The Battle for QB1: Will Howard and the Rise of the New Guard
In the high-stakes world of professional football, the narrative surrounding a team’s quarterback room can shift in the blink of an eye. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the recent buzz isn’t just about the arrival of 5-star prospect Drew Allar; it’s about the unexpected resurgence of Will Howard.
While Allar’s elite pedigree and “A++” arm talent captured headlines during the draft, industry insiders are beginning to notice a different story unfolding on the practice field. As noted by long-time Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac, the gap between the two signal-callers may be narrower than draft boards originally suggested.
Overcoming the Scouting Narrative
Before the draft, scouts were quick to label Howard with a “middling arm strength” tag. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein famously noted that Howard struggled to beat tight man coverage on deeper throws. However, early OTA returns suggest a significant technical evolution.
Dulac’s observations from the sidelines point to a player who has found a new level of comfort. When a quarterback’s mechanics become second nature, the ball velocity often increases—not because they are throwing harder, but because they are throwing more efficiently. For Howard, this improvement in poise is the first step toward silencing critics who questioned his NFL ceiling.
The Preseason Proving Ground: Why Reps Matter
The transition from collegiate star to professional franchise quarterback is rarely linear. For both Allar and Howard, the upcoming preseason will be the ultimate litmus test. Dulac estimates that 90–95% of preseason snaps will be split between these two, a vital development for a team searching for its next long-term leader.
Unlike last year, when an injury sidelined Howard for the entire preseason, this summer offers a clean slate. Live game reps provide the kind of pressure-cooker environment that drills simply cannot replicate. Teams look for specific traits during these games:
- Decision-making under duress: How does the QB handle a collapsing pocket?
- Ball placement: Can they lead receivers away from heavy traffic?
- Leadership: How does the huddle respond to their cadence and command?
Did You Know?
The term “Gerry”—often used in cinematic circles to describe a “screw up” or a misadventure—has its roots in the 2002 Gus Van Sant film starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. Interestingly, in the world of Pittsburgh sports media, the name “Gerry” (referring to Dulac) is synonymous with the exact opposite: precision, accuracy, and deep-rooted institutional knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does arm strength impact a quarterback’s NFL success?
While elite arm strength is a “wow” factor, timing, anticipation, and accuracy are more predictive of long-term success. Many QBs with average arms have thrived by mastering the “mental” side of the game.
Why is the preseason so important for rookie and backup QBs?
Preseason games allow coaching staffs to evaluate how players process complex defensive schemes in real-time, which is essential before committing to a starter for the regular season.
Is Drew Allar the guaranteed starter?
Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. While Allar’s draft status gives him an initial advantage, the coaching staff will prioritize the player who proves they can lead the offense most consistently during camp.
What do you think? Is the Steelers’ future bright with this new duo, or is there more work to be done? Join the conversation in the comments below or subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest analysis on the Pittsburgh roster.