Allar's Stellar Debut
Rookie Drew Allar Shines with Three Scores in Steelers' 28-9 Preseason Win
Key Points
Rudolph opened for the Steelers and completed 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards, directing a sustained drive that reached Green Bay’s 1 yard line before Pat Freiermuth was tackled on fourth down.
Will Howard went 7 of 9 for 86 yards and effectively ran the Steelers’ 2-minute offense, including multiple completions to Robert Tonyan (Tonyan had four receptions for 61 yards in the game).
Rodgers’ status on the Packers is secure for now, with his presence off the field underscoring the QB competition behind him among Howard, Allar and Rudolph as rosters will be trimmed toward Aug. 30.
Packers rookie Trey Smack was 3-for-3 on field goals, including a 58-yard attempt that was negated by a roughing-the-passer penalty, and he later added another long-range kick.
Green Bay lost key medical notes on the day: backups Darian Kinnard and Anthony Campbell left with leg injuries, and safety Mark Perry departed with a shoulder issue but returned later in the game.
Rookie Drew Allar stole the show in Pittsburgh's 28-9 preseason win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, throwing two touchdown passes and adding a rushing score in his NFL debut. The Score reported Allar went 10-of-13 for 154 yards, accounting for three of Pittsburgh's four touchdowns.
The victory was one-sided from the start. The Steelers piled up 314 passing yards while Green Bay's offense managed just three field goals all game. WISN noted it was a rough preseason opener for the Packers, who face roster cuts before the Aug. 30 deadline.
Allar Lights Up Acrisure Stadium in NFL Debut
Allar, a third-round pick out of Penn State, wasted no time making an impression. He hit Kyle Wetjen and Riley Nowakowski for touchdown passes. He also punched in a 4-yard rushing score to salt away the game. Yahoo Sports called his performance one of the biggest takeaways from the night.
The numbers backed up the hype. Allar's 154 passing yards came on just 13 attempts. His efficiency was hard to ignore. WMTV15 News reported his composure in the pocket surprised many watching the young quarterback manage a real NFL game for the first time.
Howard and Rudolph Keep Steelers' Offense Rolling
Allar wasn't the only Pittsburgh quarterback to shine. Will Howard went 7-of-9 for 86 yards and ran the Steelers' 2-minute offense with confidence. He connected multiple times with tight end Robert Tonyan, who finished with four catches for 61 yards. Yahoo Sports said Howard looked sharp and in control.
Mason Rudolph opened the game for Pittsburgh. He completed 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards and led a long drive deep into Green Bay territory. The drive stalled at Green Bay's 1-yard line when Pat Freiermuth was stopped on fourth down. Still, it was a productive outing, according to SSB Crack.
Packers Lean on Rookie Kicker as Offense Sputters
Green Bay's offense gave the defense almost no help. Jordan Love played just one series as part of a cautious approach. Kyle McCord, the Packers' third quarterback, went 12-of-16 for 102 yards and led two drives that ended in field goals. WISN noted the Packers' offense rarely threatened to score a touchdown.
All nine of Green Bay's points came from rookie kicker Trey Smack, who was 3-for-3 on field goals from 37, 38, and 58 yards. One 58-yard attempt was wiped out by a roughing-the-passer penalty on the Steelers. The Score noted Smack's leg was one of the few bright spots for Green Bay on the day.
Injuries Cloud an Otherwise Routine Packers Tune-Up
Green Bay left the game with several injury concerns. Offensive lineman Darian Kinnard and defensive back Anthony Campbell both left with leg injuries. Safety Mark Perry hurt his shoulder but returned later in the game. WISN reported the team was monitoring all three players after the final whistle.
Adding a storyline off the field, Aaron Rodgers watched from the Green Bay sideline as his former team faced his current one. Rodgers' starting job with the Packers is not in question. But the QB battle behind him — among Howard, Allar, and Rudolph in Pittsburgh — is heating up fast with roster cuts approaching Aug. 30, according to Yahoo Sports.
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