Drew Allar Shines as Mike McCarthy’s Steelers Open Preseason With Statement Win Over Packers

Drew Allar Shines as Mike McCarthy’s Steelers Open Preseason With Statement Win Over Packers

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their 2026 preseason campaign in impressive fashion, defeating the Green Bay Packers 28-9 as rookie quarterback Drew Allar delivered one of the standout performances of the night.

Allar, a third-round draft pick, showed composure and efficiency in his first preseason appearance under new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy. The rookie completed 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards, throwing two touchdown passes while also rushing for another score.

His performance immediately put the spotlight on the Steelers’ quarterback competition behind veteran starter Aaron Rodgers.

McCarthy’s first game on the Pittsburgh sideline provided an encouraging early glimpse of what his team could look like heading into the regular season. Allar’s decision-making and poise were particularly impressive, while Pittsburgh’s offense consistently moved the ball against Green Bay.

The Steelers finished with 385 total yards compared with only 160 for the Packers, highlighting their control of the game.

Will Howard also made a strong case for himself, completing seven of nine passes for 86 yards and leading Pittsburgh on a touchdown drive. Mason Rudolph was similarly efficient during his limited time on the field, adding further intrigue to the battle for the backup quarterback positions.

For the Packers, Jordan Love made only a brief appearance, while rookie kicker Trey Smack provided one of the brighter moments of the night. Smack successfully converted field goals from 58, 38 and 37 yards.

Fernando Mendoza Scores on Raiders Debut

The Las Vegas Raiders also saw their highly drafted rookie quarterback make his preseason debut, although the result went against them.

No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza threw a touchdown pass, but the Raiders fell 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals.

Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and connected with rookie receiver Jack Bech for a six-yard touchdown.

According to the game report, Mendoza became the first No. 1 overall selection since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to throw a touchdown during his first preseason appearance.

Veteran Kirk Cousins also threw a touchdown during a brief one-series appearance for Las Vegas.

Arizona built its lead through efficient quarterback play from Jacoby Brissett and former Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew. Rookie Jeremiyah Love added 58 rushing yards on 11 carries.

Anthony Richardson Returns as Colts Draw With Patriots

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returned from injury but endured an uneven outing in a 13-13 draw with the New England Patriots.

Richardson threw for 145 yards and scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak, but turnovers became a major issue for Indianapolis.

The Colts committed four turnovers, including a Richardson fumble and interception.

New England quarterback Tommy DeVito completed 13 of 22 passes for 128 yards and threw a touchdown to Kyle Williams.

Indianapolis ultimately rescued the tie when Spencer Shrader drilled a 61-yard field goal late in the game. Patriots kicker Anthony Borregales missed an opportunity to win it with a potential game-winning attempt.

Cam Ward Shows Promise Despite Difficult Debut

No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward experienced a mixed first preseason outing as the Tennessee Titans defeated the San Francisco 49ers 19-13.

Ward helped Tennessee immediately by directing a 95-yard touchdown drive on the Titans’ opening possession.

However, the rookie quarterback struggled to maintain that momentum. He completed only five of 10 passes for 25 yards and failed to connect with fellow rookie Carnell Tate.

Tony Pollard scored Tennessee’s only touchdown, while Joey Slye provided four field goals, including three from beyond 50 yards.

San Francisco quarterback Kurtis Rourke was efficient in his return from injury, completing 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards before leaving the game with a rib injury. Rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling also impressed with seven receptions for 63 yards.

Amar Johnson Leads Chargers Past Texans

The Los Angeles Chargers produced one of the most convincing victories of the night, defeating the Houston Texans 27-7.

Amar Johnson was the offensive standout, scoring twice on the ground and adding a spectacular 55-yard reception.

The undrafted running back, entering his second season, also contributed a two-point conversion as the Chargers pulled away after halftime.

With Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud rested, Trey Lance took the majority of the quarterback work for Los Angeles, completing 12 of 20 passes for 164 yards.

Davis Mills threw Houston’s only touchdown, while DJ Uiagalelei added a late scoring pass for the Chargers.

Joe Flacco Helps Bengals Edge Lions

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Detroit Lions 16-14, with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco making an impact after Joe Burrow’s brief appearance.

Burrow completed five of six passes for 39 yards during two early series before leaving the game.

