Preseason Week 2: Steelers' QB Evaluation Continues With Howard, Allar
The New York Jets travel to Pittsburgh on Friday, August 21. Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will both sit for the Steelers, with Will Howard starting and rookie fourth-round pick Drew Allar getting the bulk of the remaining snaps. Coach Mike Tomlin wants to maximize evaluation reps for both after Allar impressed in the opener, going 10 of 13 for 153 yards and two touchdowns plus a rushing score.
Allar's strong debut raises the stakes
A three-touchdown showing in Week 1 has made Allar a real subplot behind Howard, and another good outing would only add to the buzz around Pittsburgh's QB room.
Tomlin says he's seen enough from Rudolph
With Rudolph not playing, the Steelers are clearly using this game to sort out the Howard-Allar pecking order rather than auditioning a third option.
Jets could start Zach Wilson
Reports indicate Wilson has been medically cleared and is expected to start for New York if his week of practice goes well, though that remains to be confirmed closer to kickoff.
AI Prediction
Jets 
Steelers Allar's momentum from Week 1 is a real signal
A three-touchdown preseason debut suggests Pittsburgh's backup quarterback room is playing with real confidence heading into this game.
Clear organizational plan favors the Steelers
Knowing exactly who plays and why tends to produce more consistent execution than a Jets team whose starter situation wasn't fully settled until late in the week.
Preseason variance still caps full confidence
Both games remain driven by backups and roster-bubble players, leaving real uncertainty in the final margin.
This is a preseason exhibition. Pittsburgh's clear plan and Allar's hot start give this projection more confidence than a typical Week 2 game, though it's still preseason football.
Steelers Leaders
Jets Leaders
Team Stats
| Jets | Stat | Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| 16.0 | Points Per Game | 28.0 |
| 310.0 | Total Yards | 404.0 |
| 219.0 | Yards Passing | 332.0 |
| 91.0 | Yards Rushing | 72.0 |
| 24.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 9.0 |
| 252.0 | Yards Allowed | 204.0 |
| 183.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 141.0 |
| 69.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 63.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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