Broderick Jones faces a challenging start to his role as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting left tackle. As the team navigates the early part of the season, Jones has struggled to meet expectations, contributing to concerns about the team’s offensive line performance. Through three games, Jones has allowed four sacks and nine pressures, reflected in his low Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 47.5, which ranks 78th out of 101 offensive tackles.
Jones avoided conceding any sacks in Week 3, a modest improvement, but still conceded multiple pressures, evidenced by his worst pass-blocking performance scoring just 36.7. The former player and now commentator, Ben Roethlisberger, expressed his concerns on his podcast, highlighting issues with Jones’ technique and emphasizing the importance of leverage, especially referencing how a past Steelers legend, James Harrison, would have exploited this weakness.
Roethlisberger’s critique focuses not just on Jones’ performance but also on the foundational defensive principles taught by seasoned players like Harrison, pointing out Jones’ vulnerability due to poor stance and leverage. He remarked that Jones needs to avoid standing upright and must improve his technique significantly to prevent agile defenders from breaking through. As Jones has been struggling since his initial performances in 2024, there are growing calls for the Steelers to consider alternative options such as giving Calvin Anderson or Troy Fautanu a chance at left tackle. This suggests that improvement is urgent if Jones is to retain his starting position.
The Steelers are at a critical junction and must quickly adapt to strengthen their offensive line, which is pivotal for both protecting their quarterback and enhancing their overall performance. The possibility of making lineup changes highlights the team’s willingness to explore all options and ensure they remain competitive. As Jones continues to develop, he faces immense pressure to elevate his game to match the expectations of both coaches and fans. Despite the challenges, this could be an opportunity for growth, and with concerted effort and guidance, Jones could still make significant improvements.