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Carolina Panthers: The Five Best Rivalries 3.0

By John Woodcock

Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh Steelers

carolina panthers
Sep 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (L) shakes hands with Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera (R) after their game at Heinz Field. Carolina won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Series Record: 1-5

Key Panthers Win: 1996

18. 87. Final. 14. 55

The Steelers play the Panthers in the fourth week of the preseason every year. There have not been many regular season matchups between the two teams, but Pittsburgh is on here for other reasons. A large number of Charlotte immigrants are from the old Rust Belt, which includes Pittsburgh.

The Panthers have always tried to model themselves off of the Steelers. This included hiring Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator Dom Capers to be the first Panthers head coach. For a time that meant the two teams followed similar philosophies. The Panthers hoped Barry Foster would be its first running back.

For as little as the Steelers and the Panthers have played, their one matchup in 1996 meant everything to the Panthers. They needed a win to keep pace with San Francisco and secure a bye week. A loss would have meant a first week road playoff game.

Chad Cota wrapped the interception that prevented a final Pittsburgh drive and meant that Dallas would have to come “south” for the first Panthers playoff game.

Next: Number 5

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