Mike McCarthy praises Drew Allar and Will Howard for poise in debut
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 11:29 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Drew Allar and Will Howard made their NFL debuts for the Steelers against the Packers on August 13. Both quarterbacks demonstrated composure, with Allar completing 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while Howard went 7 of 9 for 86 yards. Head coach Mike McCarthy praised their performance, particularly highlighting their ability to manage the offense effectively. The Steelers scored several touchdowns after both players entered the game, marking a promising start for the team's young quarterbacks. The competition for the 53-man roster will intensify as the preseason progresses.
- •Allar’s first pass was a 74-yard completion to Kaden Wetjen.
- •Howard had a touchdown pass overturned, resulting in a subsequent score.
- •McCarthy highlighted the quarterbacks' poise and effective offensive management.
- •The Steelers scored three touchdowns during Allar's time on the field.
- •Preseason games will determine final roster cuts ahead of the season.
- 11:29 AMYahoo Sports — Mike McCarthy: Drew Allar, Will Howard were very poised
"Drew Allar is the only rookie quarterback on the Steelers roster, but he wasn't the only Steelers quarterback to play in an NFL game for the first time on Thursday night.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
FootballNFL•Aug 14, 2026, 1:31 PMStuds and duds from Patriots Week 1 preseason tie with Colts
NFL•Aug 14, 2026, 1:31 PMAn inside look at the idiosyncrasies of a Harbaugh team meeting
NFL•Aug 14, 2026, 1:21 PMEagles News: Ty Robinson among players on the roster bubble
NFL•Aug 14, 2026, 1:13 PMWhat was your biggest takeaway from the preseason game against the Bengals?
NFL•Aug 14, 2026, 1:12 PMDan Campbell Praises Luke Altmyer After Lions Debut
NFL•Aug 14, 2026, 1:04 PMOne takeaway from each NFL team's first depth chart: Browns show rookies love; starting over for Deebo Samuel