Game story
In Week 15 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-12-15, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Carolina Panthers, pulling away with a 30–14 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Maddox (Pittsburgh Steelers) paced the passing game, with -7.16 total EPA.
On the individual side, J. Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.19 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-18.6% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers changed the game: (3:47) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 30-M.Minter at CAR 34. 30-M.Minter pushed ob at PIT 4 for 62 yards (80-P.Burress).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 30 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Bettis · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +6.19 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 2 P. Burress · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.04 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 3 D. Brown · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.06 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 4 I. Byrd · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.53 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 5 M. Muhammad · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +1.50 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.50 EPA/play
- 6 A.Randle El · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +1.18 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.18 EPA/play
- 7 S. Smith · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.07 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
- 8 J. Bettis · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +0.73 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Bettis — PIT · Rushing
J. Bettis posted the highest total EPA (+6.19) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 18 counted snaps, they averaged +0.34 EPA per play.
The signature play (-8.48 EPA) came from Pittsburgh Steelers: (3:47) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 30-M.Minter at CAR 34. 30-M.Minter pushed ob at PIT 4 for 62 yards (80-P.Burress).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — P. Burress (T. Maddox pass)
- Carolina Panthers — D. Brown (R. Peete pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis
- Carolina Panthers — D. Brown
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Reed
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Reed
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Reed
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CAR 11 (Q1 53:43) — (8:43) 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q1 53:35) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the PIT 6 (Q1 47:47) — (2:47) 9-R.Peete pass to 22-D.Brown for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 47:40) — 11-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 6–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CAR 17 (Q2 42:23) — (12:23) 3-J.Reed 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CAR 23 (Q2 36:15) — (6:15) 3-J.Reed 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CAR 9 (Q3 21:57) — (6:57) 36-J.Bettis right tackle for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Bettis injured on the play.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q3 21:51) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox..
The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 10–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q4 13:42) — (13:42) 22-D.Brown right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 13:28) — 11-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CAR 5 (Q4 7:55) — (7:55) 3-J.Reed 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CAR 8 (Q4 4:17) — (4:17) 36-J.Bettis right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q4 4:12) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 48:47) — (3:47) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 30-M.Minter at CAR 34. 30-M.Minter pushed ob at PIT 4 for 62 yards (80-P.Burress).
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 52:41) — (7:41) 10-T.Sauerbrun punts 47 yards to PIT 23, Center-56-J.Kyle. 22-H.Poteat to PIT 26 for 3 yards (39-D.Richardson). FUMBLES (39-D.Richardson), RECOVERED by CAR-25-E.McDaniel at PIT 26. 25-E.McDanie
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 45:16) — (:16) (Shotgun) 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress ran ob at CAR 34 for 31 yards.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 23:30) — (8:30) 4-J.Miller punts 53 yards to CAR 12, Center-54-M.Schneck. 89-S.Smith to CAR 18 for 6 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by PIT-99-B.Keisel at CAR 18. 99-B.Keisel to CAR 18 for no gain (39-D.Richardson).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 12:37) — (12:37) (Shotgun) 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress to CAR 34 for 47 yards (27-D.Grant).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 48:47) — (3:47) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 30-M.Minter at CAR 34. 30-M.Minter pushed ob at PIT 4 for 62 yards (80-P.Burress).
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 52:41) — (7:41) 10-T.Sauerbrun punts 47 yards to PIT 23, Center-56-J.Kyle. 22-H.Poteat to PIT 26 for 3 yards (39-D.Richardson). FUMBLES (39-D.Richardson), RECOVERED by CAR-25-E.McDaniel at PIT 26. 25-E.McDanie
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 23:30) — (8:30) 4-J.Miller punts 53 yards to CAR 12, Center-54-M.Schneck. 89-S.Smith to CAR 18 for 6 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by PIT-99-B.Keisel at CAR 18. 99-B.Keisel to CAR 18 for no gain (39-D.Richardson).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 12:37) — (12:37) (Shotgun) 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress to CAR 34 for 47 yards (27-D.Grant).
Quarterback report card
T.Maddox led all passers in efficiency for Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Maddox (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 35 dropbacks · 57.1% completion · -0.20 EPA/play · -7.16 total EPA
- R.Peete (Carolina Panthers) · 32 dropbacks · 43.8% completion · -0.36 EPA/play · -11.38 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.150 | +0.038 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.3% | 41.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.422 | -0.166 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.183 | +0.078 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.038 | +0.150 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.2% | 58.7% |
By the numbers
Pittsburgh Steelers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.04 vs -0.15), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Carolina Panthers: 14 drives, -11.24 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 13 drives, +3.44 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Pittsburgh Steelers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- J. Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 53:43 · CAR 11 · Score 0-6
(8:43) 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 53:35 · CAR 2 · Score 0-7
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 47:47 · PIT 6 · Score 6-7
(2:47) 9-R.Peete pass to 22-D.Brown for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 47:40 · PIT 2 · Score 7-7
11-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 42:23 · CAR 17 · Score 7-10
(12:23) 3-J.Reed 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 36:15 · CAR 23 · Score 7-13
(6:15) 3-J.Reed 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 21:57 · CAR 9 · Score 7-19
(6:57) 36-J.Bettis right tackle for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Bettis injured on the play. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 21:51 · CAR 2 · Score 7-20
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 13:42 · PIT 1 · Score 13-20
(13:42) 22-D.Brown right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 13:28 · PIT 2 · Score 14-20
11-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 7:55 · CAR 5 · Score 14-23
(7:55) 3-J.Reed 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 4:17 · CAR 8 · Score 14-29
(4:17) 36-J.Bettis right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 4:12 · CAR 2 · Score 14-30
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Carolina Panthers 30-14 in Week 15, 2002 on 2002-12-15.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 14, Pittsburgh Steelers 30 (CAR 14-30 PIT) in Week 15, 2002 on 2002-12-15.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q2: Carolina Panthers 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 6; Q3: Carolina Panthers 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q4: Carolina Panthers 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 10; Final: Carolina Panthers 14, Pittsburgh Steelers 30.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — P. Burress (T. Maddox pass) (Q1 53:43) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Brown (R. Peete pass) (Q1 47:47) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q3 21:57) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Brown (Q4 13:42) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q4 4:17) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q2 42:23, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q2 36:15, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q4 7:55, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
T. Maddox (Pittsburgh Steelers), 57.1% completion, -0.20 EPA per dropback, -7.16 total passing EPA. R. Peete (Carolina Panthers), 43.8% completion, -0.36 EPA per dropback, -11.38 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?
J. Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +6.19 on rushing plays. across 18 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-8.48 EPA): (3:47) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 30-M.Minter at CAR 34. 30-M.Minter pushed ob at PIT 4 for 62 yards (80-P.Burress).. The biggest win-probability swing was -18.6%.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 5-8 Now 5-9 L
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 7-5 Now 8-5 W
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