The Pittsburgh Steelers played their first preseason game of the 2026 season on Thursday night, and the performance left a lot of reasons for optimism heading into the regular season. A lot of the starters did not take the field, but the Steelers were able to come away with a 28-9 win over the Green Bay Packers. Pittsburgh will be one of the most talked about teams heading into the weekend due to the way the quarterback room played. Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar all took the field in the game, and each quarterback looked impressive at certain moments, but the star of the game was Allar.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar (16) leaves the field after playing the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium.
Allar entered the game in the third quarter after Howard, and the former Penn State quarterback immediately looked the part. His first pass attempt was a 74-yard completion to fellow rookie Kaden Wetjen, and he capped that drive with a rushing touchdown on a read option. He was efficient throughout his appearance, and he led the offense to points on every meaningful drive. His only drive that ended without points ended with the victory formation, which is certainly acceptable.
Many people throughout the NFL world have been singing Allar's praises ever since he stepped on the field at Acrisure Stadium. It is important to be measured as it is only the preseason, and Allar was the last quarterback to play in the game. That means he was squaring off against a lot of guys that won't even be on active rosters in 2026. Former NFL quarterback Luke McCown knows it's important to be measured about the preseason, but he had some exciting thoughts following the game.
"Motion is cleaner, same arm talent, more accuracy!" McCown wrote. "Thought Will Howard did well, but this guy can be different. High Round 1 talent in the 3rd round— they may have their guy."
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Drew Allar participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in 2026.
McCown had a very successful career in the NFL as a backup as he played from 2004 through 2017. He knows a thing or two about the position, and it is clear to him that Allar's mechanics are infinitely better in Pittsburgh than they ever were at Penn State. That has a lot to do with Head Coach Mike McCarthy and the way he approached Allar's development.
Allar accounted for 154 yards and threw for two touchdowns while running one in as well. That is the kind of production that is exciting from a preseason game, and it shows the talent that once had him viewed as a potential first-round pick. He has a high ceiling, but the Steelers just need to figure out how to get the most out of him.
Steelers Can Play Drew Allar At Some Point In 2026
The Steelers are taking on a first place schedule in 2026 after winning the AFC North in 2025, which basically means the schedule is harder. That is especially true of the second half of the regular season. If the franchise gets off to a bad start, or gets behind in the AFC North and in the Wild Card race, it will be nearly impossible to catch up. That would give Pittsburgh a chance to get a look at Allar, and even Howard, during the regular season.
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