Less than a week after the Panthers' offense sputtered against the Patriots, Carolina on Thursday was held out of the end zone by Pittsburgh.

The Panthers, who outgained the Steelers 351-122, went 0-for-5 in the red zone. All 18 their points came courtesy of six field goals by Graham Gano, whose seven tries were a career high — pre, regular or postseason.

Even though it was a backup offense led by third-string quarterback Joe Webb, you'd assume coach Ron Rivera would be at least slightly irked by the lack of touchdowns.

But just when you think you know a guy ...

“That’s good because (Gano) has a new holder and he has to work on that,” Rivera said. “There were a couple spots that I was thinking about going for it on fourth down, but I really did fight that urge and let the snapper/holder/kicker work together.”

On Wednesday, when Dave Gettleman explained why he sent Cleveland a 2018 fourth-round pick for Andy Lee, Carolina's general manager mentioned the Pro Bowl punter is "an outstanding holder as well."

We rarely, if ever, think about a holder, but ask any Cowboys fan how important one can be. So the seven reps Gano and Lee shared were surprisingly valuable.

“We didn't get any with the team this week in practice, so the first field goal we had out there was the first time we'd been behind the line of scrimmage together,” Gano said. “Andy's been doing it for a long time. He's held for a lot of great kickers, so I'm confident in him already.”

Lee, who's lived with his wife and two sons in Charlotte the past three and a half years, was already familiar with long snapper J.J. Jansen. Specialists tend to gravitate toward each other, and the two have worked together in the offseason. But Thursday was the debut of the Jansen/Lee/Gano trio, and for once, it was OK that the offense kept sending them out there.

“I would say my job is I punt the ball, but also, I always tell Graham that I work for him,” Lee said. “I am here for whatever you need. I am here to do the best job to make you successful as well.”