Full Breakdown
Steelers’ Preseason Opener Highlights Rookie Drew Allar’s Triple-Score
8/15/2026, 2:44:02 AM
Game Overview
In the preseason opener, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Green Bay Packers 28–9. Rookie quarterback Drew Allar accounted for three touchdowns—two passing and one rushing—while fellow rookie Will Howard added a touchdown on a two-minute drive. The Steelers outgained the Packers 385 yards to 160 and finished with 11 penalties for 135 yards versus the Packers’ nine for 76 yards.
Quarterback Competition Under New Coach
First-year head coach Mike McCarthy’s “Quarterback School” was on display as three quarterbacks vied for depth-chart spots. Allar, a third-round pick from Penn State, completed 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards. Howard, a sixth-round pick, was 7 of 9 for 86 yards and led the late-game scoring drive. Veteran Mason Rudolph started the second half, completing 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards and driving the Steelers to the Packers’ one-yard line before the play was stopped. The competition will intensify as rosters must be trimmed to 53 players by the end of the preseason.
Statistical Summary
- Drew Allar: 10/13, 154 yards, 2 TD passes (5-yard to Kyle Wetjen, 4-yard to Riley Nowkowski), 1 TD run (3 yards).
- Will Howard: 7/9, 86 yards, 1 TD pass (1-yard to Lew Nichols).
- Mason Rudolph: 10/11, 93 yards, drive ended at Packers’ 1-yard line.
- Packers QB Jordan Love: 3/5 passing in a single series.
- Packers kicker Trey Smack: three field goals (58, 38, 37 yards) and a fourth 58-yard attempt nullified by a penalty.
- Total yards: Steelers 385, Packers 160.
- Penalties: Steelers 11 for 135 yards; Packers 9 for 76 yards.
Official Statements & Responses
Packers head coach Matt Lafleur highlighted Smack’s debut, calling it a “really, really strong first performance.” McCarthy also emphasized health as the season’s primary goal, urging players to stay injury-free as the roster battle continues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought they were very poised,” — Mike McCarthy, Steelers head coach
- “Now he's got to stack it.” — Trey Smack, Packers rookie kicker
What’s Next
The Steelers will host the New York Jets in their next preseason matchup, while the Packers travel to face the Denver Broncos. Both teams will use the remaining games to further evaluate their quarterback candidates and special-teams units.
