Steelers QB Competition
Steelers Backup QB Race Heats Up: Rudolph, Howard, Allar Impress in Exhibition; Decision Pending
Pittsburgh's backup quarterback race has no clear leader after the Steelers beat Green Bay 28-9 in their preseason opener. All three quarterbacks — Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar — made strong cases for the job behind starter Aaron Rodgers, according to Yahoo Sports.
Coach Mike McCarthy said he was in no rush to name a winner. Despite the lopsided scoreboard, he made clear the competition is far from over.
Rookie Drew Allar Turns Heads With Three Scoring Drives
Allar, a 22-year-old third-round pick, was the standout of the night. He completed 10 of 13 passes, threw for two touchdowns, and added a rushing score, per Winnipeg Free Press. He led three long scoring drives and rarely looked rattled behind center.
But McCarthy made clear that big numbers alone won't win him the job. LMT Online reported the coach is focused on the process — meaning fundamentals, decision-making, and consistency — not just the box score. Allar is young, but he is learning fast.
Will Howard Stays Cool Under Fourth-Down Pressure
Howard had his own strong showing. He ran the two-minute offense effectively and connected often with tight end Robert Tonyan. KDH News noted that Howard didn't panic when the Steelers faced a key fourth down near midfield — a tough spot that tests any quarterback's poise.
Those calm moments matter in NFL evaluations. Teams want a backup who won't fall apart when the starter goes down. Howard showed he can handle pressure situations and make smart throws in critical moments.
Rudolph Stays in the Mix Despite Veteran Status
Mason Rudolph, the most experienced of the three, also performed well. He is no stranger to Pittsburgh, having previously served as a backup for the Steelers. His familiarity with the system gives him an edge that pure stats can't fully capture, according to Yahoo Sports.
With three viable options, McCarthy faces a rare problem: too much talent at a position usually taken for granted. All three quarterbacks gave him something to think about before the next preseason game.
McCarthy Preaches Process Over Production in QB Battle
McCarthy was careful not to anoint anyone after one game. He praised the group but stressed that the process matters more than any single performance. Las Vegas Sun reported he wants to see players prove themselves over multiple preseason contests, not just one strong outing.
The Steelers still have several preseason games left to sort out the depth chart. For now, the backup QB race remains wide open. Allar's flash, Howard's composure, and Rudolph's experience make this one of the more compelling battles in the NFL this summer.
Sentiment
NeutralPublishers
5
Articles
4
Reach
5
