The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently sitting at 2-1 and find themselves atop the AFC North. Two other members of the AFC North are also 2-1, the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens, while the Cincinnati Bengals sit at 1-2. However, the Steelers are still a ways away from playing their best football, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers RB Najee Harris put together his best performance of the 2023 season in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Coming off of their Week 2 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Steelers put together their best offensive performance to date in about every category. The team topped 300 yards offensively for the first time, they topped 100 yards rushing for the first time, as well as scored two offensive touchdowns for the first time in the 2023 season.
Despite the improved play from the offense, Steeler Nation is still hoping the best is yet to come. While Kenny Pickett looked his best so far this season against the Raiders, he logged his first NFL game with two passing touchdowns, there was still too much inconsistency when it comes to sustaining drives.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 of the 2023 season.
A lot of this consistency that everyone is seeking can be achieved by most consistent and a higher level of play from the Steelers' offensive line. After back to back offseasons of heavy investment into the offensive line, the unit simply hasn't lived up to the hype.
Yet.
While none of the starters are holding up to their end of the bargain up front to this point, they are coming off of their best game as a unit. There has been a lot of calls by Steeler Nation for the team to play their 2023 first round pick, Broderick Jones, especially with the significant struggles by left tackle Dan Moore Jr.
The desire to see Jones get some playing time isn't limited to the fans in the seats. Former players and other NFL analysts have agreed that getting Jones on the field might be able to jump start the team's offensive line performance. That includes former Steelers blind side protector, Max Starks, who was the team's left tackle from 2004 to 2012.
Starks recently joined the North Shore Drive podcast, where he touched on many topics. When Starks touched on the Steelers' lack of desire to play Jones, he didn't necessarily think Moore starting over Jones is a bad thing, but did think Jones needs to see the field in some capacity. Below is what he had to say about easing Jones into action.
"Sometimes you can use the microwave, but you'd rather use the slow cooker. I want that meat to fall off the bone. I don't just want it cooked, I want it to fall off the bone. Let Broderick Jones fall off the bone first, meaning you want to get him as relaxed as possible, as confident as possible, and ease him in over time."
There is always conflicting opinions on whether rookies should be playing early in their careers and gaining experience, or if sitting and learning behind veterans is the best for players and their long-term success. The Steelers have long been known to rarely start rookies, especially early in their first season.
However, getting Jones comfortable to where he is confident to perform at a high level like Starks suggests, is difficult to do with just practices. Starks suggests getting Jones some game action might go a long way in his development.
"I'd like to see him as an extra tight end just to give him some reps in-game. You have to develop the offense to get to that point where you can add him in there. You actually have to be in the red zone and on the goal line a lot more to think about that concept. But I think the later the better, just give him time."
Unfortunately, time is one thing that the Steelers may not have. Using an extra offensive lineman as a tight end is something the Steelers have worked with in the past, I am sure everyone remembers Zach Banner reporting as eligible and the crowd going wild, but a handful of snaps a game at best still doesn't move the needle.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Broderick Jones needs to see in-game action to gain confidence and play at a high level.
If the improvement from the Steelers offensive line that they showed in Week 3 doesn't continue to build over the next couple of weeks, it is going to be hard to understand any reasoning for keeping Jones on the sideline, even if you want to protect him for the long-term.
What do you think about Starks' idea to get Jones some reps in-game to build his confidence? Do you think he should already be the starter? Let us know in the comments below!
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