The Unlikely Hero: Will Howard’s Preseason Moment and What It Really Means
There’s something about preseason football that feels like a backstage pass to the NFL’s future. It’s raw, unpolished, and often unpredictable. But every now and then, a player steps into the spotlight and reminds us why we love this game. That’s exactly what Will Howard did for the Pittsburgh Steelers last Thursday night. Personally, I think his two-minute drill against the Packers wasn’t just a highlight—it was a statement. But let’s dig deeper into why this moment matters, what it reveals about Howard, and what it could mean for the Steelers moving forward.
The Drive That Stole the Show
Trailing 3-0 with just over two minutes left in the first half, Howard led an 80-yard touchdown drive that was as clinical as it was clutch. What makes this particularly fascinating is the context: Howard is a third-string quarterback, a 2025 sixth-round pick who’s been flying under the radar. Yet, in a high-pressure situation, he completed all four of his passes for 70 yards, capping it off with a 1-yard touchdown run by Lew Nichols. From my perspective, this wasn’t just about the stats—it was about poise, decision-making, and the ability to execute when it mattered most.
One thing that immediately stands out is Howard’s connection with tight end Robert Tonyan. Two of his throws went to Tonyan, including a 22-yard strike up the seam that set up the touchdown. What many people don’t realize is that chemistry between a quarterback and a tight end can be a game-changer, especially in the red zone. If Howard can consistently find Tonyan in these moments, it could be a sneaky weapon for the Steelers down the line.
The Bigger Picture: Howard’s Journey and the Steelers’ QB Room
Howard’s preseason debut was a long time coming. After missing last season due to injury, this was his first real chance to show what he’s capable of. And while Mason Rudolph remains the front-runner for the backup job behind Aaron Rodgers, Howard’s performance was a reminder that depth matters. In my opinion, the Steelers’ QB room is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the league—not just because of Rodgers, but because of the competition and potential behind him.
What this really suggests is that Howard isn’t just a camp body. He’s a player with upside, someone who could develop into a reliable backup or even more. If you take a step back and think about it, the NFL is full of quarterbacks who started as afterthoughts and ended up making an impact. Could Howard be one of them? It’s too early to say, but this performance certainly opens the door for that conversation.
The Coaching Angle: Mike McCarthy’s Role
Head coach Mike McCarthy praised Howard’s drive, calling it ‘excellent.’ But what’s more interesting to me is how McCarthy is handling the quarterback situation. He’s not just handing opportunities to Howard—he’s putting him in positions to succeed. The two-minute drill is a classic example of situational football, and McCarthy trusted Howard to execute it. This raises a deeper question: How much of Howard’s success is due to his own talent, and how much is a product of the system and coaching?
A detail that I find especially interesting is McCarthy’s emphasis on ‘transition plays at the ball.’ This isn’t just coach-speak—it’s a clue about how the Steelers are designing their offense. If Howard can thrive in these moments, it could be a sign that he’s a better fit for McCarthy’s system than we initially thought.
What’s Next for Howard and the Steelers?
Preseason heroics don’t always translate to regular-season success, but they’re a start. For Howard, the key will be consistency. Can he replicate this performance in future games? Can he handle the pressure when the stakes are higher? These are the questions that will define his career moving forward.
From a broader perspective, the Steelers are in an interesting spot. With Rodgers at the helm, they’re contenders. But the depth behind him—Rudolph, Howard, and others—could be the difference between a good season and a great one. Personally, I think Howard’s moment against the Packers was more than just a highlight—it was a glimpse of what could be.
Final Thoughts
Will Howard’s two-minute drill was one of those preseason moments that sticks with you. It wasn’t just about the touchdown—it was about the confidence, the execution, and the potential. In a league where backups often become starters, Howard’s performance was a reminder that every player has a story, and sometimes, those stories start in the most unexpected ways. If you ask me, this is just the beginning for Howard. And for the Steelers, it’s another reason to be excited about the future.
