Steelers training camp observations: One quarterback stands above the rest, defense dominates on first day of pads in Latrobe
The Pittsburgh Steelers were back in action on Monday, and for the first time, they were strapped in full pads. Here are some of the main takeaways from the first padded practice at 2026 Steelers training camp in Latrobe.
Day 1 of Pittsburgh Steelers padded practice is in the books at Latrobe, and the early returns paint a clear picture: the defense is ahead of the offense, and quarterback Drew Allar made a strong impression as the best of the rest behind Aaron Rodgers.
Drew Allar facts
- Was Mr. Ohio for football in high school.
- Grew up a browns fan.
- Played in the College Football Semifinal with Penn State.
Allar separates himself in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11
Starting in the team drill 7-on-7, Allar looked precise and rhythmic with the football. Will Howard, on the other hand, appeared a little uncomfortable. His timing and rhythm looked a bit off, and he wasn’t always on pace with his throws. He drifted from the pocket twice (into what would have been likely sacks) and then threw the ball out of bounds. Both times.
Allar carried that momentum into 11-on-11, where he connected with wide receiver Max Hurleman on a sharp in-breaking route. He did skip one fastball into the dirt, but outside of that, his day was impressive. The battle between Allar and Howard was a mainstay in Week 1, but if he continues to play like this, it may be Howard vs. Rudolph if the Steelers are to only keep 3 QBs. Cutting Allar, who you just drafted in the third round, was never really an option anyway.
Rodgers, as expected, made a ton of throws and looked the part of the starter. He and DK Metcalf connected on some quality passes, and Rodgers ripped a throw to the back of the end zone targeting Roman Wilson that looked good to the naked eye but was ruled incomplete.
Defense steals the show on Day 1
The big takeaway from the first day in pads, however, was the Steelers defense. Pittsburgh’s defensive front dominated the 1-on-1 drills against the offensive line. Some of the younger offensive linemen held their own, but for the most part, it was the defense setting the tone. That carried over into 11-on-11 and the 2-minute drill, where the starting defense put it on the offense.
To be fair to the offensive side of the ball, the unit is still implementing elements of its new scheme. There was a heavy dose of in-between-the-tackles running and under-center play action, and those kinds of installations take time to gel in a live setting, but it wasn’t until Aaron Rodgers took over in the 2 min drill portion of practice that the offense did anything of substance, and they were still thwarted in the end.
The bottom line
The Steelers defense looked like the more polished group on Day 1, which is not entirely surprising given the continuity on that side of the ball. Allar’s performance in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 is worth monitoring as training camp progresses. If he continues to separate himself from Howard, the quarterback depth chart conversation could get a lot more compelling.
