Steelers' Spencer Anderson Is Obvious Upgrade Over RT Broderick Jones: "Something Has To Be Done"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been investing serious draft capital into improving their offensive line over the past few offseasons. After having one of the best offensive lines in the league for many years, those players retired in rapid succession, leaving many gaping holes. They tried to fill some of those holes through various means, but it wasn't effective. During the end of Ben Roethlisberger's career, he was not adequately protected. They knew they had to do something, and when General Manager Omar Khan took over, he did. 

He selected Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu with their first-round picks in 2023 and 2024. The Steelers also accepted that nothing short of a legitimate center would do and drafted Zach Frazier. That group and veterans Isaac Seumalo, Dan Moore Jr., and James Daniels gave hope that the line would be solid for many years. 

However, it hasn't been that easy. Jones was forced into a starting role last season when Head Coach Mike Tomlin benched Chukwuma Okorafor. He wasn't flawless, but he improved as the season continued. Then Jones took a step back this season, leading Tomlin to start Fautanu in his place. The rookie was injured, and Jones was again forced to play. 

Despite a solid Week 10 performance, his struggles overall have continued (especially in Week 11), and questions are being raised about how long this will be allowed to continue. Recently, on 93.7 The Fan, Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show was asked if the Steelers should continue waiting for Jones to improve, or consider other options. Kaboly indicated that the lack of options to replace Jones is likely a factor. 

"It's probably because of what they have," said Kaboly. "But you cannot continue to have a right tackle play like that. But how long until you have to make that decision? Something has to be done. I don't know what it is. Maybe it is Spencer Anderson. I mean, could it get worse at this point?"

Tomlin has defended Jones multiple times this season. While it is common for Tomlin to nearly always have his player's backs with the media, in light of how poorly Jones has played, it sounds ridiculous to say that he's "pleased with his trajectory."  

In their recent win over the Baltimore Ravens, Jones allowed a sack and committed a handful of penalties, including a personal foul that was offsetting. The penalties have been an issue all season, yet Tomlin insists he is sticking by his young tackle. He has said these are just growing pains that are not unexpected from a young player who is still learning the ropes. It is especially frustrating because Jones has clearly shown promise. Not only was it on display in 2023, but there have been flashes of it this season, including against the Washington Commanders. 

Steelers' Options To Replace Broderick Jones

Now that Pittsburgh is 8-2 and a postseason push seems likely, they need to eliminate as many weak areas as possible as they continue into this more difficult part of their season. This raises the question of replacing Jones. He has shown improvement, and Kaboly is correct in that the options for replacement aren't promising. 

Spencer Anderson is the most likely option. He has typically played guard for Pittsburgh, subbing in with Mason McCormick when both Daniels and Seumalo were injured earlier this season. The Steelers have begun to give him action, occasionally playing him as an extra lineman. 

According to Khan, the plan has always been to get Jones back to playing on the left side and allowing Fautanu to play on the right. At times this season, they have moved Jones to that left side, on the outside of Moore, hoping to get him comfortable on that side. Unfortunately, Anderson isn't an ideal solution. He allowed a sack in the red zone during the short time he played. 

What do you think should be done about Jones? Click to comment below. 

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