The Pittsburgh Steelers have invested heavily in improving the offensive line over the past two offseasons. That included drafting first-round selections Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Having two first-round picks at tackle had the fans expecting to see Dan Moore Jr. on the bench. However, that isn't exactly how things have gone through two weeks of the 2024 NFL season.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Dan Moore Jr.
As the season got underway, all three tackles suffered some sort of injury. While the injuries might have slowed them down getting on the field together, the reality was that Moore was outperforming Jones. Earlier this week, all indications pointed to Moore playing at his spot of left tackle while Jones and Fautanu rotated at right tackle.
However, Head Coach Mike Tomlin benched Jones shortly into the Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City. The game started with Fautanu playing, but Jones came in after a few drives. An incredible kick by Broncos punter Riley Dixon had the Steelers backed up against their end zone. As quarterback Justin Fields began to drive, the black and gold down the field. Jones absolutely killed the drive, getting called for three penalties in just six plays.
Broderick Jones had one of the worst series ever by a Steelers offensive lineman when he finally came in the game. He was called for three penalties in a span of six plays, including two for holding, the latter wiping out a 51-yard completion to George Pickens to the Broncos 6.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) September 15, 2024
On a third-and-six, Jones jumped early and was called for a false start. Fortunately, Fields connected with George Pickens and got the first down. But a few plays later, he was called for holding, which negated a run by Najee Harris. However, the worst of it, the one that led to Tomlin finally pulling him, was on a 51-yard completion to Pickens; an absolutely perfect pass that was erased because Jones was once again called for holding. Fortunately, the Steelers beat the Broncos 13-6, but that doesn't negate the worries.
Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. celebrates with the defense.
Jones had some performance issues during the preseason that worried fans. Later, that was written off as being caused by his injury. However, according to a tweet from Andrew Fillipponi, former Steelers defensive lineman, Chris Hoke offered some insight.
"Chris Hoke on Broderick Jones struggles: 'He showed up to training camp and looked uninterested in being there.'"
Tomlin is known for allowing his rookies time to develop before thrusting them into the game, and that was what he did with Jones in 2023. Before the start of the season, General Manager Omar Khan said that the plan was to move him to the left and allow Fautanu to play on the right. Now, that plan seems in jeopardy until Jones works through whatever is happening.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones.
Steelers' Troy Fautanu Getting The Chance To Shine
During the win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, Tomlin started Jones and Moore. While Fautanu was still recovering from his injury, he was active and in uniform for the game in Atlanta. However, he did not get the opportunity to play. There were concerns about his performance after he struggled some in the preseason against the Houston Texans. This frustrated fans that wanted to see both young tackles in the game.
They weren't the only ones frustrated; Fautanu was also. He told the media after the game that he waited all game to get his number called, but it didn't happen. Now, his number has been called in a big way, and he is going to have to step up if the Steelers are going to develop anything cohesive with this new offense.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Broderick Jones.
New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has already faced several struggles, including a change in quarterback with Russell Wilson's injury, injuries to the tackles, and injuries to wide receiver Roman Wilson. The Steelers offense started strong in the first half, besides the penalties, and Smith needs to find a way to sustain that for all 60 minutes.
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