Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
After having one of his better performances of the season in Week 10, Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Broderick Jones was up to his old tricks again during the Steelers’ victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
Jones entered the contest against the Ravens having surrendered seven sacks and committing six penalties in nine games. To compare, Jones gave up four sacks and had two penalties in 2023.
On Sunday, he allowed at least one sack and committed multiple penalties that the Steelers were thankfully able to overcome en route to a win.
As frustration continues to mount and calls for Jones to get benched get louder, head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Jones’ job security following the win over the Ravens. Tomlin made it quite clear he’s having none of that.
“I am not worried about that,” Tomlin said of Jones. “You guys can write all you want. Broderick Jones is playing right tackle for us. He’s going to continue to get better. He’s a top quality player in terms of his talent. He’s a young guy. He’s experiencing some on-the-job training. He and I will not blink. Keep writing.”
While Jones showed flashes last week, he has had issues all season long, and they date back to the preseason. If not for the injury to Troy Fautanu, Jones may not be starting right now.
That said, Tomlin absolutely made the right move in defending his right tackle to the media. The Steelers really don’t have another viable option behind him, and calling Jones out and questioning his starting role may make things worse.
There’s no question that Jones has regressed this season, but the Steelers can’t simply cast him aside right now. All they can do is continue running him out there and hope that what we’re seeing now are just growing pains for the 23-year-old.