Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Reveals Secret To Unlock Drew Allar's Full Potential

The Pittsburgh Steelers already know Drew Allar possesses one of the strongest arms in their quarterback room. Ben Roethlisberger believes the rookie's next step involves learning that displaying all of that power on every throw can actually work against him.

Allar completed 11 of 23 passes for 110 yards and added four rushing yards during Pittsburgh's 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. His final numbers were underwhelming, but they also failed to capture the difficult circumstances surrounding portions of his performance.

The offensive line struggled to provide consistent protection, while multiple pass-catchers fighting for reserve roles dropped throws they should have secured. Even with those problems, Roethlisberger noticed one area where Allar could have made life easier for the players around him.

"He threw a quick slant on the inside one time, and he threw a heater that went right through the guy's hands," Roethlisberger said. "I know [Steelers fans] are going to look at it and be like, 'Oh, catch the ball.' That ball got on that guy quick, and Drew's got a big arm. He's going to have to learn when to use the big arm and when to back off the big arm."

The receiver deserves responsibility for failing to complete the catch, but Roethlisberger's point reaches beyond one incompletion. NFL quarterbacks must understand when velocity is necessary and when placement, timing or touch provide the better solution. Allar's arm strength is an obvious advantage. It allows him to attack narrow windows, stretch defenses vertically and attempt throws that many young passers would never consider. That gift becomes less effective, however, if every short completion arrives with maximum force.

A quick slant does not always require the same velocity as a deep out toward the opposite sideline. Taking a small amount off the football can improve accuracy and give a receiver a better opportunity to secure it before absorbing contact. Roethlisberger used a memorable comparison to explain why Allar must explore every level of his arm rather than relying exclusively on its most impressive setting.

"Every ball doesn't need to go through the car wash without getting wet," Roethlisberger said. "He has it, and I've seen him do it even in the limited preseason. He has touch. That play down the left side where he threw it deep, he's running left, shuffles left, flips his hip, that's a great play."

That throw offered a much better representation of Allar's complete potential. He moved away from pressure, reset his body and delivered the ball downfield without sacrificing control. The defender nearly recovered in time, but the process demonstrated improvisational talent that cannot be taught easily.

"Now the defender almost got there, but that's a great play," Roethlisberger said. "That's great improvising. It's great throwing on the run. We know he has a huge arm. I want to see him be able to utilize his arm in other ways."

Few people are more qualified to evaluate that specific trait. Roethlisberger won two Super Bowls in Pittsburgh while building his reputation on arm strength, creativity and extending broken plays. He understands the difference between possessing rare physical ability and consistently controlling it.

Comparisons between Allar and Roethlisberger are enormous expectations to place on an inexperienced rookie. Still, the similarities are understandable. Both entered the league with impressive size, powerful arms and the ability to create outside the original structure of a play.

Steelers' McCarthy Taking Allar Through Intense QB School

Allar does not need to become less aggressive or stop trusting his arm. Pittsburgh needs him to develop enough command to decide which version of that arm each situation requires. The best quarterbacks threaten defenses with velocity, trajectory and pace rather than relying on one type of delivery.

Roethlisberger has already seen evidence that the rookie owns that touch. Allar's challenge is making it repeatable. If Mike McCarthy can help him pair better control with his natural power and improvisational instincts, Pittsburgh may have a far more complete prospect than his uneven night against New York suggested.

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