Our two-time Super Bowl champion, Ben Roethlisberger, just went full blunt-force trauma on the Steelers’ quarterback situation, telling anyone who’d listen he’s doing “everything I can to keep [Will Howard and Drew Allar].” Seriously, the man wants both of them on the roster, no practice squad shenanigans, saying “someone will scoop them up” otherwise. That’s a massive take from a guy who knows our system inside and out.
Big Ben’s Bold Play For Howard and Allar
Big Ben didn’t just stop at Howard and Allar, though. He laid out the whole tangled dilemma for the coaching staff and front office: “You’re either keeping all four or you try to put Mason on practice squad and see if you can find a way to keep him, too.” Think about that for a second. Our franchise QB, the guy who knows what it takes, is pushing hard for these two young arms. Head Coach Mike McCarthy is apparently open to keeping four quarterbacks, which, fine, makes Ben’s plea technically feasible. But this isn’t just about roster spots; it’s about Roethlisberger throwing his significant weight behind specific players, shaping the narrative before the final cuts even happen. This kind of influence, man, it matters.
The Rudolph Rift and Preseason Pressure Cooker
Here’s where it gets spicy. Ben’s take immediately set off fireworks for a lot of fans, and we all know why, right? The relationship between Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph is famously strained, so it’s no shocker that many believe his opinion on his former backup is completely skewed. Is he really looking at the pure talent and fit for the system, or is there a layer of personal history influencing that call for Rudolph to potentially hit the practice squad? That question is driving fans absolutely wild. Meanwhile, what are Howard and Allar actually doing on the field to earn this kind of endorsement? Week 2 of the preseason wasn’t exactly a highlight reel for Howard. The dude struggled big time, throwing a pair of interceptions while he played the entire first half. Yikes, that’s rough. Allar looked a bit better in the second half, going 11-of-23 for 110 yards. Mason Rudolph, interestingly, just got the night off. So with those mixed performances, you gotta wonder how much sway Ben’s words actually have compared to what the coaches are seeing. Neither of these young guns is gonna be a starter anytime soon, not unless something totally unforeseen happens to Aaron Rodgers. But their capability playing behind Rodgers? That’s definitely going to be fascinating to watch unfold as the season gets going.
Last Chance To Make An Impression
It all comes down to Thursday, folks. The Steelers are gonna close out their preseason against the Buffalo Bills, and then the real agonizing begins: those difficult roster cutdowns. Howard and Allar will absolutely look to continue making an impression when they face the Bills at the new Highmark Stadium. This isn’t just another game; it’s their last, best chance to prove they belong, to show they’re worth protecting from those “scooping them up” scenarios Ben warned about. Every snap, every throw, every decision under pressure in that game is going to weigh heavy. Keep your eyes peeled, because the final shape of our quarterback room is about to be decided, and Big Ben’s comments have certainly added a whole new layer of intensity to the process.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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