Prediction
This game should be a closely matched contest between two teams who are looking to get out of this game with no substantial injuries to anyone with any modicum of importance. Expect to see very little action from guys who are actually going to see significant playing time during the regular season and a lot of action from guys who are trying to find one of the precious few spots left on the 53 man roster. With that being said, I think the Panthers will steal a close one from the home team.
Panthers 63, Steelers 9
How do you think this one will turn out, Panthers fans? Sound off in the comments!