Flacco then found rookie tight end Jack Endries for a touchdown, while Evan McPherson added three field goals, including a 56-yarder.

Detroit struggled with turnovers, giving Cincinnati three opportunities that helped determine the outcome.

Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer threw for 130 yards and a late touchdown as the Lions attempted to mount a comeback. Cincinnati ultimately held on after Russ Yeast intercepted a pass late in the contest.

Allar Emerges as One of the Night’s Biggest Stories

While preseason results must be viewed cautiously, Allar’s performance was difficult to ignore.

The rookie quarterback displayed accuracy, mobility and decision-making while operating under a new coaching regime. Completing 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards and producing three total touchdowns gave him an early opportunity to make his case for a significant role.

The Steelers still have plenty to evaluate before the regular season, particularly with Rodgers expected to lead the team. But Allar’s performance provides Pittsburgh with an encouraging development behind its veteran starter.

McCarthy’s first preseason game therefore delivered more than a simple victory. It gave Steelers supporters an early look at a rookie quarterback who could become an important part of the franchise’s future.

With the NFL preseason continuing, the performances of Allar, Mendoza, Richardson and Ward will be closely watched as teams make their final evaluations before the regular season.

Analysis: Drew Allar’s Breakout Performance Gives Steelers a Major Preseason Talking Point

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers may not count toward the regular-season standings, but the performance produced something potentially more important for Mike McCarthy: evidence that rookie quarterback Drew Allar could become a meaningful part of Pittsburgh’s future.

Allar’s numbers immediately stand out. The third-round selection completed 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards, throwing two touchdown passes and adding another touchdown on the ground. More importantly, he did not simply accumulate statistics in a meaningless environment. His performance was described as poised and decisive, qualities that can be particularly valuable for a young quarterback learning a new offensive system.

For McCarthy, this was an encouraging beginning to his first game as Steelers head coach.

Allar Gives Pittsburgh Another Quarterback Story

The Steelers entered the season with considerable attention surrounding Aaron Rodgers. The veteran quarterback is expected to be the starter, meaning Allar was not drafted to immediately take over the offense.

Yet that does not make Allar’s performance insignificant.

In fact, the opposite could be true.

A team with an established veteran starter can afford to develop a young quarterback without forcing him onto the field before he is ready. If Allar continues to demonstrate the same level of confidence and efficiency throughout the preseason, Pittsburgh could potentially have a valuable developmental quarterback waiting behind Rodgers.

That is an attractive situation for any franchise.

The key issue is that preseason success does not automatically translate into regular-season success. Allar will eventually have to face stronger defensive schemes, more complicated pressure packages and players fighting for roster positions. The Steelers will therefore want to see whether his decision-making remains consistent when the circumstances become more difficult.

Still, his first showing gives the coaching staff plenty to work with.

McCarthy’s First Steelers Game Offers Encouragement

The victory was also significant because it marked the beginning of McCarthy’s tenure in Pittsburgh.

A new head coach has to establish his identity, evaluate his roster and determine which players can execute his system. While one preseason game cannot provide all the answers, Pittsburgh’s overall performance was impressive.

The Steelers outgained the Packers 385-160, a substantial advantage that suggests Pittsburgh controlled the contest for long stretches.

The offense was not dependent solely on Allar either.

Will Howard completed seven of nine passes for 86 yards and led a touchdown drive, while Mason Rudolph was also efficient during his brief appearance. That creates an interesting quarterback situation behind Rodgers.

McCarthy therefore has several players competing for opportunities, and preseason games provide the perfect environment for evaluating them.

The Bigger Question Is What Happens Behind Rodgers

The most fascinating part of Allar’s performance could be what it means for the Steelers beyond 2026.

Rodgers brings enormous experience, but Pittsburgh must think about what comes next. A franchise cannot build indefinitely around an aging quarterback, which makes the development of a young passer particularly important.

Allar does not need to replace Rodgers immediately.

Instead, Pittsburgh can focus on developing him.

If Allar can learn from Rodgers while receiving coaching from McCarthy, the Steelers could potentially have an interesting succession plan. That is still speculation at this stage, but the ingredients are certainly worth watching.

The most important thing for Allar now is consistency.

One impressive preseason performance can create excitement, but several strong performances can change the conversation around a player.

