Steelers' First-Round Pick's Embarrassing Performance Torn To Shreds By Super Bowl Champion

The Pittsburgh Steelers have invested a ton into their offensive line over the last few seasons. A lot is hinging on the performance of some of these top draft picks that are relied upon to protect the quarterback. Broderick Jones is expected to take a big leap in his second season, and eventually move back to his natural position at left tackle. He put forth an extremely uninspiring performance during Pittsburgh's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night.

Jones struggled mightily in his second preseason performance of 2024. He struggled to stay upright and stand his ground against the pass rush, and gave up multiple sacks in the first quarter alone. Jones is known to be a better player in the run game, but his performance while trying to protect the passer was lackluster. Former Steelers defensive lineman and Super Bowl Champion, Chris Hoke, spoke about Jones' performance following the conclusion of the game.

Hoke played on the defensive line for 11 seasons in the NFL, so it is fair to say he knows what good offensive line play looks like. He spent plenty of time studying his opponent and watching tape, and can certainly differentiate proper technique and good effort. Jones didn't show either of those things on Saturday night, which should be concerning for the organization.

Jones was originally a left tackle, but was thrust into right tackle duties after the benching of Chukwuma Okorafor in the middle of the 2023 season. The plan for the 2024 season seemed to be to move him back to the left side, which could help him. Pittsburgh's first-round pick in 2024, Troy Fautanu, is also a left tackle that the team wants to convert to the right side. Once Fautanu is deemed ready to start, he would take over the role at right tackle and Jones would replace Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle.

One poor performance isn't going to change that plan for the Steelers organization, but the game certainly raised some eyebrows. Every player has bad days and bad games, which is exactly what Saturday night could have been for Jones. He has also been wearing an elbow brace for some sort of arm injury that there hasn't been much clarification on, and he could be playing through pain which may hinder his performance.

Steelers Are Responsible For The Struggles Of Jones

Jones hasn't seen much consistency since entering the NFL. Ahead of his rookie season in 2023, he was in a position battle with Moore for the starting left tackle spot. He wasn't able to overtake Moore, which is normal for the Steelers. They like to ease their rookies into starting jobs. He filled in for an injured Moore for one game, and then returned to the bench. The coaching staff then placed him into the right tackle role after the Okorafor benching, which is not his natural position.

He is still playing a position isn't the one he intended to play when entering the NFL. He is obviously struggling, but that is at the fault of the coaching staff. They have a long history of trying to get offensive linemen to play out of position and expecting great results. 

This happened with Kendrick Green and Kevin Dotson. Pittsburgh traded Dotson ahead of the 2023 season, and he played so well with the Los Angeles Rams that he earned a new contract worth $48 million. Jones was a first-round pick for a reason; he will improve. He just needs the coaching staff to do right by him, and actually put him where he is supposed to play.

Are you worried about Jones? Let us know in the comments below!

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