DavidKeys.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the 2026 NFL preseason in impressive fashion Thursday night, defeating the Green Bay Packers 28-9 at Acrisure Stadium. While preseason results should always be viewed with some caution, Pittsburgh gave its fans plenty of reasons for optimism, particularly with strong performances from its young quarterbacks.

Drew Allar Steals the Spotlight

The biggest story of the night was rookie quarterback Drew Allar, who delivered an outstanding NFL preseason debut.

The former Penn State standout completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while also running for another touchdown. His three-touchdown performance helped Pittsburgh pull away from Green Bay in the second half.

Allar showed the arm strength, accuracy and composure that made him an intriguing third-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. His performance immediately generated excitement among Steelers fans, although veteran Aaron Rodgers remains the team’s expected starting quarterback for the regular season.

Allar wasn’t the only young quarterback to impress. Will Howard also showed poise and accuracy, while Mason Rudolph provided an efficient performance. The strong play from Pittsburgh’s quarterback room was one of the most encouraging developments of the night.

Steelers’ Offense Finds Its Rhythm

Pittsburgh’s offense gradually took control of the game, particularly after halftime.

One of the most explosive plays came from rookie wide receiver Kaden Wetjen, who turned a short opportunity into a 74-yard catch-and-run. Wetjen later added a four-yard touchdown reception, demonstrating that he could contribute as more than just a return specialist.

The Steelers’ young offensive players repeatedly made plays as the game progressed, giving new head coach Mike McCarthy an encouraging first look at his offense in game action.

The coaching staff also emphasized the two-minute drill throughout training camp, and that preparation translated into the preseason opener.

Defense Keeps Green Bay Under Control

The Steelers’ defense also turned in a strong performance.

Green Bay managed only nine points, and Pittsburgh’s defense produced several key plays, including sacks that helped force Packers drives to stall. The Steelers’ ability to pressure the quarterback and limit Green Bay’s offensive production helped create opportunities for the offense.

The Packers finished the night with only 97 passing yards across their four quarterbacks, according to a game recap from the Packers’ official website.

A Preseason Win With Plenty of Caveats

It’s important not to read too much into a preseason score.

Starters typically receive limited playing time, and coaches use these games primarily to evaluate young players, roster hopefuls and position battles. Aaron Rodgers did not play for Pittsburgh, while Green Bay also limited the participation of several key players.

Still, Pittsburgh accomplished what it wanted from its opening preseason game: young players received valuable experience, the quarterback room showed promise, and the defense played with energy.

There were also areas that need improvement. Pittsburgh was flagged 11 times for 134 yards, making penalties one of the clearest problems to address before the regular season.

What Steelers Fans Should Watch Next

The preseason opener gave Steelers fans several intriguing storylines to follow.

The development of Drew Allar will be near the top of that list. His performance was impressive enough to generate significant excitement, but the Steelers will want to see whether he can maintain that consistency throughout the remainder of the preseason.

The wide receiver competition, offensive line play and defensive depth will also receive plenty of attention as the Steelers continue evaluating their roster.

For now, Pittsburgh couldn’t have asked for a much better start.

Final Thoughts

The Steelers’ 28-9 preseason victory over the Packers was more than just a win on the scoreboard. It provided an early glimpse at the young talent Pittsburgh hopes can contribute during the 2026 season.

Drew Allar’s three-touchdown debut was the headline, while Kaden Wetjen and several other young players also made strong impressions. The defense controlled much of the game, and Mike McCarthy’s team showed flashes of the offensive identity it hopes to establish.

It’s only preseason, but after one game, Steelers Nation has plenty to be excited about.