At Acrisure Stadium, the New York Jets handed the Pittsburgh Steelers a 17-0 defeat in the second preseason matchup, leaving the Steelers without a single point on the board. Second‑year quarterback Will Howard completed 10 of 15 passes for 74 yards but threw two interceptions, while rookie Drew Allar managed 11 completions on 23 attempts for 110 yards.

Head coach Mike McCarthy praised both quarterbacks for their confidence and resilience, stating, "I have no concern so far. They've played at big schools and grew up playing quarterback. I don’t see any blink in their performance." He also underscored the importance of communication during practice and game film review.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that preseason performances often set the tone for roster decisions, and the Steelers' inability to score highlights potential depth issues at quarterback, a critical position for championship aspirations.

"Preseason is the true classroom for NFL teams; every mistake is a lesson for the regular season," noted veteran analyst Tom Arther.

Howard admitted his outing was "not up to par," but highlighted positives such as feeling comfortable in the pocket and executing progressions on early downs. "Those two turnovers really make it sour," he said, emphasizing the need to protect the football.

Allar echoed a similar sentiment, acknowledging missed opportunities early in drives and the need for better decision‑making. "Obviously, not good enough," he remarked, focusing on improving his early‑down execution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Will Howard start the next preseason game?
Coach McCarthy indicated both quarterbacks will continue to compete for snaps, so the decision will hinge on upcoming performance.

Who are the Steelers facing next?
Pittsburgh closes the preseason against the Buffalo Bills, offering another chance for Howard and Allar to apply their lessons.