It's easy to get swept up in the shiny new toy narrative, especially when that toy is a highly-touted rookie quarterback like Drew Allar. However, I think it's crucial for Steelers fans to keep a close eye on Will Howard. While Allar rightfully garners much of the spotlight, Howard's quiet development this spring, as noted by veteran scribe Gerry Dulac, speaks volumes about his potential. Personally, I find it particularly fascinating that Dulac, a seasoned observer, is highlighting Howard's significant leap from his first year to his second. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a fundamental improvement in how he operates.
A Smoother Operator
What Dulac emphasizes is the newfound fluidity in Howard's game. Whether it's his footwork in the pocket, his mechanics on the move, or the precision of his throws, the evolution is palpable. In my opinion, this is precisely what you want to see from a young player who spent a significant chunk of his rookie year sidelined. He's not just learning the playbook; he's internalizing it, allowing his natural athleticism and instincts to shine through. What many people don't realize is that the mental reps and the sheer act of being around the team, even if injured, can be incredibly valuable. Howard seems to be capitalizing on that experience.
Beyond the Spring Shine
Of course, as Dulac rightly points out, the true test will come when the pressure intensifies. Facing live defenses with varied looks is a different beast entirely. However, the fact that Howard isn't appearing flustered or lost, even in these early stages, is a very encouraging sign. From my perspective, this suggests a strong mental fortitude, a quality that's often as important, if not more so, than raw physical talent in the quarterback position. He appears calm and confident, which are not traits you can easily teach.
Navigating the Depth Chart
The Steelers' quarterback room is an interesting puzzle this season. With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the immediate future is clear, but the long-term outlook is what truly matters. The selection of Drew Allar in the third round signals their investment in that future. However, Will Howard, a sixth-round pick from last year who unfortunately landed on injured reserve early on, is making a compelling case for himself. What this really suggests is that the competition for the backup spot, and potentially for future starting roles, is far from decided. The team's willingness to consider keeping four quarterbacks, as Dulac speculates, underscores the uncertainty and the desire to keep promising talent in the fold.
Looking Towards the Horizon
One thing that immediately stands out is the Steelers' balancing act between winning now and building for the future. Rodgers, while still effective, is not the long-term solution. Therefore, the development of either Howard or Allar into a viable starter is paramount. If Howard continues on this trajectory, he could very well solidify his position as the primary backup, potentially allowing the team to feel more comfortable with a less experienced player stepping in if needed. This raises a deeper question: at what point does potential development outweigh the perceived security of a veteran backup? For me, Howard's progress this offseason is certainly pushing that conversation forward.
