Will Howard is getting the start Friday night against the New York Jets, and Drew Allar will take the remaining reps. This is a massive opportunity for the young guns, especially with Aaron Rodgers inactive again after sitting out the preseason-opening win against the Packers. Mason Rudolph, who balled out with 10 of 11 passing in two series last week, is also inactive, leaving the field clear for these two to show what they got.
Howard’s Redemption Arc Is Already Lit
Remember how Howard missed last year’s preseason with an injury? This is his moment, and man, is he seizing it. Against the Packers, he went 7 of 9 for 86 yards in three series. But that eight-play, 80-yard scoring drive he led? Pure fire. He completed all four of his attempts for 67 yards on that drive, including a ridiculous 17-yard strike to Ben Skowronek on fourth-and-1. That’s clutch football, plain and simple. Head Coach McCarthy said Howard has “taken steps throughout camp,” and even though his last start had a couple of plays that weren’t his fault, you just know he’s itching to get off to a better start this time. This is the kind of progress fans love to see, especially after a tough injury year.
Allar’s Making Everyone Look Smart
Then there’s Drew Allar, the rookie fourth-round pick who’s making every training camp hype-train feel justified. He dominated against the Packers, throwing for two scores and running for another. His line: 10 of 13 for 153 yards, and a ridiculous 154.8 passer rating. The dude just looks comfortable out there. He’s making quick decisions, hitting his targets, spreading the ball, and converting in the red zone. Allar himself said the adjustment to the NFL level happened back in rookie OTAs and he credits challenging schemes and facing a “great defense every day” in camp for mentally preparing him. No wonder the Steelers’ QB room collectively went 27 for 33 for 313 yards and two touchdowns with a 128.8 passer rating in that game. These young QBs are pushing each other, and it shows.
McCarthy made it clear: he feels good about his veterans, Rodgers and Mason, but he wants to “max out the opportunities” for Howard and Allar. This Friday night, all eyes are on these two. Can they keep the momentum rolling against the Jets and prove they’re ready for the big stage? It’s going to be wild to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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