RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Drew Allar hit the ground running in his first taste of NFL action.
The rookie quarterback played three drives for the Pittsburgh Steelers (excluding a kneeldown to end the game) in Thursday's 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. All three possessions finished inside the end zone, as Allar completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns at Acrisure Stadium.
Allar reacted to his memorable exhibition debut, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor .
"It's a huge confidence boost, but I think I came into the game confident just because of the preparation and everything that has gone on in the last two weeks down in Latrobe," Allar said. "Coach (Mike) McCarthy and the whole offensive staff put together a really concise game plan … just calling stuff that they know I'm comfortable with and just allowing us to go out and play fast. I feel like they did a great job of putting me in a position to go out and be successful."
A broken ankle ended Allar's last season at Penn State early, so Thursday marked his first game in nearly 10 months. The 22-year-old didn't ease his way back into action, absorbing a hit while diving head-first into the end zone on his opening series.
"The first rushing touchdown I had was like the first hit I've had in I don't know how long, but since mid-October," Allar said. "I feel like that kind of got the physical part out of the way. But I feel like going against our defense every day in practice really helped me mentally prepare for the game."
Steelers fans serenaded the newcomer with chants of "Drewwwwww," before Allar took the field, but the third-round pick was too preoccupied to take in the moment.
"Honestly, I was more focused on enunciating the playcall more than anything," Allar said. "I didn't really hear it at all."
McCarthy liked what he saw from Allar, second-year quarterback Will Howard, and veteran Mason Rudolph on Thursday. The trio tallied a combined 313 passing yards on 33 attempts.
"I thought as far as the way they took the play, commanded the huddle. … I thought they were very poised," McCarthy said. "I liked the way all three of them played, especially our young guys. I liked the way Will responded. … He did a good job overcoming some long down on distances, and I thought his two-minute drill was outstanding. And I thought Drew played very, very well."
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