Since Mike McCarthy was named head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, his enthusiasm for the quarterback position has been clear, as he has worked with many talented players at the position throughout his coaching career. Since taking over in Pittsburgh, McCarthy has already offered strong praise for Will Howard, which has sparked excitement among fans about his future.
The Steelers selected Drew Allar in the third round of the draft, but he appears set to wait his turn. His developmental label from the draft process remains accurate, and McCarthy and his staff will work closely with him to refine his weaknesses. Will Howard could take steps forward and establish himself as a reliable backup thanks to McCarthy's aid in his rapid development in Year 2.
"It's the detail. Like the detail in everything that he teaches, everything that he coaches, is so interictally detailed." Howard continued, "It's just made me better."
At OTAs, Will Howard has taken snaps with the second unit, but that does not mean he has secured the job.
It is encouraging to see him begin in that role, but Mason Rudolph could still work his way into the conversation during training camp and the preseason. Mike McCarthy should help Howard and the rest of the quarterbacks develop, but only time will tell if that growth will be enough for Howard to become the future of the franchise.
Pittsburgh Steelers potential QB2 Will Howard has high praise for HC Mike McCarthy
You cannot ignore the strong praise Mike McCarthy has given Will Howard in the media, as he has consistently spoken highly of him and the rest of the quarterback group throughout OTAs and the lead-up to that process. There will need to be considerable competition during training camp and the preseason before the Steelers can firmly decide on the quarterback depth chart.
One thing is certain: fans cannot deny the immediate impact the new head coach has had on the most important position in football.
McCarthy is known for developing quarterbacks at a high level, with Aaron Rodgers standing as one of his greatest success stories. Will Howard may not be on a Hall of Fame track right now, but he is learning from a coach who is teaching him the same proven techniques.
Howard continued to describe his new coaches' effect, "In my footwork or ball handling that I hadn't even thought about. It just makes you hyper focused and locked in on those things that maybe seem minute and miniscule, but it really makes a difference."
It is only OTAs, but Will Howard’s position as the second quarterback on the depth chart is a promising sign. He will need to earn that role every day if he hopes to keep it. The Steelers could carry four quarterbacks on the roster, but that scenario seems unlikely, which means the final spot may come down to Howard and Mason Rudolph. It is far from an easy decision at this stage.
Expect things to continue to ramp up as the team moves through its upcoming camps in the months ahead.
Will Howard is in a strong position, and if his development continues, he has a real chance to secure the backup role. However, Mason Rudolph’s experience cannot be overlooked, especially if the Steelers decide to keep only three quarterbacks on the roster. The outlook is positive for Howard, but he must continue to progress.
Add us as a preferred source on Google