Green Bay’s Performance Raises Different Questions

For the Packers, the 28-9 defeat was less encouraging.

Jordan Love made only a short appearance, meaning the result should not be interpreted as a full assessment of Green Bay’s regular-season prospects.

Preseason games are often constructed around evaluation rather than winning at all costs. Starters may play limited snaps, young players receive extended opportunities and coaches experiment with different combinations.

That makes the final score less important than individual performances.

Still, being outgained 385-160 is something Green Bay will want to examine.

The Packers will have to determine whether the problems were simply the result of preseason rotations or whether certain areas of the roster require more attention before the regular season begins.

Rookie kicker Trey Smack was one of the positives, converting field goals from 58, 38 and 37 yards.

Fernando Mendoza’s Debut Deserves Attention

Another major storyline came from Las Vegas, where No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza threw a touchdown during his preseason debut.

The Raiders lost 27-14 to Arizona, but Mendoza gave fans an early glimpse of what the franchise hopes can become a long-term answer at quarterback.

He completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and connected with rookie Jack Bech for a six-yard touchdown.

The statistics were not spectacular, but they did not need to be.

For a highly drafted rookie quarterback, the first objective is often simply to experience the speed of professional football and demonstrate that he can operate the offense without being overwhelmed.

The touchdown was particularly notable because, according to the Sky Sports report, Mendoza became the first No. 1 overall pick since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to throw a touchdown in his first preseason appearance.

Arizona ultimately controlled the game, with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew contributing efficient quarterback play and Jeremiyah Love adding 58 rushing yards.

Cam Ward’s Debut Shows Why Patience Matters

Cam Ward’s first preseason appearance provides an important counterpoint to Mendoza and Allar.

The No. 1 overall pick helped Tennessee open the game with a 95-yard touchdown drive, but his final statistics were modest: five completions on 10 attempts for only 25 yards.

That does not mean Ward had a bad debut.

It demonstrates exactly why preseason statistics must be placed into context.

Ward was able to lead an impressive opening possession, but he could not sustain the passing production afterward. Tennessee still won 19-13, with Joey Slye making three field goals from beyond 50 yards and Tony Pollard scoring the Titans’ only touchdown.

The lesson is simple: one drive, one game or even one preseason cannot determine whether a rookie quarterback will succeed.

Ward will have opportunities to improve as the preseason continues.

Anthony Richardson’s Return Brings a Different Story

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson faced a different challenge.

His priority was not simply development; it was getting back onto the field after injury.

Richardson threw for 145 yards and scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak against New England, but he also lost a fumble and threw an interception. Indianapolis committed four turnovers overall.

That makes the performance difficult to categorize as either a success or failure.

The positive is that Richardson returned to action and demonstrated the ability to produce offensively. The concern is that turnovers remain an area requiring improvement.

The Colts eventually secured a 13-13 draw after Spencer Shrader hit a 61-yard field goal late in the game.

What the First Preseason Week Really Tells Us

The biggest mistake would be to treat these results as predictions for the regular season.

Preseason football is fundamentally different from regular-season football. Coaches are testing players, limiting starters and experimenting with combinations.

But that does not make the games meaningless.

They provide clues.

For Pittsburgh, the biggest clue is that Allar looks comfortable enough to command attention. For Las Vegas, Mendoza has shown an early ability to handle the moment. For Tennessee, Ward needs more opportunities to demonstrate consistency. For Indianapolis, Richardson’s health and ball security remain major storylines.

Meanwhile, players such as Amar Johnson, Kurtis Rourke and Trey Smack are also using limited opportunities to make their cases.

The preseason is ultimately a competition for trust.

Every snap can influence a coaching decision. Every accurate throw can strengthen a quarterback’s position. Every turnover can create doubt. Every big play can change the perception of a player fighting for a roster spot.

That is why Allar’s performance matters.

It was only one game, but the rookie has given McCarthy and the Steelers something they desperately want from a young quarterback: a reason to keep watching.

And as the preseason progresses, the question will become increasingly difficult to ignore:

Could Drew Allar be more than just Aaron Rodgers’ backup?

For now, the answer is unknown. But after three touchdowns and a highly efficient passing performance in McCarthy’s first game, Allar has certainly started the conversation.

Source: Sky Sports, August 14, 2026.