Roethlisberger Voices Concerns Over Steelers’ O-line as Broderick Jones Faces Early Struggles
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger may have retired from throwing passes, but his passion for the game and his former team remains unmistakable. After watching the Steelers’ narrow victory over the New York Jets in their season opener, Roethlisberger didn’t hold back in expressing his concerns about the offensive line, particularly the performance of rookie left tackle Broderick Jones.
Under the Spotlight: Broderick Jones’ Tough Start
Selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Broderick Jones was expected to anchor the Steelers’ offensive line and evolve into a cornerstone player. However, his debut against the Jets was far from ideal. Roethlisberger critiqued Jones’ performance on his podcast, stating, “What’s going on on the O-line has to be like pulling hair out because you’re running for 53 yards, and you’ve given up four sacks. And with all due respect, Broderick Jones looks like a turnstile. I mean, it was bad.”
The statistics back up Roethlisberger’s frustration. Jones was directly responsible for three of the four sacks allowed by the Steelers, a figure that currently leads the NFL after the first week of play. The pressure from the left side of the line was palpable, contributing to a challenging outing for the offense.
A Troubling Trend for the Steelers
Jones’ struggles in his rookie season were concerning, as he finished 2024 with a Pro Football Focus grade of just 58.5. He allowed ten sacks and was penalized ten times, which raises questions about his readiness to take on a starting role in the NFL. The Steelers are eager for him to make significant improvements, but time is of the essence. With an upcoming schedule featuring formidable opponents, including the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns—both boasting elite edge rushers—Jones will need to quickly adapt if the team hopes to maintain its competitive edge.
The Complementary Tackle: Troy Fautanu’s Performance
On the opposite side of Jones, rookie tackle Troy Fautanu also made his debut after being selected in the first round of the 2024 draft. Despite a challenging start to his career, which limited him to just one game last season due to injury, Fautanu showed promise in Week 1. He managed to hold his ground against the Jets, not allowing a sack and providing a glimmer of hope for the Steelers’ offensive line.
Future Considerations for the Steelers
Given the urgency of the Steelers’ win-now mentality, the coaching staff may need to consider adjustments if Jones’ performance does not improve. Veteran lineman Andrus Peat, who carries extensive starting experience, could be a pivotal addition if the coaching staff decides to shake up the lineup. As the Steelers navigate through a tough season, the performance of their young tackles will be crucial in determining both their immediate success and future trajectory.
