The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 season with expectations that their offensive line would be much improved. After a myriad of injuries piled up, leaving the offensive line decimated, that hope dwindled significantly. The front office and coaching staff had high hopes for second-year tackle Broderick Jones, who was expected to take a major leap in his development. However, his performance so far has been disappointing, and he has struggled to meet the high standards set for him.
Instead of stepping up, Jones has had a terrible season, marked by costly game-changing penalties and poor blocking. While the offensive line as a whole has made some strides, Jones' struggles have become a significant liability for the unit. His inconsistency has hindered the team's ability to truly be a dominant unit.
Through the first eight games of the 2024 season, Jones has earned a Pro Football Focus grade of just 46.6, placing him 108th out of 122 tackles graded. This ranking is concerning, especially for a player the Steelers traded up to select in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As the season progresses, the Steelers will need to address Jones' shortcomings to ensure the offensive line can function effectively and support the team's overall goals.
Mike Tomlin was asked about Jones' performance following the Steelers' game against the New York Jets. While Tomlin was careful to protect Jones' confidence, he did not fully conceal his concerns. He acknowledged that the young tackle is still in the learning phase of his NFL career and seemed relatively unfazed by the struggles Jones has faced. However, it's evident that Tomlin has reservations about his play.
Jones' performance has become a significant worry for the Steelers. With each passing week, he appears increasingly confused and out of sync. In the primetime matchup against the New York Giants, he struggled to protect Russell Wilson, facing relentless pressure and criticism. To complicate matters, he has been playing through an arm injury, which has likely contributed to his challenges on the field.
Despite the injury, Jones consistently seems out of place and bewildered during games. Viral clips have captured him being overpowered, giving up sacks, and even colliding with his own running back. This has been a disappointing season for Jones, yet injuries have forced him to remain in the lineup, raising questions about his future and development within the team.
Steelers' Broderick Jones Has Been Costing Pittsburgh Points In 2024
During the Steelers' game against the Denver Broncos, Jones was benched before the game and then again after a series of struggles. The coaching staff decided to rotate tackles, giving him a chance but Jones picked up three very costly flags that stalled the offense. It also took points off the board.
A prime example of Jones' struggles came against the Giants when George Pickens scored a fantastic touchdown that energized the offense, only for it to be quickly called back due to a face mask penalty by Jones. Once again, his mistakes hurt the team and took points off the board
When the Steelers drafted Jones, he had limited starting experience at Georgia, but his raw talent caught the attention of NFL teams. He was always seen as a project, but his ongoing issues are becoming increasingly concerning.
While Jones still has the opportunity to turn around his second season and finish on a positive note, the current trajectory does not bode well for the young tackle. As the season progresses, the Steelers will need to see significant improvement from him to justify their draft investment.
