The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2024 season with a road win over the Atlanta Falcons. The team still has several questions in all three phases of the game, but one of the more concerning developments has been the offensive line. Isaac Seumalo is missing time with an injury, Troy Fautanu has been banged up, and Broderick Jones simply hasn't seemed like himself since the preseason. The 2023 first-round pick was always looked at as a raw prospect, but in year two, things are beginning to cause worry throughout the fan base.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5201-544x306.jpg "Steelers Broderick Jones")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (#77) walks on the field at St. Vincent College as the team practices during 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Now, Head Coach Mike Tomlin has appeared to have made the decision to bench Jones for the Steelers' Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos. During pre-game warmups, Fautanu appears to be getting the nod at right tackle while Dan Moore Jr. will hold onto his starting role on the left side after a terrific performance against the Falcons.
Troy Fautanu working with the first team line in warmups at RT #Steelers first-round pick looks like he will make his first start.
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) September 15, 2024
This is not something to be too concerned about just yet, as the team wants to insert Fautanu because of his natural ability to play right tackle. It appears as if Tomlin and co. are finally making the decision to transition Jones to left tackle full-time. Fans haver been excited about Fautanu and will get to see how ready the rookie is for the next level.
It's fair to note that while not starting is considered a demotion and benching for Jones, Gerry Dulac reported on Sunday afternoon on the Steelers Nation Radio Pre-Game Show that Fautanu and Jones could absolutely rotate in and out at right tackle.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Rookie Steelers offensive lineman Troy Fautanu works through drills as the team participates in rookie minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers are expected to focus on the rushing attack more than the passing throughout the year and Fautanu has a tendency to be a mauler. He could signifcantly improve running lanes for the ball-carriers, and when the time is right for Jones to start on the left side, the bookend tackles will give the Steelers one of the best run-blocking tackle duos in the NFL.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones (#77) sets up at the line of scrimmage and prepares to block during a 2023 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Will Likely Bench Moore At First Glimpse Of Inconsistent Play
Moore has always been a decent pass blocker, but if he begins to falter at any point throughout the 2024 season, it is likely that Pittsburgh will bench him in favor of Jones. It may take some time to get there after Moore's strong Week 1 performance, however. This will also give Jones some time to potentially settle back in on the left side after not getting too many reps in his first NFL season.
Are you surprised that Jones appears to be benched for Week 2? Let us know in the comments below!
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