Steelers' Drew Allar Gets Honest About Everything He Put On Tape

The Pittsburgh Steelers completed their preseason with another extended look at Drew Allar, but the rookie quarterback did not deliver the decisive finish that would have dramatically changed his position within the team's developmental hierarchy. 

Allar completed nine of his 18 passes for 88 yards without producing a touchdown or committing a turnover during Pittsburgh's 28-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. His performance contained encouraging throws, missed opportunities and another reminder that his development will require patience.

The third-round pick did not sound disappointed when assessing his work. Allar believes he produced useful tape throughout the preseason and gained something important from both his successful plays and mistakes.

"Yeah, I mean, I feel good about everything that I put on tape," Allar said while speaking with Steelers media. "I think the biggest thing is I have a lot of great players and mentors to learn from, from the things I've done well and also the mistakes I have had."

That response reflected the proper outlook for a rookie who was never expected to immediately become Pittsburgh's starting quarterback. Allar entered the NFL with intriguing physical ability, but questions about his consistency and readiness contributed to him remaining available until the third round.

Pittsburgh does not need him to become a finished product before September. The organization needs Allar to recognize mistakes, absorb coaching and gradually develop into a quarterback capable of competing for a larger role. His performance against Buffalo demonstrated why patience remains necessary. Allar protected the football after Will Howard threw an interception during the first half, but he also completed only half of his attempts and failed to lead a touchdown drive through the air.

Howard finished nine of 15 for 69 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The two young passers therefore completed the same number of throws, although Howard needed three fewer attempts and created substantially more scoring production.

That comparison does not completely settle their long-term outlooks. Howard is entering his second NFL season, while Allar is adjusting to professional football after Pittsburgh selected him in April. They are operating at different stages of development. Still, the preseason showed Steeler Nation why Howard was considered an appealing developmental selection in the sixth round and why Allar carried the greater investment as a third-round pick. Allar possesses more obvious long-term upside, but Howard currently looks more comfortable operating the offense.

Allar believes Pittsburgh has surrounded him with the right people to close that gap. He specifically credited the two veteran quarterbacks in his position room and several established offensive playmakers for helping him process his early experiences.

"There's a great group of veterans around me with Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph in my room, but then it kind of extends beyond that with Michael Pittman Jr., DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth," Allar said. "So there's a lot of great veterans on the offensive side of the ball that have been great for me."

Those relationships could become one of the most valuable parts of Allar's rookie season. Aaron Rodgers can explain defensive structures and quarterback details few players have mastered, while Mason Rudolph understands the patience required to navigate multiple roles in Pittsburgh. 

"I feel like I've learned from the things I haven't done well and improved upon that," Allar said.

Steelers Should Remain Patient With Drew Allar

Evaluating Allar remains difficult because preseason football never creates equal circumstances. Supporting casts change, opponents rotate personnel and coaches protect significant portions of their actual offensive plans.

However, Pittsburgh can acknowledge the difference between its young quarterbacks without giving up on either one. Howard appeared more prepared to command the offense right now, while Allar continued showing the developmental traits that made him worth a third-round investment.

The most important part of Allar's response was his willingness to learn. He left Buffalo satisfied with his tape without pretending every snap met the required standard. That combination of confidence and self-awareness gives McCarthy something meaningful to develop.

What did you see from Allar during the preseason, and how significant was the current gap between him and Howard? Share your Steelers takes with me on X (@anthonyghalkias), and follow for more Pittsburgh football coverage and discussion. 

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