By Ray Porter Jr. Urban Media Today
PITTSBURGH, PA — The Mike McCarthy era got off to a winning start Thursday night as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Green Bay Packers 28-9 in their preseason opener at Acrisure Stadium before 64,164 fans.
For McCarthy, the night carried plenty of personal significance. The Greenfield native made his debut as Pittsburgh’s head coach after taking over for Mike Tomlin, who coached the Steelers for 19 seasons.
McCarthy also faced the franchise that gave him his first NFL head-coaching opportunity in 2006. He went on to lead Green Bay to a 31-25 victory over Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV following the 2010 season.
This time, McCarthy’s new team controlled the night.
The Steelers scored four touchdowns while holding the Packers without a touchdown. Green Bay settled for three field goals from rookie kicker Trey Smack, including a 58-yarder.
The biggest story, however, was the play of Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks.
Rookie Drew Allar delivered an impressive NFL debut, completing 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. The former Penn State standout showed poise and accuracy throughout his appearance and helped lead three second-half scoring drives.
“I thought Drew played very, very well,” McCarthy said after the game.
Will Howard also provided plenty of encouragement for the Steelers. The 2025 draft pick completed 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards and directed a touchdown drive that included a 1-yard scoring run by free-agent running back Lew Nichols. Nichols, who played for Green Bay in 2023, led Pittsburgh’s running backs with 36 rushing yards.
Veteran Mason Rudolph got the start and was highly efficient, completing 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards.
“I really liked the quarterback play tonight,” McCarthy said. “I really like the room. I think it’s a really good quarterback room, and I thought they played that way tonight.
Rudolph set the tone with a long opening possession, while Howard overcame some early inconsistencies and finished strong with an impressive two-minute drill. Allar then took advantage of his opportunities and provided the night’s biggest plays.
Howard connected with tight end Robert Tonyan for a 22-yard completion that helped set up Nichols’ touchdown. Tonyan finished with four receptions for 61 yards.
Allar’s first big play came when he found rookie wide receiver Kaden Wetjen, who turned a completion into a 74-yard gain and set up Allar’s rushing touchdown. Wetjen later added a touchdown reception and finished with two catches for 79 yards.
“I thought the operation was — we got off to a good start,” McCarthy said of his quarterbacks. “I thought as far as the way they took the play and commanded the huddle, you know, we’ll be better because just for what we have planned in the next couple of days. So, no, I thought they were very poised.”
The Steelers were just as impressive on defense.
Pittsburgh consistently pressured Green Bay’s quarterbacks, recording multiple sacks and keeping the Packers out of the end zone. Veteran linebacker Jamin Davis led the way with two sacks.
McCarthy, an offensive-minded coach, said he welcomes the pressure because it creates opportunities for his defense.
“Frankly, as an offensive guy, I love it,” McCarthy said. “You can pressure us as much as you want, so I’m all for it.”
Although preseason results ultimately carry little weight once the regular season begins, Pittsburgh’s opening-night performance offered plenty for McCarthy and his staff to evaluate — particularly at quarterback.
“I really liked the performance of all three quarterbacks tonight,” McCarthy said.
The Steelers will take Friday off before returning to Saint Vincent College to continue training camp preparations. Pittsburgh will host the New York Jets next Friday at Acrisure Stadium in its second preseason game.
Notes
At halftime, Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon received the PNC Bank Joe Greene Great Performance Award, presented annually to the team’s rookie of the year as voted on by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America.
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