PITTSBURGH, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Ben Roethlisberger threw for 320 yards and a touchdown Thursday, moving Pittsburgh to the brink of a division title with a 27-3 domination of Carolina.
The Steelers shut out the Panthers through three quarters and held them to a mere 119 total yards.
Pittsburgh has already clinched a playoff berth, but will win the AFC North with a victory over Cleveland next week or a loss by Baltimore in either of its two remaining games. The Ravens travel to Cleveland Sunday and host Cincinnati Jan. 2.
Roethlisberger threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace early in the second quarter to give the Steelers a 10-0 lead. The Pittsburgh quarterback also ran for a 1-yard touchdown in the third period.
Carolina settled for a field goal in the fourth period to avoid the shutout, having been given good field position thanks to a punt return by Captain Munnerlyn.
Pittsburgh improved to 11-4 with one game to play. Carolina is in line for the worst record in the NFL this season, falling to 2-13.
