The Pittsburgh Steelers once again saw key plays wiped out by penalties during their Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos. A major point of concern in the game was Broderick Jones, who did not secure a starting role as rookie Troy Fautanu was named the starting right tackle. Dan Moore Jr. was assigned to left tackle, leaving Jones sidelined.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Spencer Anderson (74), Troy Fautanu (76), and Broderick Jones (77) sit in their locker room before Week 2 against Denver.
Despite not starting, the coaching staff attempted to integrate Jones into the game. In a surprising move, they pulled Fautanu before the third series, allowing Jones to step in at right tackle. However, Jones struggled significantly during his time on the field. He was flagged three times in one drive, including a critical holding penalty that negated a 51-yard pass from Justin Fields to George Pickens, which would have shifted the momentum of the game.
Jones did not return to the field after his series of penalties. Following the game, he expressed his frustration to the media, questioning the logic behind his playing time if he wasn’t starting. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning to discuss Jones’ remarks and the implications of the situation. Kaboly’s analysis shed light on the unusual coaching decisions and the challenges faced by Jones as he navigates his role with the team.
"Nah, he probably shouldn’t have said it, but it’s true. I mean there’s a reason why you don’t see rotating offensive linemen in the NFL very often because it’s a very difficult thing to do. Now that doesn’t mean he should go out there and play like crap for his seven snaps that he had."
It was unusual for the Steelers coaching staff to use Jones despite him not being a starter. The offensive line operates differently from other positions, requiring a cohesive unit that functions in sync.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Steelers' Broderick Jones gets ready to block against the Bills.
Some analysts argue that the Steelers' decision to rotate Jones in against the Broncos disrupted the offensive line's rhythm and continuity.
"I don’t understand; if you are going to put Fautanu in there and you want Dan Moore in there, why not just put Broderick Jones on the bench? I mean what do you get out of bringing him in for a series?"
Kaboly isn't one to criticize Jones for speaking his mind. He acknowledges that Jones' comments were valid, though they might have been better left unsaid. Kaboly also revealed a surprising detail: he heard that Jones showed little interest leading up to the Broncos game after learning he wouldn’t be starting.
"If he didn’t have those penalties how much would he have played? What’s the end game here? Are they going to keep doing that? Are they going to move him to the left side where Dan Moore is playing pretty well? Broderick Jones says what’s on his mind all the time, so I am not going to sit here and complain about what he says, but I know that [Chris] Hoke said he didn’t seem interested in training camp. I heard that maybe he wasn’t very interested after he found out he wasn’t going to start this week."
When the Steelers traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Jones, there was a lot of excitement about his potential and what he could bring to the offensive line. During his rookie season, Jones impressed Steeler Nation, and many expected him to make a significant leap in 2024.
Steelers Fans Are Starting To Get Worried About Broderick Jones
However, his preseason performance, coupled with his showing against the Broncos, has raised some concerns. As a young player still learning, it may be premature to sound the alarm on Jones. Kaboly even suggested that Steelers fans might not see much of Jones in 2024 if his current trajectory continues.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Broderick Jones speaks to members of the media.
Jones will need to address the mistakes from the Broncos game and seize future opportunities to prove himself. It is also concerning that reports have surfaced about his apparent lack of interest after learning he wouldn’t be starting.
Additionally, Jones is dealing with an injury to his right arm, which could be contributing to his struggles. Facing adversity in his second season, Jones will need to work hard to overcome these challenges and quiet the growing concerns surrounding him.
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