Steelers Could Make Big Decision on Offensive Line

PITTSBURGH — Broderick Jones got his first start against the Baltimore Ravens, and he did more than play well. He balled out, allowing just one pressure and zero sacks against the impressive Baltimore front. His ability to pick up on stunts was an area of notable growth, while Kenny Pickett had some of the cleanest pockets he has had to his blindside all season. To say the least, he impressed in his first game action, even if there was a lot of anxiousness around his first career start.

“You can just feel tension when you’re out there,” Jones said. “I can see the tension from the beginning of the game and how this really is. I feel like it was good for me to be out there and get the feeling for that type of atmosphere. Everything went well.”

However, Broderick Jones may not start against the Rams. Dan Moore Jr., returning from an MCL Sprain, took first-team reps on Monday. Jones has noted that he must improve his hand usage throughout the year. He felt like that came in as his most significant weak point, and offensive line coach Pat Meyer has emphasized that to him throughout the season. But Pittsburgh does not want to put too much on the plate for Jones.

Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones at training camp, Aug. 8, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

“He’s a really young football player. So, he’s going to get better, has to get better,” Meyer said. “I don’t just give him a ton of stuff each week, it’s more two or three things to work each week. So, yes, that hand usage is something he can work on. You know, punch timing, not bending over and getting overextended through his punch, placement. Those are all things he is working on.”

Jones will have to focus on his hand usage to take that next leap as a player in the NFL. However, some of his reps in this game were encouraging that his technique is starting to come along. His run blocking is ready to play at a starter level now, and he’s a problem when out in space. If his pass protection comes along quicker than everyone thought, that’s a testament to his development and coachability.

Jones hopes to see himself play moving forward. Moore is not sure if it is permanent. A Monday practice following the bye week is anything but permanent. However, the rest of the week will be telling to see who will start against the Rams in a critical matchup.