Mike McCarthy’s Preseason Offensive Showcases Steelers’ Quarterback Room Potential Mike McCarthy, the new offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, got a firsthand look at his quarterback room during the team’s preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. The game, held at Acrisure Stadium, provided a platform for McCarthy to test his play-calling and assess the development of his young quarterbacks. While Aaron Rodgers was expected to start, he was sidelined due to the absence of his top two receivers, Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf, who had missed recent practices. This decision allowed McCarthy to spotlight the talents of his other quarterbacks—Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar—while showcasing the versatility of his offensive system. The game itself was a 28-9 victory for the Steelers, with their quarterbacks collectively demonstrating strong performances. Rudolph, Howard, and Allar each contributed significantly, with Allar making a particularly impactful debut. Rudolph, playing his first game in 19 months, led a drive that ended just short of the Packers’ goal line, completing 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards and a 101.9 passer rating. Howard, meanwhile, delivered a standout performance in the first half, executing a flawless two-minute drill that set up a touchdown run by Lew Nichols. Howard finished 7 of 9 for 86 yards with a 106.5 passer rating, a testament to his precision and composure under pressure. Allar, a third-round draft pick in April, made his debut in the third quarter and immediately made an impression. His first pass was a 74-yard catch-and-run to rookie Kaden Wetjen, setting up the Steelers’ second touchdown.#pittsburgh_steers #mike_mccarthy #will_howard #mason_rudolph #austin_kaden_wetjen
Steelers' Mike McCarthy lauds quarterbacks Will Howard, Drew Allar after win over Packers The Pittsburgh Steelers’ young quarterback duo, Will Howard and Drew Allar, delivered standout performances during Thursday night’s 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers, showcasing their potential as the team moves toward finalizing its 2026 roster. Both players, part of a projected four-quarterback group, demonstrated composure and efficiency in key moments, earning praise from new head coach Mike McCarthy. Veteran Mason Rudolph started the game, leading two drives with 10-of-11 passing for 93 yards. After Rudolph’s completion, the spotlight shifted to Howard, the 24-year-old second-year pro who missed the entire 2025 preseason with a fractured pinky finger. Howard took over for three series, completing 7-of-9 passes for 86 yards, including a pivotal two-minute TD drive that set the tone for halftime. His ability to manage long down-and-distance situations and execute a methodical offensive plan impressed McCarthy, who called his performance “outstanding.” Following Howard, rookie Drew Allar took the field for the final four drives, including a one-play kneel. Allar, a third-round draft pick in 2025, completed 10-of-13 passes for 153 yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing score. His first pass was a 74-yard bomb to fourth-round rookie Kaden Wetjen, who made a catch-and-run play. Allar’s improved mechanics compared to his college days at Penn State, where his final season was marred by an October ankle injury, stood out to McCarthy, who highlighted his “very, very well” performance. Combined, Howard and Allar completed 77% of their passes and orchestrated four touchdown drives in six non-kneel possessions.#pittsburgh_steelers #drew_allar #mike_mccarthy #will_howard #kaden_wetjen
Cam Heyward Predicts Strong Run Game Could Transform Steelers' Defense in 2026 A defense’s success often hinges on a productive run game, as it allows teams to control the clock, limit possessions, and give their defensive units time to rest and recover. The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled with this aspect in recent seasons, but defensive star Cam Heyward believes the 2026 season could mark a turning point. Speaking on his Not Just Football podcast, Heyward highlighted the potential of the team’s running back duo, Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, as a key factor in shifting the Steelers’ fortunes. The Steelers’ offensive struggles have been glaring, particularly in terms of time of possession. In 2025, the team ranked fourth-worst in the league, averaging just 28 minutes and 22 seconds per game. This was significantly below the league-leading Buffalo Bills, who managed an average of 33 minutes and 18 seconds per contest. The disparity in time of possession translated to a substantial difference in defensive workload. Pittsburgh’s defense played 1,112 defensive snaps during the season, compared to Buffalo’s 950. To put this into perspective, the average game features around 62 defensive plays per team, meaning the Steelers’ defense faced roughly 2.5 additional games’ worth of snaps compared to their rivals. This extended defensive exposure had tangible consequences. The extra 162 snaps meant more opportunities for opponents to score and for Steelers players to sustain injuries or fatigue as the season progressed. While the defense itself bears some responsibility for failing to stop opponents on third downs, the lack of an effective run game compounded the issue. For years, the Steelers’ offense has struggled to maintain consistent production in the running game, leaving their defense to carry the burden.#pittsburgh_steers #mike_mccarthy #rico_dowdle #jaylen_warren #cam_heyward
