Steelers vs Packers: 4 things to watch in Thursday's preseason matchup

On Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face off against the Green Bay Packers in their preseason opener. This matchup will mark the first time fans get to see the revamped Steelers under their new head coach, Mike McCarthy. Here are four key factors to watch for during this highly anticipated game.

First and foremost, the spotlight will be on the young quarterbacks taking the field for the first time. Will Howard and Drew Allar, both fresh off the rookie campaign, will be battling it out for a starting spot on the Steelers. Howard missed the entirety of his rookie season and is now competing with rookie Allar for a chance to make an impact.

Next, it's time to assess the effectiveness of the Steelers' revamped pass rush. After enduring a struggling defense under former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, the team has returned with a much more formidable unit. Fans will be keen to observe how this new system optimizes the talent on the roster, even during a preseason game.

Offensive strategies will also be a focal point for the game. The young star of training camp, Roman Wilson, has taken it upon himself to outperform his replacement, despite the Steelers drafting him. Wilson's determination is evident, and it will be interesting to see if his improved play translates into a more significant role in the passing game.

Lastly, there's a rumor that coach McCarthy may be utilizing the tight ends more aggressively at training camp practices. Traditionally, the position hasn't received much attention, but if McCarthy follows through on this plan, it could prove to be an exciting development on offense. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers vs Packers: 4 things to watch in Thursday's preseason matchup.