Panthers allow most points in franchise history in 52-21 loss to Steelers

PITTSBURGH — The Carolina Panthers were dominated in Pittsburgh Thursday night, ending a three-game win streak.

[SLIDESHOW: Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers]

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton threw two touchdown passes, but was sacked five times, in their 52-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday night at Heinz Field.

Carolina tied for the most points allowed in its franchise history.

The Panthers (6-3)  had an interception returned for a touchdown and lost a fumble deep in their territory late in the third quarter.

Former Mallard Creek standout Jaylen Samuels extended the Steelers' lead to 52-14 when he scored on a 6-yard touchdown reception with 14:55 remaining in the game.

Running back Christian McCaffrey had all three Panthers' touchdowns.

The "Follow the Lead" news app feature allows users to opt-in to follow future coverage of specific news events that they’re interested in.

This new feature allows you to receive push notifications whenever there are new developments in ongoing stories, breaking news, and stories that are of interest to you. 

Stories that are followable have tappable tags associated with them. To follow the latest on a topic you are interested in, click the blue tag indicated with a "+" followed by the name.

Despite McCaffrey's two first-half touchdowns, the Panthers fell behind 31- 14 at halftime.

McCaffrey put the Panthers on top with a 20-yard touchdown reception on their opening drive.

However, Pittsburgh answered quickly as Ben Roethlisberger connected on a 75-yard touchdown pass to Juju Smith-Schuster.

Antonio Brown caught a touchdown pass, James Conner ran for a score and Vince Williams returned an interception 17 yards to give the Steelers a 17-point cushion at halftime.

Past Panthers coverage

• Cam Newton pays tribute to Pittsburgh synagogue massacre victims
• WEEK 10 PREVIEW: Surging Newton, Panthers face red-hot Steelers Thursday night
• WRs Moore, Samuel bring 'different dimension' to Panthers
• Newton, McCaffrey lead Panthers past Buccaneers 42-28
• WEEK 9 PREVIEW: Panthers have stability at QB, Bucs seeking it in NFC South
• Ex-Panthers owner Richardson donates $5M to African-American museum
• Newton, Panthers' offense hitting stride under Turner
• WEEK 8 PREVIEW: Panthers look to keep momentum going against Ravens
• WEEK 7 PREVIEW: Eagles look to make another statement vs. Panthers
• CARDIAC CATS: Newton rallies Panthers to 21-17 win over Eagles
• WEEK 7 PREVIEW: Eagles look to make another statement vs. Panthers
• Panthers owner, wide receiver get involved in fairness in criminal justice system
• 5-year-old boy makes 3D-printed hand for Panthers' Cam Newton
• WEEK 6: Panthers take on Redskins, former teammate Josh Norman
• Samuel gives Panthers another speedy option on offense
• Panthers' Gano finds place for ball used on winning kick
• Gano's career-long 63-yard field goal lifts Panthers over Giants 33-31
• Panthers owner David Tepper hits Forbes' list of wealthiest Americans
• New Panthers owner Tepper getting involved in social issues
• Carolina Panthers owner gets candid about NFL players' protests
• Eric Reid signs with Panthers, back in NFL after protests
• Eric Reid undecided on protests, won't drop grievance vs NFL
• Hope: Family fleeing coast finds refuge at Panthers game, boy gets game football
• Cam Newton learning to become more efficient passer
• Carolina Panthers owner gets candid about NFL players' protests
• Ryan shines with arm and legs, Falcons beat Panthers 31-24
• Panthers coach Rivera won't tolerate 'lazy' play on defense
• 'We share more than a state line': Panthers, local organizations unite in Florence relief efforts
• WEEK 1: Newton, defense lead Panthers past Cowboys 16-8
• WEEK 1 PREVIEW: Panthers host Cowboys in first home-opener since 2013
• Anticipation ends as Panthers fans party for 2018 opener
• What next stadium makeover could mean for Panthers, Charlotte
• Panthers PSL owner says fan with fake ticket stole his seat, got away with it]
• Panthers kick-off season opener with pregame party for fans
• Efe Obada survives human trafficking, now a Carolina Panther

The Panthers play at the Detroit Lions on Nov. 18.

The Steelers (6-2-1) play at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 18.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• 'Faulty mechanical equipment' blamed for active shooter report at Topsail HS
• Brother of Brody Allen, who died of brain cancer, hit by multiple vehicles
• Feds intervene in claims of racial slurs at Mooresville restaurant
• WATCH: Keith Monday's Friday forecast outlook 
• FBI needs help identifying man seen in video in 13-year-old girl's abduction

Cox Media Group