The Pittsburgh Steelers opened Mike McCarthy’s inaugural season as head coach with a dominant 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. Third-round draft pick Drew Allar led the offensive charge, completing 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards while adding a rushing touchdown alongside his two passing scores. The rookie’s composed play and decision-making drew praise from the new coach. Backup quarterbacks Will Howard and Mason Rudolph also saw significant playing time, with Howard completing seven of nine attempts for 86 yards and directing a scoring drive, while Rudolph demonstrated efficiency in limited action. The Steelers’ offensive dominance was reflected in total yardage, as Pittsburgh outgained Green Bay 385-160. For the Packers, Jordan Love appeared briefly, and kicker Trey Smack made field goals from 58, 38, and 37 yards.
In other preseason action, the Las Vegas Raiders faced the Arizona Cardinals in a matchup featuring two highly touted rookies. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza threw a touchdown pass in his first preseason game, connecting with receiver Jack Bech for a six-yard score in the Raiders’ 27-14 defeat. Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards, becoming the first top overall selection since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to throw a touchdown in his preseason debut. Veteran Kirk Cousins also scored on a short appearance for Las Vegas, while Arizona’s offense featured standout performances from Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, with third overall pick Jeremiyah Love rushing for 58 yards on 11 carries.
Tennessee’s Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, had an uneven preseason debut as the Titans edged the San Francisco 49ers 13-19. Ward led an impressive 95-yard scoring drive on the opening possession but finished with just 25 passing yards on five completions from 10 attempts. Tony Pollard scored Tennessee’s sole touchdown, while Joey Slye contributed four field goals. San Francisco’s Kurtis Rourke impressed upon his return from injury, completing 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards before suffering a rib injury, and rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling caught seven passes for 63 yards.
The Los Angeles Chargers dominated the Houston Texans 27-7, with undrafted running back Amar Johnson scoring twice and recording a 55-yard reception. Trey Lance completed 12 of 20 passes for 164 yards for Los Angeles, while the Chargers’ defense capitalized on Houston’s mistakes. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Detroit Lions 16-14, with Joe Flacco throwing a touchdown to rookie tight end Jack Endries in relief of Joe Burrow, and Evan McPherson adding three field goals including a 56-yarder.
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