Man, that 17-0 shutout loss to the New York Jets last night? Brutal. The Steelers’ offense was a straight-up disaster, averaging a pathetic 3.6 yards per play and converting only 5-of-16 third downs. Seriously, some players in the second half looked like their only preparation was watching a “how to play football” video 30 seconds before kickoff. This entire mess, though painful, inadvertently settled the team’s quarterback decision, slamming the door shut on any real competition after just Week 2 of preseason.
Will Howard’s Chance Evaporated In A Flash
Will Howard came into Friday night with a real opportunity to make life difficult for Mike McCarthy and the offensive staff. After a solid Week 1 performance, building on that might have raised questions about the backup role: QB2, shipping Mason Rudolph, or keeping four. But nope. Howard made the staff’s job ridiculously easy by throwing two bad interceptions. Just like that, Mason Rudolph is solidified as the backup to Aaron Rodgers. This is exactly the Will Howard we saw through most of training camp, the one expected from a sixth-round pick: mediocre arm, average traits, poor awareness. It wasn’t just the picks either. The sack he took from David Bailey was incredibly questionable. Sure, Broderick Jones didn’t have a great rep, but Howard had all that space in front and to his left to step up or roll out. Instead, he just backed right into the pressure, a decision eerily reminiscent of Kenny Pickett’s pocket issues. Howard simply doesn’t have a high ceiling. The only way he’s a Steeler in 2026 is probably on the practice squad after getting cut.
Drew Allar Flashed Amidst The Offensive Mess
Now, Drew Allar didn’t exactly have an encore performance that matched his electric debut from Week 1, but don’t let that 11-of-23 stat line fool you. Anyone who actually watched the game will tell you those numbers don’t tell the whole story of how he played. He actually delivered the play of the night for the Steelers, dropping a 38-yard bomb to Lake McRee downfield. That was after escaping some serious pressure, too, showing off his mobility and poise. He also managed to fit a ball int, demonstrating flashes of real talent and potential even when the rest of the offense looked completely lost around him. Allar, despite the team’s pathetic overall performance, showed glimpses of why he’s got a future, making plays that others couldn’t even dream of attempting out there.
After this frustrating Week 2 preseason loss, the quarterback picture is now way clearer than anyone anticipated. Rudolph is the undeniable backup, and Howard’s future with the team looks incredibly bleak. It’s tough to see an offense struggle that badly in a shutout, but Allar’s moments of brilliance still give you something to chew on. We gotta hope they can get him some actual NFL players to work with if he’s going to develop into something special.
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.
Leave a Reply