Steelers Secure Narrow Win While Broderick Jones’ Struggles Loom Large
The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious in their season opener, edging out the New York Jets with a nail-biting 34-32 scoreline. However, the celebration is somewhat muted as the performance of left tackle Broderick Jones casts a long shadow over the win.
Jones’ Rocky Transition to Left Tackle
Despite the positive outcome, Jones’ disappointing debut as a full-time left tackle remains a focal point of concern. Throughout the game, he faced relentless pressure, ultimately allowing four quarterback pressures and three sacks—both leading the team in those disheartening categories. For context, no other member of the Steelers’ offensive line surrendered a sack, highlighting the struggles in Jones’ performance.
In terms of metrics, Pro Football Focus assigned him a dismal pass-blocking grade of 46.8, which not only ranked him lowest among the team’s five starters but also positioned him as one of the least effective tackles in the entire league, landing seventh-worst overall.
A Mixed Bag of Performance
There is a silver lining, albeit a faint one. Jones managed to avoid having the lowest run-blocking grade on the line, finishing with a score of 57.0. However, it’s a stark reminder that while the Steelers celebrated their win, the issues on the offensive line, particularly concerning Jones, are far from resolved.
The opening game of the season often invites scrutiny, but for Jones, the worries have been persistent since last year. The Steelers must now grapple with the question of how long they can afford to wait for improvement if his struggles continue.
Expert Concerns About Technique
Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex has voiced his concerns regarding Jones’ performance. “It’s his first start at LT. You want to give the kid some grace. And I will. But there are some SERIOUS issues with 77’s technique and general football smarts that should not be made at this point in his career,” Essex remarked. His hope is that with time and experience, these concerns will dissipate.
While the overall offensive line had its challenges, it performed sufficiently to support the team. Troy Fautanu allowed two pressures but no sacks, and Isaac Seumalo contributed by permitting just one pressure. Notably, Kenneth Gainwell was accountable for the fourth sack on quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers assess their performance and strategies moving forward, the potential of Rodgers shines through amidst the backdrop of Jones’ struggles. But for the team to maximize its offensive capabilities, a marked improvement from Jones is essential. If he fails to elevate his game, the Steelers may have to contemplate a change sooner rather than later.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Jones—can he rise to meet the demands of his position, or will the Steelers be forced to explore other options?
