Mike McCarthy has consistently praised Will Howard, the Pittsburgh Steelers' second-year quarterback, as a future starter in the NFL. Despite the selection of Drew Allar in the third round of the draft, McCarthy's confidence in Howard has only grown. He emphasizes that, having worked with Howard briefly, he sees significant potential for him to secure a starting position. This raises questions about the team's assessment of both quarterbacks, especially regarding Allar's potential upside. The situation reflects the Steelers' evolving quarterback strategy, hinting that they might already have their long-term starter in Howard.

By the Numbers
  • McCarthy coached Hall of Fame quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Joe Montana.
  • Drew Allar was selected in the third round (pick No. 76) of the draft.
State of Play
  • McCarthy has shared strong enthusiasm for Howard's potential since joining the Steelers.
  • There are growing implications for Allar's role given Howard’s projected development.
What's Next

The Steelers will likely continue evaluating both Howard and Allar during training camp. Future decisions about the starting QB position may hinge on their performances in practice and preseason games. Observers will be keen to see how the competition unfolds and how coaching strategies evolve regarding the young quarterbacks.

Bottom Line

McCarthy's strong endorsement of Howard suggests the Steelers have confidence in their current roster rather than just focusing on newly drafted talent. This could shift perceptions about the team's future quarterback strategy and indicate a real belief in their existing players' capabilities.