The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a disheartening defeat to the Buffalo Bills in their second preseason game of 2024, falling 9-3 in a contest that was both frustrating and revealing. The game featured new team quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who both played the entirety of the match. Despite their efforts, the Steelers managed to score only three points, leaving them with an 0-2 preseason record.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football against the Bills.
The most glaring issue during the game was the performance of the offensive line. While Wilson's play was far from impressive, it was evident that he was under constant pressure, struggling to find any rhythm. The offensive line's inability to protect him was a significant factor, as Wilson was sacked three times over the course of his five drives. He completed 80% of his passes, but only managed to accumulate 47 passing yards and secure a single first down.
Another area of concern was the performance of Broderick Jones. The young tackle faced a tough challenge against the Bills' defensive line, raising considerable apprehension among fans. After the game, Jones did not address the media as he was seen meeting with team doctors.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo discussed Jones' situation on The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller, adding insights to the reports that Jones has been dealing with an elbow issue and has been wearing a brace. This development adds to the growing concerns about the offensive line's effectiveness and the overall stability of the team as they prepare for their next preseason matchup against the Detroit Lions.
"Just based on what I know guys, I think it’s just something that he has to deal with," Fittipaldo said. "It’s something that he’s going to have to play through. It’s one of those things where it’s probably not going to get better anytime soon, but they have determined that it can’t get worse."
The revelation that Jones was playing through an elbow injury may offer some reassurance to Steelers fans. Although it's far from ideal for an offensive tackle to contend with such an injury, it provides context for his underwhelming performance against the Bills.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Broderick Jones gets ready to block during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Understanding this injury might help Steeler Nation grasp why Jones struggled on the field, offering a potential explanation for his difficulties during the game.
"I don’t know exactly what the MRI says, but that’s the one thing that does concern me," Fittipaldo said. "So right now it’s just something that he has to play through, but who knows what this is going to turn into down the road."
This situation becomes even more intriguing given recent developments leading up to the Steelers' preseason game against the Bills. Gerry Dulac reported that the Steelers planned to name rookie Troy Fautanu as the starter at right tackle, a significant shift from their usual approach. This decision deviates from their recent strategy with Jones, who they waited to name the starter until the middle of the 2023 season. Although Fautanu is also dealing with a knee injury, Dulac's sources suggest he will still start in Week 1 at right tackle.
Steelers' Broderick Jones And Dan Moore Jr. Reportedly Engaged In A Battle For Left Tackle
As a result, Jones is anticipated to start at left tackle. However, given his current injury, there is a potential opening for Dan Moore Jr. to challenge Jones for the left tackle position. While it's unlikely that the Steelers would prefer to bench their first-round pick from 2023, Jones' ongoing struggles could present Moore with an opportunity to secure the starting spot. Despite some skepticism from fans, several pundits believe Moore has more value than commonly acknowledged.
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Steelers offensive tackles Dan Moore Jr. (65) and Broderick Jones (77) practice against each other during the team's 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The news about Jones' injuries is concerning for the Steelers. He has disclosed that he is grappling with multiple injuries, and while team doctors have reportedly indicated that the injuries are not likely to worsen, Jones' performance could still decline. If his play continues to deteriorate, it raises questions about the potential impact on the team and whether Moore might seize the opportunity to take over as the starting left tackle at some point during the 2024 season.
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