Steelers' Gennings Dunker Seeks Versatility to Climb Depth Chart The Pittsburgh Steelers prioritized Gennings Dunker in the 2026 NFL draft, selecting him with their final Day 2 pick. While the offensive lineman shows promise, his path to significant playing time in his rookie season remains uncertain. During training camp, Dunker has primarily competed among backup players for a spot at right guard, with his versatility emerging as a critical factor in his development. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger emphasized the importance of adaptability, citing Trai Essex as a historical example of a player who thrived by mastering multiple positions. Roethlisberger highlighted versatility as a key trait for offensive linemen, noting that Dunker’s ability to play multiple roles could secure his place on the roster. The Steelers’ coaching staff, which values multi-position players, has already begun shaping Dunker’s role. Though he was a tackle in college, the team believes his transition to guard at the professional level will better suit his skills. This shift, however, comes with a learning curve, which explains his current position lower on the depth chart. Dunker’s competition for playing time includes Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman, both of whom have leveraged their versatility to their advantage. Hoffman, a first-team offensive lineman in training camp, has demonstrated flexibility by playing both center and guard. His experience under former coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas further enhances his value. Anderson, a seventh-round pick, has similarly thrived by adapting to various positions on the offensive line. His ability to play essentially anywhere on the front has kept him on the roster, and with a contract year approaching, his chance for a starting role is growing.#pittsburgh_steelers #mike_mccarthy #ben_roethlisberger #gennings_dunker #trai_essex
Tim Benz: Want the Steelers to make a splash at the draft? Here’s a way to do it that makes sense Steelers general manager Omar Khan has faced mounting pressure to make a bold move at the NFL Draft, but the article argues that the team’s best strategy lies in a calculated approach rather than chasing short-term fan excitement. The focus is on balancing immediate needs with long-term development, particularly in a draft class that features a deep wide receiver group and a strong offensive line prospect pool. The piece highlights the common misconception that a high-profile pick is necessary to satisfy the fanbase. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of selecting the best available player, regardless of position. For example, if the top guard or nose tackle is available at the Steelers’ No. 21 pick, that should be the priority. The article warns against reaching for a quarterback or wide receiver if the top options have already been taken, stressing that such decisions could compromise the team’s future. A key recommendation is to trade back into the first round after securing the No. 21 pick. By using some of the Steelers’ 12 total draft selections—particularly the four Day 2 picks (second and third rounds)—the team could potentially move up to secure a higher-quality player. The article suggests that the wide receiver class is so deep that at least one of the top six projected first-rounders (Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate, Denzel Boston, Omar Cooper, and K.C. Concepcion) is likely to be available at No. 21. However, by the time the Steelers reach their later picks (such as No. 53), many of these players may have already been selected. The article also addresses the team’s needs at wide receiver and the offensive line, noting that Broderick Jones’ neck injury has made a tackle a priority.#miami_dolphins #mike_mccarthy #omar_khan #tim_benz #steelers
Steelers Await Rodgers' Decision on 2026 Season Amid Draft Plans The Pittsburgh Steelers may gain clarity this week regarding Aaron Rodgers’ potential return for the 2026 season as their starting quarterback, though his decision will not immediately dictate their draft strategy. Rodgers, who departed after the team’s playoff loss to the Houston Texans, expressed hope to finalize his choice before free agency begins on March 9. His decision could significantly influence the Steelers’ approach to the quarterback position, which has lacked consistency over the past five years. If Rodgers chooses to return, it would provide the Steelers with a clearer direction for 2026, potentially reducing the need to pursue additional free-agent options. However, if he opts to move on, the team may face uncertainty in their plans, possibly leading to the pursuit of another quarterback in free agency. Despite this, the Steelers have no immediate intention of selecting a quarterback with their top draft pick, as they believe only Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza warrants a first-round selection. The team’s draft strategy remains focused on Day 2 picks, though they are unlikely to address the quarterback position until the third round. This decision is based on the belief that any Day 2 quarterback would have a higher ceiling than Will Howard, the sixth-round pick from last year who has received consistent praise from the Steelers’ coaching staff. During the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, the Steelers evaluated three quarterbacks—Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Penn State’s Drew Allar, and Miami’s Carson Beck. According to multiple sources, head coach Mike McCarthy conducted thorough and detailed interviews with each prospect, demonstrating a strong interest in assessing their potential.#aaron_rodgers #indianapolis #pittsburgh_steelers #mike_mccarthy #ty_simpson
