Steelers Have Easy QB Decision Against Bills

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an easy decision to make at quarterback in their final preseason game. After two different starting quarterbacks against the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, it's time to give their rookie his biggest test against the Buffalo Bills.

The Steelers will travel to Orchard Park, New York, to take on the Bills, who Pittsburgh will hope play some of their starters. This allows their younger, developing players to get action against Buffalo's best. At least some of them.

At quarterback, it could mean the Steelers see what Drew Allar can do when he's not playing the third and fourth-string players. A test he appears ready for.

Now, head coach Mike McCarthy didn't confirm or deny that Allar would start the preseason finale, but he did hint at two young quarterbacks playing against the Bills. After Will Howard threw two interceptions against the Jets, though, the decision is clear - it's time to see what Allar can do with better competition.

And better players around him.

Allar went 11 of 23 for 110 yards against the Jets, which looks pretty rough on a stat sheet. It looked worse in person, but not because of Allar.

The Steelers' third and fourth-string wide receivers probably dropped half of their passes. Allar was slinging it, making pretty accurate passes for the most part. His wideouts weren't helping him, leaving pass after pass on the ground as the team tried to mount a comeback.

Now, It's Time to See What Allar Can Really Do

The decision on whether Howard makes the 53-man roster probably hasn't been made yet, even if it's being reported that it is. The Steelers don't need to see more of him as a starter against the Bills, though.

If he's going to make the team, it's an internal decision that's likely been decided for some time. If he's not, it's because of his play against the Jets. Either way, the Bills game probably doesn't mean too much.

What they could do is find out if Allar's upside is as real as it appears. They could give themselves a true understanding of where the third-round rookie is heading into the regular season.

It won't influence their decision on Allar's placement within the roster or even his place on the depth chart. All it is is establishing a baseline before he doesn't play again until next preseason.

It's the last step for Allar in his first summer in the NFL. One that could get the Steelers excited or give them a real outlook on the rookie. Either way, it's the obvious choice for how they should approach the Bills game.