The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a rough loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday to bring their record to 3-1 on the season. Pittsburgh got off to a slow start which wound up being the difference, but the team showed fight and was nearly able to escape with an impressive victory. The Steelers made numerous mistakes which caused the loss, including penalties and two fumbles. Despite the upsetting loss, Pittsburgh will still stand atop the AFC North regardless of what else happens in Week 4.
Tyler Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones readies himself for the rush during a Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 season.
Many players from the Steelers were visibly frustrated during and after the game. Justin Fields walked out of his press conference before it was completed, and there was a ton of frustration seen on the field. Another player that seemed upset following the loss was second-year tackle Broderick Jones, who took to social media to reply to some fans that were calling him out.
Come take my spot let’s see what you got my boy
— Broderick Jones (@millionairemov3) September 29, 2024
Jones has been on the receiving end of a lot of hate during the 2024 season. He had a few rough outings during the preseason, but he has also been battling a right arm injury which could be hindering his performance. He started Pittsburgh's first game of the season and looked good, but was replaced in Week 2 by rookie Troy Fautanu.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu sit in their lockers before a Week 2 victory against Denver.
Fautanu started at right tackle during the Week 2 contest, but Jones replaced him on Pittsburgh's third drive of the game. Eventually he was pulled from the game after committing several penalties. Of course, Jones was heavily criticized, but is important to note he shouldn't of been in the game.
If he wasn't preparing to start, the coaching staff was putting him at a disadvantage by forcing him onto the field. Jones didn't play a perfect game against the Colts, but he wasn't one of the major reasons they lost the contest.
lol you don’t know shit about football I’m convinced
— Broderick Jones (@millionairemov3) September 29, 2024
Jones had plenty of messages for fans sent out on his X account following the loss. Many fans were calling him a bust, which is unfair to the second-year player. Living up to a first-round label is difficult enough, especially when you are forced to switch positions at the NFL level.
Jones was a left tackle during his college career, but he has been forced to play on the right side throughout his NFL career thanks to some injuries on the offensive line. Jones has been at a disadvantage throughout his career, and he has still been able to put together more good performances than bad.
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Offensive tackle Broderick Jones walks off the field after a 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers' game.
Steelers' Broderick Jones Is Being Unfairly Criticized Following Week 4 Loss
Most of what Jones is being criticized for following the loss is the play where Fields fumbled while being sacked. The quarterback was under pressure immediately, but here was nothing the offensive line could have done. The Colts brought seven defenders while the Steelers were protecting with just their five offensive linemen. This meant there were two free rushers coming at Fields.
In this situation, Fields is considered 'hot'. This means he has free rushers that no one is assigned to block. Fields needs to hit his check down immediately, or make a play with his legs to escape the pocket and throw the ball away. In this situation Fields had Najee Harris as his check down, and it didn't even look like Fields looked his way. There was nothing Jones, or any lineman could have done to save the play. It was a disaster from the start.
What do you think about Jones letting some anger out on social media? Do you think he is a bust? Let us know in the comments below!
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