Broderick Jones Looks Forward to Major Test Against Falcons Star Edge Rusher

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones could be matched up against Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon throughout the afternoon in Sunday’s season opener. Jones isn’t sure which side he’ll play on yet, but if he stays at right tackle, he’ll get a healthy dose of Judon.

Jones struggled mightily during the preseason, allowing multiple sacks. He hasn’t been fully healthy, however, as he’s been wearing a large brace on his right elbow after injuring it early in training camp. He said the brace has limited what he can do.

Broderick Jones vs. Matthew Judon will definitely be a crucial matchup in Sunday’s game. The Steelers can’t afford a subpar performance from their second-year offensive tackle against a game-wrecker like Judon.

“It’s a big test, he’s been around the league,” Jones said about going up against Judon. “He has an extensive resume, so just being able to show what I can do versus him. Just put my best foot forward and hope for the best.”

The Falcons acquired Judon in a trade with the New England Patriots in mid-August. The Falcons also signed All-Pro safety Justin Simmons within the last month.

Judon, 31, is a four-time Pro Bowler with 66.5 career sacks. He spent his first five seasons (2016-2020) in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, recording 34.5 sacks. Judon had banner years with New England in 2021 and 2022, posting 28 sacks and earning Pro Bowl honors in both seasons.

Prior to the start of the 2023 season, Judon was ranked 33rd by fellow players for the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023. He suffered a torn lower bicep in Week 4 and was placed on injured reserve.

Judon will lead a Falcons’ edge rusher group on Sunday that features Arnold Ebiketie, Lorenzo Carter and DeAngelo Malone. He certainly will be a handful for the Steelers’ tackles in Week 1. When healthy, Judon is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.

Rookie center Zach Frazier and second-year offensive lineman Spencer Anderson will make their first career starts on Sunday. Jones is also only in his second year. Despite the youth up front, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is not worried about the inexperienced component.

“There’s a lot of meat on that growth bone, and we’ve seen a lot of it, to be quite honest with you, for several reasons. We had some young guys that drafted high in the Draft and showed the NFL is not too big for them, and I imagine they’ll continue to show that and continue to grow with exposure,” Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference. “But we’ve also got some second-year players like Broderick and Spencer, and that second lap around the track, it’s reasonable to expect growth and development because of the knowing component. So we’ve challenged them in that regard, and they’ve responded. “We’ve got some talented young people, so it makes for an exciting mix.”

Jones thinks Anderson will be up to the task in his first career start.

“I feel like Spencer has taken a great jump from Year 1 to Year 2,” Jones said. “I’m excited to see what he puts on. What he’s able to do for us. Just glad that he’s getting this opportunity, just to showcase what he’s able to do.”

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.