7 Steelers takeaways that matter most after preseason win over Packers

A dominant preseason opener doesn't guarantee regular-season success, but it’s considerably better than looking disorganized under a new coaching staff. The Pittsburgh Steelers gave their fans plenty to like while establishing a solid foundation for the rest of the preseason.

A win is a win, and the Steelers played winning football (mostly) all night. Both sides of the ball gave fans things to monitor more closely as the rest of the preseason unfolds, and young players stole the show in multiple ways.

Here are the takeaways that fans should still have dancing in their heads after witnessing Mike McCarthy's first game as the Steelers head coach.

1. Mike McCarthy could not have asked for a better Steelers debut

Preseason results require perspective, but a 28-9 victory is an encouraging first impression. After falling behind 9-0, Pittsburgh scored 28 unanswered points, giving Mike McCarthy a convincing debut against the organization he coached for nearly 13 seasons.

2. Defense set the standard for Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh held Green Bay without a touchdown, recorded four sacks and did not allow a run of 10 or more yards. Jamin Davis contributed two sacks, while Asante Samuel Jr.’s end-zone pass breakup forced the Packers to settle for a field goal on their opening possession.

3. Will Howard and Drew Allar thrived in McCarthy’s offense

In his NFL debut, Will Howard completed 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards and directed an eight-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. Drew Allar -- who was out there longer -- was even better, finishing 10 of 13 for 154 yards, two passing touchdowns and a 3-yard rushing score. Both young quarterbacks looked poised and comfortable running McCarthy’s system.

4. Allar delivered the performance of the night

Allar accounted for three touchdowns in his NFL preseason debut. His first pass was a 74-yard completion to rookie Kaden Wetjen, setting up Allar’s touchdown run. He later found Wetjen and fellow 2026 classmate Riley Nowakowski for scores, displaying accuracy, composure, and command beyond his experience level.

5. Green Bay storyline was impossible to ignore

McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers beginning their Steelers chapter against their former team felt almost scripted. Rodgers was held out, but Pittsburgh’s young quarterbacks made McCarthy’s detailed approach to developing the position one of the night’s biggest successes.

6. Kaden Wetjen made his opportunities count

Wetjen caught only two passes, but he made them count, producing a team-high 79 yards and a touchdown. His 74-yard reception created Pittsburgh’s first second-half touchdown, and his 5-yard scoring catch extended the lead. That is exactly the kind of explosive preseason showing that can elevate a roster candidate.

7. Penalties were Pittsburgh’s biggest blemish

The final score was convincing, but Pittsburgh committed 11 penalties for 143 yards. McCarthy called the total “way too high,” and cleaning up those mistakes should become an immediate priority. The Steelers overcame them against Green Bay’s preseason lineup, but they cannot expect to do that consistently once the regular season begins.

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