Steelers' Will Howard Called Out Over Dangerous Mindset Before Jets Start

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to give quarterback Will Howard his greatest NFL opportunity yet. Howard will start Pittsburgh's second preseason game against the New York Jets on Friday, providing him with an extended chance to prove that he belongs in the team's future plans.

Howard has made no secret of his motivation. The 2025 sixth-round pick wants to prove to himself, Steelers fans, and everyone who questioned him that he is capable of playing quarterback at the NFL level. That mentality has helped Howard throughout his football career, but Steelers insider Mark Kaboly believes it could also become dangerous. 

Kaboly suggested that Howard sounded like someone reading his draft evaluation and attempting to answer every person who doubted him. Kaboly questioned why Howard should care about proving anything to people whose opinions have no influence over his career. He also explained how entering an important game with that mentality could create unnecessary problems.

"You might have to question whether he’s in the right frame of mind for the challenge," Kaboly said. "Howard sounded like a guy who has been reading his draft bio and his press clippings a little more than what might be deemed healthy because, along with playing at a high level over these next two preseason games, he sounded like a man who was out to prove something that can’t be attained during a half of a preseason game... prove something to people who really don’t matter that much in the grand scheme of things. That can get anybody in trouble, even somebody as cool, calm, and collected as Howard seems to be. Really, Will? It doesn’t matter."

That concern is understandable. A quarterback determined to silence every critic can begin searching for highlight plays instead of accepting what the defense provides. One forced throw, unnecessary scramble or delayed decision could create the costly mistake that changes the entire conversation surrounding Howard.

However, that mindset may not be as dangerous for Howard as it would be for another young quarterback. His belief in himself helped him overcome adversity at Kansas State, transfer to Ohio State and eventually lead the Buckeyes to a national championship.

It also helped him immediately connect with Steeler Nation. Howard arrived as a sixth-round selection without any guarantee that he would become a meaningful NFL player. His confidence, toughness and willingness to embrace Pittsburgh made fans invest in his development before he ever played a professional snap. Howard should not abandon the mentality that carried him this far. He simply needs to control it.

Steelers Need Will Howard To Play Within Himself

Howard does not need to produce a collection of spectacular throws against the Jets. Pittsburgh needs to see him command the offense, make intelligent decisions and respond correctly when the original play breaks down. His performance against the Green Bay Packers provided an encouraging beginning. Howard completed seven of his nine passes for 86 yards and directed a successful two-minute drive that ended with Pittsburgh reaching the end zone.

Kaboly previously supplied important context surrounding that drive. Howard had practiced that exact situation repeatedly during the offseason, meaning Friday's start will provide a more complete evaluation of his ability to manage an NFL game outside a familiar script. The pressure will increase because Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph are not expected to play. 

Howard and rookie Drew Allar will receive the entire game, giving both quarterbacks extended opportunities to produce valuable preseason tape. Howard is capable of handling that opportunity. His college career already demonstrated that he can perform when expectations, attention and pressure increase. The challenge is proving that his confidence can coexist with the discipline required at the professional level.

Trying to prove everybody wrong becomes dangerous only if Howard allows emotion to control his decisions. He cannot begin pressing for explosive plays because he believes one preseason start must answer every question surrounding his future. The Steelers do not need Howard to establish himself as their next franchise quarterback on Friday. They need him to show that he can operate the offense, protect the football and give the team a chance to win if Rodgers is unavailable.

Howard's desire to prove people wrong helped make him a national champion and endeared him to Pittsburgh. If he channels that motivation correctly against the Jets, the same mindset Kaboly questioned could become one of his greatest strengths. This start will not determine Howard's entire career, but it can strengthen his position within the Steelers' crowded quarterback room. His opportunity has arrived. Now he must remain himself without attempting to prove everything at once.

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