Steelers 28, Packers 9: Drew Allar's Three Touchdown Night Changes Pittsburgh's Depth Picture

Pittsburgh's 28 to 9 win over Green Bay produced the most convincing quarterback performance of Thursday night. Drew Allar completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, added another score on the ground and helped the Steelers turn a competitive game into a runaway. Green Bay generated only three field goals and finished with 97 net passing yards while allowing five sacks.

How the game turned

The Packers stayed within reach through most of the first three quarters because Trey Smack converted every opportunity, including a 58 yard field goal. The offense never found the explosive response it needed. Green Bay's reserve quarterbacks spent too much of the night dealing with pressure, short throws and stalled possessions. Pittsburgh changed the game when Allar attacked downfield. His connection with Kaden Wetjen produced a 74 yard gain and a touchdown, the kind of play that immediately changes field position and forces defensive backs to defend every blade of grass. Allar also looked comfortable finishing drives. Mason Rudolph went 10 of 11 for 93 yards and Will Howard added 86 yards on 7 of 9 passing, giving Pittsburgh an unusually efficient night across the entire quarterback room.

Numbers that mattered

The Steelers completed 27 of 33 passes and finished with 313 net passing yards. Green Bay completed 19 of 30 passes for only 97 net passing yards. Pittsburgh's defense recorded five sacks. Wetjen caught two passes for 79 yards and a touchdown, while Smack made all three of his field goal attempts and showed range from 58 yards. The contrast was simple. Pittsburgh created explosive gains and protected its quarterbacks. Green Bay did neither consistently enough to threaten the lead.

Roster stock

Allar made the largest move of the night. One preseason performance does not settle an NFL depth chart, but his size, arm strength and willingness to attack vertically give Pittsburgh a developmental option with a higher ceiling than a routine third quarterback. The next test is consistency. He must show the same command when defenses disguise pressure and take away his first read. Wetjen also created a strong case for a roster spot because explosive speed can translate to receiver packages and the return game. Green Bay's concern is less about its starters and more about the structure around the backups. Five sacks and 97 net passing yards indicate that the reserve offensive line and protection communication did not hold up. Smack's leg was the clearest positive and gave the Packers points from long range.

Season projection after the opener

Football Nation projects Pittsburgh as an AFC playoff contender if its starting quarterback situation remains stable and the offensive line can support the vertical passing game. Allar's performance raises the floor of the quarterback room and gives the coaching staff a legitimate development plan. It does not require an immediate change at the top of the depth chart, but it makes him much harder to dismiss. Green Bay remains an NFC North contender because the regular season offense will run through Jordan Love and the established skill group. The opener did reveal a depth risk. If the backup line cannot protect, one injury at quarterback or tackle could produce a sharp decline. Green Bay should treat the next two preseason games as a protection audit rather than simply a search for more passing yards.

Bottom line

Pittsburgh won the quarterback depth test by a wide margin. Allar supplied the headline, Rudolph and Howard maintained the efficiency, and the defense repeatedly ended Green Bay drives with pressure. The Packers found a reliable kicking performance, but almost nothing sustainable in the reserve passing game. The score will disappear when the regular season begins. The evidence about Pittsburgh's quarterback depth and Green Bay's protection depth should not.