Steelers' Best Case Scenario: Horrifying Bills Game Becomes "A Good Wake Up Call" For Broderick Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 preseason has a lot of people scratching their heads. During the offseason, General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin seemingly addressed many of the holes they saw on the team last season. That included continuing to build the offensive line. They drafted another tackle, Troy Fautanu, to partner with last year's first-round pick, Broderick Jones. They also finally drafted a real center, Zach Frazier, instead of continuing to try to play guys out of position.

Last year, many fans felt fleeced after the Steelers ruled the preseason, only to get walloped by the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. That's led to some cautious optimism; after all, it is only the preseason. But the Steelers just put up a disappointing performance against the Buffalo Bills. It wasn't about the score as much as the apparent struggle with basic mechanics. 

That was particularly obvious on the offensive line with Jones. The second-year player out of the University of Georgia was bullied all night by Buffalo's Greg Rousseau. He gave up multiple pressures and two sacks on quarterback Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporters Christopher Carter and Brian Batko recently discussed Jones' struggles on the North Shore Drive Podcast. They hope that getting manhandled by the Bills serves as a wake up call. 

"He's going to be under the microscope for now, for sure," said Batko. "I can't imagine those team meetings were fun for him with Mike Tomlin and company watching the film. It could be a good wake up for him, because he didn't face much adversity during his time in college. Georgia just ran through everybody. Even last year, the team faced adversity, but Broderick was a lot better at right tackle off the jump than a lot of people expected, so things went fairly smoothly for him."

Batko said that setting the possible injury aside, this bad game might just be a case of overthinking for Jones. He needs to get in there this week against the Detroit Lions and do what he does best: show he has what it takes. 

Carter agreed and noted that he was pleased that Jones took accountability for his problems during the game. He told the media that he knew those sacks were his fault and knew what he had to do to get better. It is refreshing to hear that from someone who is only in year two, said Carter. They have seen other young players dodge responsibility when they make mistakes. 

"Perhaps this will reset the expectation for him a little bit," added Batko. "It could really pay off in the long run if it allows him to say, 'Hey, I can't just coast on my physical abilities and traits. I need to make sure the technique is right. Other teams are getting the book on me. Opposing pass rushers are going to know my tendencies.'"

If Jones doesn't sort out his eye-hand coordination, which he admitted was weak against the Bills, then defensive coordinators will know how to attack him. They will look for mismatches and take advantage of what Jones is showing. It will make him that weak link on the offensive line. 

Is Steelers' Broderick Jones Being Held Back By Injuries?

Jones acknowledged that he is playing with multiple injuries, but denied any suggestion that they excuse his poor performance. He has been wearing a brace on his elbow since he hurt it during the first padded practice in Latrobe. He also dismissed the idea that the elbow brace is limiting him, saying that he just needs to be better.  

He wouldn't elaborate on exactly what other injuries he is dealing with, and neither did Tomlin, who said they aren't looking to make an excuses. This isn't surprising given the fact that Tomlin generally downplays injuries, as he did with Najee Harris' Lisfranc sprain two seasons ago. 

All eyes will likely be on Jones against the Lions as he attempts to show that he is trending in the right direction. 

What do you think went wrong with Jones against the Bills? Click to comment below.

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