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NFL · Week 15 · December 15, 2002 · 12 min read

Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 2002 Week 15 Recap

Steelers defeat Panthers 30–14 in Week 15

J.Bettis led Fantasy Impact as Steelers prevailed in a 14–30 Week 15 finish.

Carolina Panthers 14 5–9
Final 14–30
Pittsburgh Steelers 30 8–5 Winner
Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
14–30
Halftime
Carolina Panthers 7–13 Pittsburgh Steelers
Top passer
T. Maddox
FantasyHQ MVP
J.Bettis
Game date
December 15, 2002

Top fantasy performers · Panthers

  • Dyami Brown
    Dyami Brown 1 REC · 6 YDS · 1 TD +2.1 Fantasy Impact
  • I.Byrd 2 REC · 20 YDS +1.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Malik Muhammad 1 CAR · 20 YDS +1.5 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • J.Bettis 18 CAR · 73 YDS · 2 TD +6.2 Fantasy Impact
  • P.Burress 6 REC · 120 YDS · 1 TD +5.0 Fantasy Impact
  • A.Randle El 1/1 · 6 YDS +1.2 Fantasy Impact
View Panthers vs Steelers box score View all 2002 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
Pittsburgh Steelers 30–14 Carolina Panthers
Halftime
Carolina Panthers 7–13 Pittsburgh Steelers at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
J. Bettis
Top passer
T. Maddox
Biggest EPA play
(3:47) 8-T.Maddox pass intended for 80-P.Burress INTERCEPTED by 30-M.Minter at CAR 34. 30-…
Game date
2002-12-15

Game summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Carolina Panthers 30–14 on 2002-12-15. J. Bettis posted a game-high +6.19 total EPA in the rushing.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Carolina Panthers7007014
Pittsburgh Steelers76710030

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

CARCarolina Panthers
PITPittsburgh Steelers

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 8:43TD
    PBP. Burress

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 11
    Score
    0-6

    (8:43) 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 8:35XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    0-7

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.

  3. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q1 2:47TD
    Dyami Brown

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 6
    Score
    6-7

    (2:47) 9-R.Peete pass to 22-D.Brown for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q1 2:40XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    7-7

    11-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.

  5. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 12:23FG
    Joe Reed

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CAR 17
    Score
    7-10

    (12:23) 3-J.Reed 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.

  6. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 6:15FG
    Joe Reed

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CAR 23
    Score
    7-13

    (6:15) 3-J.Reed 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.

  7. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q3 6:57TD
    JBJ. Bettis

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 9
    Score
    7-19

    (6:57) 36-J.Bettis right tackle for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Bettis injured on the play.

  8. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q3 6:51XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    7-20

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.

  9. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 13:42TD
    Dyami Brown

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 1
    Score
    13-20

    (13:42) 22-D.Brown right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 13:28XP
    SGS. Graham

    Points+1

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    14-20

    11-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.

  11. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 7:55FG
    Joe Reed

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CAR 5
    Score
    14-23

    (7:55) 3-J.Reed 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.

  12. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 4:17TD
    JBJ. Bettis

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 8
    Score
    14-29

    (4:17) 36-J.Bettis right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 4:12XP
    Joe Reed

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 2
    Score
    14-30

    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1J. Bettis · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +6.19 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
  2. 2P. Burress · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.04 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
  3. 3Dyami BrownDyami Brown · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.06 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
  4. 4I. Byrd · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.53 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
  5. 5Malik Muhammad · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +1.50 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.50 EPA/play
  6. 6A.Randle El · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +1.18 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.18 EPA/play
  7. 7Shi SmithShi Smith · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.07 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
  8. 8J. Bettis · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +0.73 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

J. Bettis — PIT · Rushing

J. Bettis posted the highest total EPA (+6.19) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 18 counted snaps, they averaged +0.34 EPA per play.

J. Bettis's top snap (+2.77 EPA): (4:17) 36-J.Bettis right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-8.48 EPA): T. Maddox — (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).

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.

StatCarolina PanthersPittsburgh Steelers
Offensive EPA/play-0.150+0.038
Offensive success rate41.3%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 rate58.2%58.7%

Drive & efficiency notes

Pittsburgh Steelers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.04 vs -0.15), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Carolina Panthers: -0.15 EPA/play (17th percentile vs. 2002 team-game averages)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.04 EPA/play (59th percentile vs. 2002 team-game averages)
  • Carolina Panthers: 14 drives, -11.24 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 13 drives, +3.44 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Pittsburgh Steelers — P. Burress (T. Maddox pass) (Q1 8:43)
  • Dyami BrownCarolina Panthers — Dyami Brown (R. Peete pass) (Q1 2:47)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis (Q3 6:57)
  • Dyami BrownCarolina Panthers — Dyami Brown (Q4 13:42)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis (Q4 4:17)

Field goals

  • Joe ReedPittsburgh Steelers — Joe Reed (Q2 12:23)
  • Joe ReedPittsburgh Steelers — Joe Reed (Q2 6:15)
  • Joe ReedPittsburgh Steelers — Joe Reed (Q4 7:55)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CAR 11 (Q1 8:43) — (8:43) 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q1 8:35) — 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 2:47) — (2:47) 9-R.Peete pass to 22-D.Brown for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 2:40) — 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 12:23) — (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 6:15) — (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 6:57) — (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 6:51) — 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.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 3:47) — (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). [WPA -18.6% · EPA -8.48]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q1 7:41) — (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 [WPA +12.7% · EPA +5.64]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 0:16) — (:16) (Shotgun) 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress ran ob at CAR 34 for 31 yards. [WPA +10.8% · EPA +3.56]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 8:30) — (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). [WPA +10.6% · EPA +5.34]
  • 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). [WPA +10.4% · EPA +3.98]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 3:47) — (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). [WPA -18.6% · EPA -8.48]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q1 7:41) — (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 [WPA +12.7% · EPA +5.64]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 8:30) — (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). [WPA +10.6% · EPA +5.34]
  • 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). [WPA +10.4% · EPA +3.98]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 8:43 · CAR 11 · Score 0-6
    (8:43) 8-T.Maddox pass to 80-P.Burress for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 8:35 · CAR 2 · Score 0-7
    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.
  3. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 2:47 · PIT 6 · Score 6-7
    (2:47) 9-R.Peete pass to 22-D.Brown for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 2:40 · PIT 2 · Score 7-7
    11-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-10-T.Sauerbrun.
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 12:23 · CAR 17 · Score 7-10
    (12:23) 3-J.Reed 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.
  6. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 6:15 · CAR 23 · Score 7-13
    (6:15) 3-J.Reed 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.
  7. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 6:57 · CAR 9 · Score 7-19
    (6:57) 36-J.Bettis right tackle for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Bettis injured on the play.
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 6:51 · CAR 2 · Score 7-20
    3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-8-T.Maddox.
  9. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 13:42 · PIT 1 · Score 13-20
    (13:42) 22-D.Brown right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 4:17 · CAR 8 · Score 14-29
    (4:17) 36-J.Bettis right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. 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.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • J. Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Carolina Panthers vs Pittsburgh Steelers on 2002-12-15?

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Carolina Panthers 30-14 in Week 15, 2002.

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 8:43) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Brown (R. Peete pass) (Q1 2:47) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q3 6:57) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Brown (Q4 13:42) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q4 4:17) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q2 12:23, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q2 6:15, 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 FantasyHQ's player of the game in Carolina Panthers vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

J. Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +6.19 total EPA on Rushing plays. across 18 snaps. Their top snap (+2.77 EPA): (4:17) 36-J.Bettis right guard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

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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