Cam Newton shined in his one drive against the Steelers in a 33 to 17 loss to end the 2011 preseason. Newton was expected to play two series but was pulled after throwing a touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey. This helped Coach Ron Rivera to name Cam Newton the starter for the regular season opener in Arizona. Derek Anderson played his way to the number two spot with Jimmy Clausen falling to number three.

The big problem in the Steelers game for the Panthers was defense, notably the defensive line. Charlie Batch looked like a Pro Bowler against the Panthers in the preseason finale. And once again the defensive backs looked shaky at best.

The final preseason game for the Panthers allowed them to finalize their player moves. David Clowney made the team at wide receiver which I didn’t expect but do approve of. The Panthers are clearly looking for defensive tackles as they are currently down to three according to Carolinagrowl.com.Carolina is also sitting with three corners right now which means they will add at least one who gets waived.

My biggest complaint about the Panthers cuts was the release of running back Tyrell Sutton as the team made room for two fullbacks. Fullback Tony Fiammetta was released and Jerome Felton and Richie Brockel are the current fullbacks on the Panthers roster.

The Panthers wrapped up the preseason with one win and three losses, with the win coming over the Giants. Cam Newton impressed me a little more each week and I think he has earned a start against the Arizona Cardinals next week.

The Carolina Panthers will be hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night for the last preseason game of the year. Since the Panthers have long tried to pattern themselves after the Steelers this is appropriate. Not to mention that Steelers fans at Bank of America Stadium may outnumber those of the Panthers.

Traditionally the fourth preseason game is one of rest for the starters of most NFL teams. The starting units may play a series or two just so the fans can see them. But the game is usually one of rest for the starters to avoid injury. This also allows players who won’t make their team to showcase their ability to other teams who may pick them up.

So don’t expect to see much of Cam Newton against the Steelers in the last preseason game. It is possible that he will play into the second quarter just to get some reps, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Even the backups for the Steelers will be hard hitters and may want to make a name for themselves by nailing the Heisman winner.

I don’t think Jeff Otah will play even though he has been practicing. It just is not worth the risk of him getting injured in a preseason game. The Panthers are banged up enough and probably just want to get out of the game as healthy as they can. Jimmy Clausen who has an injured thigh will get some playing time and we may see Derek Anderson again at quarterback.

The Carolina Panthers will be hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night for the last preseason game of the year. Since the Panthers have long tried to pattern themselves after the Steelers this is appropriate. Not to mention that Steelers fans at Bank of America Stadium may outnumber those of the Panthers.

Traditionally the fourth preseason game is one of rest for the starters of most NFL teams. The starting units may play a series or two just so the fans can see them. But the game is usually one of rest for the starters to avoid injury. This also allows players who won’t make their team to showcase their ability to other teams who may pick them up.

So don’t expect to see much of Cam Newton against the Steelers in the last preseason game. It is possible that he will play into the second quarter just to get some reps, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Even the backups for the Steelers will be hard hitters and may want to make a name for themselves by nailing the Heisman winner.

I don’t think Jeff Otah will play even though he has been practicing. It just is not worth the risk of him getting injured in a preseason game. The Panthers are banged up enough and probably just want to get out of the game as healthy as they can. Jimmy Clausen who has an injured thigh will get some playing time and we may see Derek Anderson again at quarterback.