In his preseason debut, quarterback Will Howard orchestrated a remarkable two-minute drill for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. Down 3-0 with two minutes left in the half, Howard executed an 80-yard drive in eight plays, finishing with a 1-yard touchdown run by Lew Nichols. This performance came after a shaky first half for the Steelers, highlighting Howard's potential for the coaching staff as he completed all four passes on the critical drive. Head coach Mike McCarthy praised the offense's execution during this high-pressure situation.

By the Numbers
  • Completed 4 of 4 passes for 70 yards during the two-minute drive.
  • Led an 80-yard touchdown drive in 8 plays.
Yes, But

While Howard's performance was noteworthy, it contrasts with his previous series where he only completed 1 of 2 passes. Additionally, Mason Rudolph's strong drives have positioned him as the lead candidate for the backup quarterback role, which may complicate Howard鈥檚 efforts to secure a spot.

State of Play
  • The Steelers struggled with penalties during the first half.
  • Mason Rudolph remains the frontrunner for the backup quarterback position after his effective drives.
What's Next

If Howard continues to build on this performance, he could further compete for the backup role, especially if he gains consistency in future games. The coaching staff may provide him with more opportunities to shine in subsequent preseason outings.

Bottom Line

Will Howard's impressive two-minute drill showcased his potential as a capable quarterback, but competition remains fierce, particularly from Mason Rudolph. His ability to perform under pressure could be crucial for his chances in the upcoming roster decisions.