Ex-Steelers OL Thinks Broderick Jones’ Punch Is a Mess, Could Get QB Killed at LT

Chris Ward |

Updated: Aug 20, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones during a preseason game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex thinks the left or right tackle debate for Broderick Jones is irrelevant. He needs to correct his punch and be more physical. If not, he’s going to get a quarterback killed this season, especially if he’s on the blindside.

“He’s gonna have to punch somebody no matter what side of the ball he lines up on,” Essex said on The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday. “And that’s the only issue, because his set was fine. The technique of his set, his footwork was fine. It was just a physicality thing. And if he does that on the left side, he’s gonna get one of our quarterbacks killed. On the right side at least they can see it coming more. So they got the peripherals a little better for them and so he can get bailed out a little bit if he’s making those types of mistakes on the right side. But if he does it on the left side, there’s less room for error and a lot more chance that our quarterback can get seriously hurt.”

Jones’ elbow injury could be hindering him, but he got absolutely destroyed by Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau on one play in Saturday’s game that resulted in Russell Wilson being sacked. Jones was very late on his punch. Offensive line coach Pat Meyer needs to find a solutions to Jones’ issues.

GROWN man play here oh my

Greg Rousseau kicked Broderick Jones right out the club 😂#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/I25AHICPtW

— Carl Jones (@Jones11_) August 17, 2024

The offensive line allowed four sacks for 26 yards in Saturday night’s 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were also under pressure throughout the night. Mike Tomlin made it clear after the game that he was not happy with the offensive line’s performance.

“I just thought we didn’t do a good enough of job of protecting the quarterback. We got to do a better job in pass protection than we did,” Tomlin said. “Not only in possession downs but just in general. I was really upfront with the group about it in that regard. That can’t be a problem for us. We got to be better than we were tonight in that area.”