Roethlisberger Sounds Alarm on Steelers’ Offensive Line Ahead of Vikings Clash
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is raising concerns about the team’s offensive line as they prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. His primary focus is on left tackle Broderick Jones, whose performance has drawn sharp criticism.
Roethlisberger’s remarks came during an episode of his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, where he humorously questioned whether Jones could effectively protect the quarterback. “Olé! Olé! Want to see me not touch anybody?” he said, alluding to Jones’s struggles on the field. The rookie tackle has allowed an NFL-high four sacks in just three games, prompting Roethlisberger to express his worries about the overall effectiveness of the offensive line.
Concerns About Protection and Offensive Strategy
Roethlisberger pointed out that the Steelers’ struggles in pass protection are impacting their offensive strategy. He stated, “I don’t think the line is giving him enough time, and I think it starts with that left tackle.” The statistics back his claims; a significant portion of the pressure faced by quarterback Aaron Rodgers is traced back to Jones, with Pro Football Focus reporting that 33% of the pressure comes from defenders bypassing him.
The former quarterback elaborated on the consequences of this inadequate protection, suggesting it limits the Steelers’ ability to stretch the field. He noted, “I think that the Steelers are afraid to take shots down the field because that forces your quarterback to stay in the pocket and hold it a little bit longer.” With the line’s current form, Roethlisberger believes the offensive plays are compromised, leading to a conservative approach that hinders the team’s scoring potential.
Upcoming Challenge Against Vikings’ Defense
As the Steelers gear up to face the Vikings, Jones will have to contend with formidable opponents like Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner. Turner, a first-round pick from last year’s draft, has already shown explosive potential, while Greenard leads the Vikings with 16 pressures—just three behind the NFL’s leader. Roethlisberger quipped, “If James Harrison was going against Broderick Jones, he’d have 15 sacks a game,” referencing the legendary Steelers linebacker known for his relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The feedback Roethlisberger received from analysts who reviewed the All-22 tape of Jones was also concerning. He stated, “There’s a majority of the plays where it’s not good enough.” This raises questions about accountability on the offensive line, particularly from the left tackle position.
A Shift in Prediction
Initially, Roethlisberger had predicted a Steelers victory over the Vikings, but his confidence has waned. He expressed fears that the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, will exploit the weaknesses in Jones’s game. “I’m changing my mind, unfortunately. I have a fear that our offense is not going to be able to do enough,” he admitted, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
Roethlisberger remains hopeful for a Steelers win, but his concerns about the offensive line lead him to question whether the team can effectively execute their game plan against a well-prepared Vikings defense. “He’s going to find a way to attack, and our defense isn’t going to be able to do enough to keep us in the game,” he lamented.
As the Steelers and Vikings prepare to meet at Croke Park this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. CT, all eyes will be on Jones and the offensive line to see if they can rise to the occasion and protect their quarterback effectively.
