Full Breakdown
Steelers dominate Packers 28-9 in preseason opener
8/14/2026, 8:15:45 AM
Core Event: Steelers’ 28-9 preseason victory
The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their 2026 preseason at Acrisure Stadium with a 28-9 win over the Green Bay Packers. Rookie Drew Allar led the second-half surge for Pittsburgh, while Packers starter Jordan Love appeared only in the opening series.
Background & Context: Coaching changes and quarterback battle
Mike McCarthy debuted as Pittsburgh’s head coach, emphasizing rapid development of his young signal-callers. The Steelers entered with three quarterbacks competing for roster spots: veteran Mason Rudolph, rookie Will Howard (2025 sixth-round pick), and third-round pick Drew Allar from Penn State.
Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur announced a fluid snap count for Love, and former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers watched from the sidelines.
Key Figures & Groups
- Mike McCarthy – Pittsburgh head coach, debut game.
- Drew Allar – rookie quarterback, primary performer in second half.
- Will Howard – rookie quarterback, led a two-minute drive.
- Mason Rudolph – veteran quarterback, started for Pittsburgh.
- Jordan Love – Packers starter, limited to one series.
- Matt LaFleur – Green Bay head coach, set snap-count policy.
- Aaron Rodgers – former Packers quarterback, observed from sidelines.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Steelers 28, Packers 9.
- Total yards: Steelers 385; Packers 160.
- Allar: 10-of-13, 154 yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, passer rating 154.8.
- Howard: 7-of-9, 86 yards, 1 TD drive.
- Rudolph: 10-of-11, 93 yards, no TDs.
- Love: 3-of-5, 18 yards, 1 field-goal drive.
- Packers kicker Trey Smack: three field goals (58 yd, 38 yd, 37 yd).
- Penalties: Steelers 11 for 135 yards; Packers 9 for 76 yards.
Official Statements & Responses
Mike McCarthy praised the poise of the young quarterbacks, saying they were “very poised.” He highlighted the health-first goal for the season and the effectiveness of the offensive game plan.
Matt LaFleur described the snap-count approach as “pretty fluid” and stressed the value of mental preparation for all players.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Steelers opened with a 16-play, 84-yard drive led by Rudolph that stalled at the one-yard line. Howard then orchestrated a two-minute offense that set up a short touchdown run. Allar entered in the third quarter, delivering three scoring drives, including a 75-yard strike to Kaden Wetjen and a 4-yard run. The Packers managed only a single field-goal drive before Love was replaced by Tyrod Taylor.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most outlets list Allar’s passing yardage as 154 yards; a few report 153 yards. The precise total remains unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our history there is obviously long, and the success we had there, and obviously having a personal and professional connection to Green Bay, that’s part of my life.” — Aaron Rodgers
- “I’d say it’s pretty fluid in regards to how many snaps,” — Matt LaFleur
- “I thought they were very poised,” — Mike McCarthy
- “Honestly, I feel like the adjustment for me at the NFL level came during rookie OTAs and OTAs in general,” — Drew Allar
- “Nothing but great things to say about A-Rod and my time being behind him and watching him,” — Jordan Love
What’s Next
The Steelers will host the New York Jets in their next preseason contest, while the Packers travel to face the Denver Broncos the following week.
