In his inaugural game at the helm of the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike McCarthy saw rookie quarterback Drew Allar deliver a standout performance that helped the team secure a 28-9 preseason triumph over the Green Bay Packers. Allar, selected in the third round, demonstrated poise beyond his years, completing ten of his thirteen attempts for a total of 154 yards.
He found the end zone twice through the air and added a rushing touchdown, showcasing a blend of accuracy and mobility that impressed the new coaching staff. The Steelers’ offensive rhythm was further bolstered by wide receiver Will Howard, who made a significant impact in limited snaps.
Howard caught seven passes out of nine targets, amassing 86 yards and orchestrating a scoring drive that underscored his reliability as a playmaker. Together, Allar and Howard propelled Pittsburgh to outgain Green Bay 385 yards to 160, a clear indicator of the team’s offensive potential under McCarthy’s system. Mason Rudolph also saw action, delivering an efficient showing that added depth to the quarterback competition behind veteran Aaron Rodgers on the Packers’ roster. While Rudolph’s time on the field was brief, his performance suggested that the Steelers possess multiple viable options as they shape their depth chart for the upcoming regular season.
On the Packers’ side, Jordan Love entered the game for a short stint, offering a glimpse of his development under the new coaching regime. Meanwhile, rookie kicker Trey Smack emerged as a bright spot for Green Bay, successfully converting three field goals from distances of 58, 38, and 37 yards, demonstrating both leg strength and composure in a preseason environment.
The preseason action extended beyond Pittsburgh and Green Bay, with several other notable storylines. In Las Vegas, No.
1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza made his preseason debut for the Raiders, delivering a touchdown pass to rookie receiver Jack Bech on a six-yard play. Mendoza completed ten of sixteen attempts for 97 yards, becoming the first top draft selection since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to record a touchdown in his initial preseason appearance. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins also contributed a touchdown in a brief cameo for the Raiders, highlighting the depth of experience on the roster.
Arizona built its offensive momentum through flawless passing from Jacoby Brissett and former Raider Gardner Minshew, while third overall pick Jeremiyah Love impressed with 58 rushing yards on eleven carries, adding a dynamic element to the Cardinals’ ground game. The Indianapolis Colts faced the New England Patriots in a tightly contested preseason opener that ended in a 13-13 stalemate. Former first-round pick Anthony Richardson returned from injury and posted a mixed performance: he threw for 145 yards, scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak, but also suffered a fumble and an interception, contributing to the Colts’ four total turnovers.
New England’s offense, led by Tommy DeVito, completed thirteen of twenty-two passes for 128 yards and a touchdown to Kyle Williams, keeping the game within reach. A dramatic finish saw the Colts break the tie with a 61-yard field goal by Spencer Shrader, while Patriots kicker Anthony Borregales missed a potential game‑winning attempt, underscoring the high‑stakes nature of preseason execution. In the matchup between the Tennessee Titans and the San Francisco 49ers, No.
1 overall pick Cam Ward experienced a mixed debut. Ward engineered a 95‑yard touchdown drive on Tennessee’s opening possession, yet finished the game with modest statistics: five completions on ten attempts for just 25 passing 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 bright spot for the 49ers despite the loss.
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 recorded a spectacular 55‑yard reception, while also converting a two‑point conversion. With starters Justin Herbert and C.J.
Stroud resting, backup Trey Lance completed twelve of twenty passes for 164 yards, and Davis Mills threw Houston’s sole touchdown pass. Additionally, DJ Uiagalelei added a late touchdown, further cementing the Chargers’ control in the second half. The Cincinnati Bengals secured a 16‑14 victory against the Detroit Lions, highlighted by Joe Flacco stepping in for Joe Burrow and delivering a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Jack Endries. Burrow’s brief appearance consisted of five completions on six attempts for 39 yards before handing the reins to Flacco.
Kicker Evan McPherson contributed three field goals, including a 56‑yard effort, while the Bengals capitalized on three turnovers forced by Detroit. Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer threw for 130 yards and a late touchdown for the Lions, who mounted a late comeback attempt before Russ Yeast sealed the win with an interception. These preseason contests set the stage for the upcoming regular season, offering fans a preview of emerging talent, strategic adjustments, and the competitive spirit that defines the NFL.
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