Panthers quarterback Cam Newton threw a pick six from his own end zone early in the first quarter against the Steelers.

A bootleg deep in Panthers territory left Cam Newton with little options.  He had Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt in his face and decided to throw the ball up for grabs.   

Throwing the ball up for grabs proved to be a mistake.  Linebacker Vince Williams came away with the interception and took the gift in for an easy score.

Pittsburgh was going to get points on the play, Watt had him in the end zone and would have taken him down for a safety had he not put the ball up for grabs.  

Carolina would have much rather had Newton take a safety on the play.  You can’t throw a ball up for grabs this deep in your own zone.