If there's anything we've learned about the NFL, it's to expect the unexpected, and the Steelers-Jets matchup in week one was a perfect example of that. With eight months of preparation leading up to kickoff, both teams looked to put their best foot forward and gave observers a shootout that no one could have foreseen. Mike Tomlin's club was able to do just enough to eke out a victory in the closing moments, but there were certainly some concerning takeaways in the process regardless of the final score. By far the most worrisome was that Broderick Jones struggled mightily in his return back to left tackle, allowing three sacks on the afternoon.
Overreactions running rampant are synonymous with the return of football in the fall, but in this particular instance, the cause for concern feels pretty valid. Only his now former teammate Dan Moore Jr. allowed more sacks last season, and as the sample size continues to grow, the results just haven't been good enough. Year three is a critical turning point in a youngster's career, with expectations rising as the player looks to hopefully position themselves for a contract extension the following offseason. Even if that growth isn't always linear, some sort of development is to be expected. In Jones' case, it's difficult to pinpoint where those improvements even are at this point given that he still looks like the same player he was coming out of college as a raw prospect with limited experience.
Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones talks with a referee during a game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 8, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Seelers Now
Most of his losses in pass pro were rather uncompetitive and came in a variety of ways that highlighted some bad habits. His hands are still wide and late far too often, allowing rushers to access his chest, trying to catch guys rather than establishing first contact. He's still prone to getting overextended and easily drawn off balance because of that lean, making him susceptible to inside counters. Arthur Smith dialed up a bevy of play-action concepts against the Jets, trying to take some of the strain off the offensive line, but Jones allowed a couple rushers to get on his edges on those as well.
"I've got to be better. I've just got to continue to focus. I can't put that on tape," Jones said on Wednesday. "I know that. Everybody knows that."
Despite all of that, the offense was able to light up the scoreboard to the tune of 34 points on the road, a testament to their ability to overcome obstacles in a tough environment. However, everyone involved knows this isn't a sustainable way to live. In his weekly press conference, Tomlin acknowledged that the quarterback was hit too often for his liking .
Will McDonald of the New York Jets sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Sept. 7, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
"Our quarterback got hit too much and [Jones] was a component of that," Tomlin said.
Aaron Rodgers stood up for his teammates , accepting blame for his lack of escapability, citing back tightness that's certainly believable for someone that turns 42 years old in December. In order for him to build on his impressive four-touchdown debut, Pittsburgh is going to have to give him more time to push the ball down the field.
The entire premise of this article is just pointing out that help is not coming for Jones or the Steelers. This offseason, general manager Omar Khan opted against adding any sort of legitimate tackle insurance as a fail-safe in the event that his first-ever draft pick struggled out of the gate. They pushed all of their chips in on the 24-year-old finding his stride now that he's slotted back in his natural position. Ultimately, he's either going to sink or swim.
Rodgers is one of the very best players to ever play this game, but this idea that he's going to magically regain his springiness in the pocket is just not realistic. His ability to effortlessly teleport through the tiniest of creases to access new throwing lanes is gone, and it's not coming back. These quick pressures, where defenders are essentially meeting him at the back foot of his drop, are effectively a death sentence for an older, statuesque signal caller. In 2024, he was sacked on over 22% of his dropbacks while under pressure, and that number doubled on Sunday versus the Jets.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett escapes a tackle from Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Boye Mafe on Aug. 13, 2022. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
It's also worth noting that there are tougher challenges on the horizon, with all due respect to Will McDonald IV , who is an emerging player in his own right. Boye Mafe comes to town this weekend, fresh off an opening day performance in which he wrecked an all-time great in Trent Williams for 60 minutes. Despite an offseason trade request, Myles Garrett still plays in the AFC North, and he clawed his way through double teams to register a cool four pressures and two sacks in the fourth quarter last weekend. Oh, and he'll have multiple dates with Trey Hendrickson , who just so happens to lead the entire NFL in sacks over the last two seasons.
Life as an offensive tackle is really, really hard. The reality is that the offensive line is a weak link position, where one player's performance can put an anchor on the entire unit. Defensive coordinators have gotten more and more imaginative in the ways that they devise their pressure plans , but on third downs, it's time to hunt favorable matchups. You don't need to be a prophet to know that in a couple months from now, Green Bay will park their Ferrari in Micah Parsons directly across from Jones until he proves he can hold up in those moments.
To his credit, Jones has taken full accountability for his shortcomings while still possessing the public support of his teammates and coaches alike. In order for the Steelers to reach their desired destination in the postseason, the offense will need to continue to play at a high level. Jones' continued development, or lack thereof, will in some ways define their season as a whole.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Bell: Help Isn't Coming for Steelers or Broderick Jones
Related Headlines
