For Pittsburgh Steelers fans, one of the most talked-about storylines of the 2024 season has been the gradual but inevitable change on the offensive line. The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their physicality and dominance in the trenches, but in recent years, the offensive line has been a source of frustration. Pass protection struggles, inconsistent run blocking, and a lack of continuity have plagued the unit, leaving questions about how to improve the team’s offensive efficiency.
However, a major turning point came when the Steelers finally made the move to insert rookie offensive tackle **Broderick Jones** into the starting lineup. A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jones had shown flashes of his immense potential in training camp and preseason, but up until recently, he had been relegated to a backup role behind veteran tackle **Dan Moore Jr.** It wasn’t that Moore was performing poorly; it was more that Jones simply had too much talent to keep on the bench.
In this blog post, we will explore why the Steelers made the decision to finally promote Broderick Jones, what it means for the team’s future, and how the offensive line might look moving forward as they build around their promising young star.
### The Struggles of the Steelers’ Offensive Line
To understand why this change was necessary, it’s important to first take a step back and look at the state of the Steelers’ offensive line in recent years. Since the departure of longtime stalwarts like **Maurkice Pouncey** and **David DeCastro**, the line has been in flux. The team has struggled to find consistent play from the unit, and that instability has affected every part of the offense.
1. **Pass Protection Woes**:
The Steelers’ offensive line has had a tough time keeping their quarterbacks upright, particularly in 2023. While **Kenny Pickett** showed flashes of promise in his rookie season, he was often forced to scramble and take unnecessary hits due to poor protection from the line. While it’s true that any young quarterback will face some challenges adjusting to the speed of the NFL, the lack of a reliable offensive line made Pickett’s job even harder.
2. **Run Game Inconsistencies**:
Pittsburgh has long prided itself on a physical, smash-mouth running game, but the offensive line’s inability to create consistent push at the line of scrimmage has hindered the effectiveness of the run game. While **Najee Harris** showed signs of brilliance, he was often met in the backfield by defenders before he could get going, putting more pressure on the passing game and forcing the offense into predictable, one-dimensional situations.
3. **Lack of Depth and Consistency**:
Injuries and a lack of overall depth have also contributed to the offensive line’s struggles. Players have been shuffling in and out of the lineup, making it difficult to develop chemistry and continuity. Offensive line play is often about timing and cohesion, and when the lineup changes frequently, it becomes harder to build that cohesion.
### Broderick Jones: The Solution?
When the Steelers selected Broderick Jones with the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they were hoping to find a future cornerstone for their offensive line. Jones, a former Georgia Bulldog, had the ideal physical tools: size, strength, and quickness to excel at tackle in the NFL. His ability to both protect the quarterback and open running lanes immediately caught the eye of scouts and analysts.
The decision to draft Jones was a signal that the Steelers recognized the importance of addressing their offensive line issues. However, head coach **Mike Tomlin** and offensive line coach **Pat Meyer** decided to ease the rookie into action, giving veteran Dan Moore Jr. the starting role to begin the season. It was clear, though, that Jones was the future of the position, and it was only a matter of time before the team would have to make the change.
### Why the Change Now?
So, why did the Steelers finally make the move to start Broderick Jones after weeks of letting Moore handle the starting job? There are a few factors that played into this decision:
1. **Inconsistent Play from Dan Moore Jr.**:
Moore had been the starting left tackle for the Steelers since 2021, but his play in 2024 left much to be desired. While he wasn’t necessarily playing poorly, he had struggled in key moments, particularly in pass protection. As a young quarterback like Pickett continued to develop, having a more reliable blindside protector became essential. Jones, with his superior athleticism and higher upside, presented the team with a better option moving forward.
2. **Development of Kenny Pickett**:
Another significant factor in the decision to start Jones was the continued development of **Kenny Pickett**. For a young quarterback to reach his potential, he needs a stable offensive line that can protect him and allow him to progress through his reads. If the Steelers are serious about building around Pickett, they need to ensure that he has the protection he needs to thrive. Jones, with his elite physical traits, is a much better fit for helping Pickett grow into a true franchise quarterback.
3. **Increased Pressure to Perform**:
The Steelers are a team with playoff aspirations, and while the 2024 season has not gone according to plan, the coaching staff understood that they could not afford to waste any more time. The offensive line was an area that needed immediate attention if they were to have any hope of turning things around. With the division race still within reach, the Steelers needed to make the change to Jones as soon as possible in order to maximize their chances in the second half of the season.
4. **Jones’ Exceptional Talent**:
It was clear from training camp and preseason that Jones had the talent to start. The rookie showed excellent footwork, powerful hands, and the athleticism needed to excel at the NFL level. His college experience at Georgia — one of the top programs in the country — gave him the kind of pedigree that the Steelers wanted for their offensive line. Given his potential, it became increasingly difficult to keep him on the bench.
### What Does This Mean for the Steelers Moving Forward?
The promotion of Broderick Jones to the starting left tackle position signals a new era for the Steelers’ offensive line. For a team that has relied on strong, physical line play for decades, Jones represents the future of that identity. But it also means that the Steelers have made a clear commitment to their young quarterback, Kenny Pickett, and to the future of the offense.
1. **Better Pass Protection**:
Jones is expected to bring a higher level of pass protection to the left tackle spot, providing more stability for Pickett in the pocket. His ability to protect against speed rushers and his quickness in handling stunts will allow Pickett more time to make plays downfield.
2. **A Boost to the Running Game**:
Jones’ presence should also help the running game. His ability to seal the edge and create running lanes for Najee Harris and the rest of the backfield will be invaluable. With a more stable offensive line, the Steelers’ running game could see an uptick, providing more balance and making the offense more unpredictable.
3. **The Long-Term Vision**:
For the Steelers, Broderick Jones is not just a fix for this season, but a long-term solution at left tackle. The team now has its bookend tackles for the future, with Jones on the left side and **Chukwuma Okorafor** on the right. The hope is that with time, Jones will develop into one of the top tackles in the league, anchoring the line for years to come.
### Conclusion: A Crucial Step for the Steelers
The decision to start Broderick Jones is a crucial one for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s a recognition that the offensive line needs to be better, and that the team must invest in its young players to build a championship-contending roster. By promoting Jones, the Steelers have taken a significant step toward solidifying their offensive line and providing their quarterback and running back with the protection they need to succeed.
While it’s still early, the hope is that Jones’ presence will bring about a noticeable improvement in both the pass protection and the running game. For Steelers fans, the future of the offensive line looks brighter, and Broderick Jones could be the cornerstone that the team has been searching for. It’s time for the Steelers to turn the page, and with Jones at left tackle, they are taking a big step in the right direction.