In his inaugural game at the helm of the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike McCarthy witnessed a standout performance from rookie quarterback Drew Allar, who guided the team to a convincing 28-9 preseason triumph over the Green Bay Packers. Allar, a third‑round selection, demonstrated poise beyond his years, completing ten of thirteen attempts for 154 yards, delivering two touchdown passes and adding a rushing score of his own. His composure and sound decision‑making left a strong impression on McCarthy, suggesting a promising future for the young signal‑caller.
Supporting Allar’s heroics, backup quarterback Will Howard also made a notable contribution. Howard entered the game efficiently, completing seven of nine passes for 86 yards and orchestrating a drive that culminated in a touchdown. The Steelers’ offense as a whole outgained the Packers 385 yards to 160, showcasing a balanced attack that combined aerial precision with a stout running game. Mason Rudolph, another quarterback vying for a backup role, saw limited action but proved effective during his brief stint.
His efficiency added another layer of competition for the secondary quarterback slots behind veteran Aaron Rodgers on the Packers’ roster. Speaking of the Packers, Jordan Love appeared for a short spell, while rookie kicker Trey Smack provided a bright spot for Green Bay, successfully converting field goals from 58, 38 and 37 yards. The preseason action extended beyond Pittsburgh and Green Bay.
In Las Vegas, the No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza made his debut for the Raiders, throwing a six‑yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Jack Bech. Mendoza completed ten of sixteen attempts for 97 yards, becoming the first top‑drafted quarterback since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to record a touchdown in his first preseason appearance.
Despite Mendoza’s effort, the Raiders fell 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona’s offense was propelled by flawless passing from Jacoby Brissett and former Raider Gardner Minshew, while third‑overall pick Jeremiyah Love showcased his dual‑threat ability with 58 rushing yards on eleven carries. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, now with the Raiders, also added a touchdown in a brief cameo, highlighting the depth of experience present in the game. Further north, the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots ended their preseason opener in a 13-13 stalemate.
Former first‑round pick Anthony Richardson returned from injury and delivered a mixed performance: he amassed 145 passing yards and scored on a one‑yard quarterback sneak, but also suffered a fumble and an interception, contributing to four total turnovers for Indianapolis. New England’s offense, led by Tommy DeVito, completed thirteen of twenty‑two passes for 128 yards and found the end zone with a touchdown pass to Kyle Williams. The tie was ultimately broken when Colts kicker Spencer Shrader nailed a 61‑yard field goal late in the game, while Patriots defender Anthony Borregales missed a potential game‑winning attempt, preserving the draw.
In the Tennessee Titans’ exhibition against the San Francisco 49ers, No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward experienced a mixed debut. He engineered a 95‑yard touchdown drive on the opening possession, yet finished with modest statistics: five completions on ten attempts for just 25 yards, and an inability to connect with fellow rookie Carnell Tate. Nevertheless, the Titans secured a 19-13 victory, thanks in part to Tony Pollard’s lone touchdown and Joey Slye’s four field goals, three of which traveled beyond the 50‑yard line.
San Francisco’s backup quarterback Kurtis Rourke impressed upon his return from injury, completing twelve of fourteen passes for 101 yards before exiting with a rib injury. Rookie receiver De'Zhaun Stribling contributed seven catches for 63 yards, providing a glimpse of the 49ers’ future receiving depth.
The Los Angeles Chargers opened their preseason campaign with a dominant 27-7 win over the Houston Texans. Undrafted running back Amar Johnson, now in his second season, scored twice and hauled in a spectacular 55‑yard reception, while also converting a two‑point conversion. With starters Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud rested, the Chargers relied on Trey Lance, who completed twelve of twenty passes for 164 yards, and on Davis Mills, who threw Houston’s sole touchdown pass.
Additionally, DJ Uiagalelei added a late touchdown, underscoring the depth of the Chargers’ quarterback room. In Cincinnati, veteran Joe Flacco entered the game in relief of Joe Burrow and threw a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Jack Endries, helping the Bengals secure a 16-14 victory over the Detroit Lions.
Burrow had started the game, completing five of six attempts for 39 yards before handing the reins to Flacco. Evan McPherson contributed three field goals, including a 56‑yard effort, while the Bengals capitalized on three turnovers forced by Detroit.
The Lions saw undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer throw for 130 yards and a late touchdown, sparking a brief comeback threat that was ultimately quashed by a late interception from Russ Yeast, sealing Detroit’s win. These preseason contests set the stage for the upcoming NFL regular season, offering fans a preview of emerging talent, tactical adjustments, and the health status of key players. All four weeks of NFL preseason action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, providing comprehensive coverage ahead of the season opener—a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots scheduled for September 10.
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