The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the 2026 preseason with a convincing 28-9 victory over the Green Bay Packers, but the final score was only part of the story. Several young players made strong cases for bigger roles, while Pittsburgh also uncovered areas that need attention before the regular season.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Steelers’ preseason debut.
1. Drew Allar immediately became the biggest storyline
The biggest winner of the night was undoubtedly rookie quarterback Drew Allar.
The third-round pick finished with roughly 154 passing yards and accounted for three touchdowns — two through the air and one on the ground. He showed the arm talent that made him such an intriguing prospect while also displaying impressive composure and accuracy.
His performance is particularly important because Pittsburgh is thinking beyond the 2026 season. Aaron Rodgers gives the Steelers an experienced veteran, but Allar represents a potential long-term answer.
One preseason game obviously isn’t enough to declare him the franchise quarterback. However, Allar gave Pittsburgh exactly what it wanted to see from its developmental investment.
2. The quarterback competition is becoming fascinating
Allar wasn’t the only quarterback who performed well.
Mason Rudolph completed 10 of 11 passes for 95 yards, while Will Howard finished 7 of 9 for 86 yards and engineered an impressive two-minute touchdown drive.
That creates an interesting problem for Mike McCarthy.
The Steelers already know what Rudolph brings as a veteran, while Howard and Allar offer considerably more mystery and potential. Pittsburgh now has three quarterbacks behind Rodgers who have reasons to remain on the roster.
The preseason will determine whether the Steelers keep three or four quarterbacks.
3. Kaden Wetjen made a major impression
Wide receiver Kaden Wetjen was another standout.
His explosive playmaking ability was evident on a 74-yard reception that helped set up one of Allar’s touchdowns. Wetjen’s speed gives Pittsburgh another intriguing option in a wide receiver room where several players are competing for meaningful roles.
He’ll need to continue producing, but his debut certainly put his name into the conversation.
4. The defense looked deep
Pittsburgh’s defense also produced plenty of encouraging moments.
Asante Samuel Jr., Doneiko Slaughter and Robert Spears-Jennings were among the defenders who stood out, while Jamin Davis recorded two sacks.
For a team hoping to compete immediately, defensive depth could become one of its biggest strengths.
5. Penalties remain a concern
The Steelers weren’t perfect.
Pittsburgh committed 11 penalties for more than 130 yards, an unacceptable level of mistakes even in a preseason game.
McCarthy will undoubtedly want that cleaned up quickly. Penalties that can be overcome against preseason backups can become drive-killers once the regular season begins.
6. Don’t get carried away yet
Perhaps the most important takeaway is that perspective is necessary.
Much of Allar’s production came against Green Bay’s deeper defensive personnel, and preseason competition doesn’t replicate a regular-season environment. One strong night doesn’t guarantee that Allar is ready to become Pittsburgh’s quarterback of the future.
Still, the Steelers couldn’t have asked for a much better opening statement.
Allar flashed star potential, Howard and Rudolph strengthened their cases, the defense showed depth, and several young playmakers emerged.
For a team entering a season filled with questions, the Steelers received plenty of encouraging answers in their first game.
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