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
Pittsburgh Steelers Likely to Retain Aaron Rodgers, Cut Ties with Howard and Rudolph The Pittsburgh Steelers face uncertainty at the quarterback position due to Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain future. Rodgers has not yet decided whether he will return to the team, pursue a new opportunity elsewhere, or retire. Regardless of his decision, the Steelers are expected to retain Will Howard and Mason Rudolph in their quarterback room. However, some analysts, including The Athletic’s Zack Roseblatt, predict the team may instead part ways with both Howard and Rudolph in favor of drafting Garrett Nussmeier, a LSU product, to serve as Rodgers’ backup in 2026. Roseblatt argues that if Rodgers remains the starter, the Steelers must evaluate whether Howard is a viable long-term option or if a rookie like Nussmeier would better suit the team’s needs. Nussmeier, a second-round prospect, is considered a top-five talent in the draft class. He completed 64% of his passes for 7,699 yards and 52 touchdowns while throwing 24 interceptions during his college career. His physical attributes and arm strength align with Rodgers’ style, and his father, Doug Nussmeier, has a history of coaching in the NFL, including a stint under new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas. The Steelers hold the 53rd overall pick in the 2026 draft, which places them in a strong position to select Nussmeier on Day 2. With four projected picks on that day, the team could prioritize adding a young quarterback to complement Rodgers. Roseblatt suggests that retaining Howard and Rudolph might be a better strategy, as both players have shown potential. Howard, however, has yet to see significant playing time this season, while Rudolph’s career trajectory has been less promising.#aaron_rodgers #pittsburgh_steelers #will_howard #garrett_nussmeier #mason_rudolph
Roethlisberger Urges Steelers to Prioritize Offense in Rebuilding Efforts The Pittsburgh Steelers face significant challenges in rebuilding their offense as they enter the 2024 offseason. Central to their strategy is identifying a long-term solution at quarterback, a position they have yet to fully address. While quarterback Tyreek Rodgers remains their top priority, the Steelers are also considering options like Malik Willis and Will Howard, both of whom carry varying levels of risk and reward. Roethlisberger, the team’s veteran leader, has publicly endorsed Howard’s potential, acknowledging that a short-term investment in a young player could pay dividends in the future. Roethlisberger emphasized that accepting a few years of underperformance is a necessary step in constructing a competitive team. “Are you okay having one or two subpar, under-.500 years? In order to have something in the next three to five, that can, ‘hey, we have a real shot here,’” he said during a recent podcast appearance. This mindset reflects a willingness to embrace the uncertainty of drafting a sixth-round pick, a decision that could shape the team’s trajectory for years to come. The Steelers’ draft position, currently 21st in the first round, adds another layer of complexity. Historically, players like Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, and Jeremiyah Love have been selected earlier in the draft, making it unlikely the Steelers will land such talent without a higher pick. Roethlisberger argued that a few years of lower output could position the team to secure elite prospects, reinforcing the need for patience in their rebuild. Beyond the quarterback position, Roethlisberger called for a renewed focus on offensive development, suggesting the team should allocate more resources to the offense rather than defense.#roethlisberger #pittsburgh_steels #tyreek_rodgers #malik_willis #will_howard
