The Pittsburgh Steelers are hitting their stride just in time for the season's stretch run.
Pittsburgh moved to 6-2-1 with its fifth win in a row, a 52-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday at Heinz Field. Carolina was also riding high entering play but saw its three-game winning streak snapped as it fell to 6-3 overall.
Ben Roethlisberger prevailed in the showdown of high-profile quarterbacks and finished 22-of-25 for 328 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. Cam Newton countered at 23-of-29 for 193 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
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The Steelers wasted no time sending a message to the rest of the league.