CHARLOTTE, N.C. (KDKA/AP) — The Steelers handily beat the Carolina Panthers, 33-17 in their final game of the preseason.

Charlie Batch started for Pittsburgh and was 6 of 8 for 59 yards and led a touchdown drive while playing roughly one quarter.

He and Dennis Dixon are competing to back up Ben Roethlisberger.

Dixon completed 11 passes for 157 yards. He connected with Weslye Saunders for touchdown.

Jonathan Dwyer led the team in rushing with 88 yards, which included a 50-yard touchdown run.

Cam Newton threw his first touchdown pass as a pro. The Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 draft pick out of Auburn played only the first series and was 3 of 5 for 25 yards with the 10-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey.

Newton made his case for the starting job against a Steelers defense that rested Troy Polamalu and several other key players.

The Steelers defense held the Panthers to 95 rushing yards, though they passed for 280 yards.