Steelers change QB Drew Allar's footwork for under-center play

Steelers coaches are teaching rookie QB Drew Allar new footwork and how to play more under center. This is a big change from his old style.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

Emphasis on Footwork and Under-Center Play

The Pittsburgh Steelers are undertaking a fundamental overhaul of rookie quarterback Drew Allar's mechanics, focusing heavily on his footwork and increasing his comfort level playing under center. Coaches, including Mike McCarthy and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, have adopted a highly hands-on approach during rookie minicamp, effectively "uninstalling" aspects of Allar's previous training. This concentrated effort aims to build a new foundation for the young quarterback within the Steelers' offensive system.

Reports indicate that the coaching staff is having Allar exaggerate his technique on dropbacks, paying close attention to his lower half, footwork, and absorbing new offensive terminology. The instruction is so detailed that drills are paused for demonstrations, with Arth specifically focusing on the cadence of footwork and McCarthy adding his own pointers. Allar confirmed he is working on widening his base, keeping his feet grounded, and avoiding being on his toes. Accuracy in these fundamental drills is being prioritized as coaches rebuild his game from the ground up.

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The team's strategy involves Allar spending more time under center than he did previously in his career. This shift is significant, given his background in a "run-and-shoot" offense in high school and his limited experience under center during his time at Penn State. The intensive, individualized attention Allar received at minicamp, being the only quarterback present, underscores the commitment to this mechanical reconstruction. McCarthy himself has noted that improving Allar's footwork is key to helping him play faster and navigate difficult situations more effectively.

Allar's collegiate career at Penn State saw him perform adequately but never quite reach the lofty expectations set by his high school accolades. He played under two different quarterbacks coaches during his tenure there. His first season under one of those coaches, Bill O'Brien, saw him achieve career highs in passing yards and completion percentage. The current restructuring suggests a deliberate effort by the Steelers to deviate significantly from his established habits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the Steelers changing rookie QB Drew Allar's mechanics?
The Steelers are focusing on improving Drew Allar's footwork and making him more comfortable playing under center. Coaches want to build a new foundation for him in their offense.
Q: What specific changes are coaches making to Drew Allar's play?
Coaches are having Allar exaggerate his dropbacks, focus on his lower body and footwork, and learn new offensive terms. They are also working on him widening his base and keeping his feet grounded.
Q: Why is playing under center important for Drew Allar?
Allar did not play much under center in college. The Steelers believe improving his footwork will help him play faster and handle tough situations better.
Q: How much attention is Drew Allar getting from coaches?
Drew Allar received very focused, one-on-one attention from coaches during rookie minicamp as he was the only quarterback there. This shows the team's strong commitment to rebuilding his game.