Full Breakdown
Steelers’ “Quarterback School” Targets Rookie Drew Allar Amid Veteran Concerns
5/29/2026, 4:21:23 AM
Background & Context
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 offseason with first-year head coach Mike McCarthy rebuilding the quarterback room. After selecting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the April draft, the coaching staff launched a “quarterback school” focused on footwork and basic mechanics. Allar, the only quarterback at rookie minicamp, received one-on-one instruction from McCarthy and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, who emphasized fundamentals such as the three-step drop and stance. The program follows McCarthy’s past emphasis on technical refinement, a method previously praised by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Key Figures & Groups
- Drew Allar – 2024 junior at Penn State, 3,327 passing yards and 24 touchdowns before a season-ending injury. Ranked No. 3 overall recruit and top quarterback in the 2022 class.
- Ben Roethlisberger – Steelers legend, now a media analyst, voicing concerns about the rookie’s development plan.
- Mike McCarthy – First-year Steelers head coach, architect of the “quarterback school.”
- Tom Arth – Quarterbacks coach, former backup to Peyton Manning, overseeing Allar’s footwork drills.
- Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, Mason Rudolph – Established quarterbacks on the depth chart who will compete with Allar for playing time.
Data & Statistics
- Allar’s college production: 3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns in his junior season.
- Draft position: Day 2, third-round selection (2024 NFL Draft).
- Depth chart hierarchy: Rodgers (starter), Howard (second), Rudolph (third), Allar (fourth).
Official Statements & Responses
The Steelers’ staff describe the training as a “positive” effort to give Allar extra time in the pocket while he adapts to NFL speed. Arth noted that McCarthy is “taking his time with Allar and Howard…working primarily on footwork and other intricacies.” Roethlisberger, while not opposing the approach, expressed that he hopes the focus remains on “small, technical things” rather than a complete overhaul of Allar’s fundamentals.
Criticism & Opposition
Roethlisberger’s primary reservation centers on the intensity of the refinement process. He worries that repeatedly drilling basic drops may signal a lack of confidence in Allar’s existing skill set, describing the situation as “incredibly nervous” for a veteran who has seen similar methods applied to Rodgers in Green Bay. The criticism underscores a tension between technical polishing and preserving a rookie’s natural instincts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we did football camps, the first things you're teaching the youngest kids is how to do a three-step drop.” — Ben Roethlisberger, former Steelers quarterback
- “I'd love to get Peyton Manning's take (on this)," Roethlisberger said.” — Ben Roethlisberger
- “Me, personally, I hope that it's some small, technical thing they're doing (with Allar). Not, 'let's wipe the slate clean and start all over', especially if he's been doing it one way this long.” — Ben Roethlisberger
- “Two guys that are going to be very competitive with one another. They get along well, they're both great people. They're ultra competitors and they wouldn't be here if they weren't. I'm very excited to see how that continues to play out as we get into training camp and the preseason, just how the two of them bring the best out of each other.” — Tom Arth, quarterbacks coach
- “It's really positive to have two young guys together, obviously at a little bit different stages and different players,” — Tom Arth
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No direct comments from head coach Mike McCarthy have been released, leaving the precise curriculum and timeline unclear. Additionally, the Steelers have not disclosed how many practice reps Allar will receive relative to Howard, creating uncertainty about the depth-chart impact before training camp.
What’s Next
The Steelers will continue the “quarterback school” through offseason workouts, with Allar and Howard expected to compete in training camp and preseason games. Their performance will determine whether Allar remains a developmental prospect or accelerates toward a more active roster role in the 2024 season.
