Watch: Drew Allar adjusts for big play to Lake McCree

Steel City Underground presents Plays of the Game: highlighting the biggest moments and game-changing plays from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ latest matchup.

There weren’t many offensive highlights for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Friday night’s 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets, but rookie quarterback Drew Allar provided one of the few plays that got the Acrisure Stadium crowd on its feet.

Facing 2nd-and-8 from the Pittsburgh 43-yard line midway through the third quarter, Allar took the shotgun snap. Allar felt pressure for a moment, then adjusted as he looked downfield before connecting with tight end Lance McRee deep along the left sideline.

McRee also adjusted, hauling in the pass  while keeping both feet inbounds as he was being pushed out of bounds at the Jets’ 19-yard line: completing a 38-yard gain and immediately moving Pittsburgh into the red zone.

There are only like 2 QBs in the NFL that can make this throw!!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RDlrWb2UHV

— PortersBurgh (@PortersBurgh) August 22, 2026

The play stood out on a night when explosive gains were difficult to come by for the Steelers. Allar was also under pressure on the throw, with Jets linebacker Brenton McGregor credited with getting to the rookie quarterback as he delivered the football.

For Allar, the completion offered a glimpse of the arm talent that made him an intriguing addition to Pittsburgh’s quarterback room. He pushed the football vertically, gave McRee an opportunity down the sideline and connected for the Steelers’ biggest gain of the night.

Unfortunately, Pittsburgh couldn’t turn the play into points. The Steelers’ offense struggled throughout the evening and was ultimately shut out, 17-0. However, the Allar-to-McRee connection provided a rare offensive highlight in an otherwise frustrating preseason performance.