Broderick Jones is a mess.
Too harsh? I don’t think so and if you watched the game last night you would have trouble disagreeing. Fans and pundits will wake today and take a look at Russell Wilson’s stat line. OK, 8/10 for 47 yards… Oh wait. He was sacked three times? Yes he was and you can look in the direction of Mr. Jones for at least two of those.
There will be calls – there are some already – that Jones is closing in on first round bust status. That’s a bit much. He’s still a guy that started 11 games in his rookie season and was a dominant run blocker. He hasn’t suddenly lost that ability but what on Earth has happened to his pass protection?
What fans need to understand is that when Jones came out of Georgia, he was a guy that dominated with size, strength and athleticism. What he was lacking was technique. That’s where Pat Meyer and the Steelers’ coaches were supposed to come in.
And they have failed him.
When Chuks Okorafor openly questioned the Steelers’ coaching staff on the sidelines last year, his time as a starter at right tackle was over. Jones, a left tackle at Georgia, had been working both sides throughout his rookie camp and beyond and the job was suddenly his. Despite what anyone thinks of Dan Moore, he’s entrenched himself at left tackle even after the Steelers drafted Troy Fautanu.
Where Mike Tomlin and company have failed Jones is best broken down in two ways. First, they have not solidified a position for him. We all know of Tomlin’s penchant for guys who can play multiple positions but sometimes a guy just needs a spot to focus on. Secondly, the Steelers have completely misjudged Jones’ ability to handle playing both sides. To the common fan it seems all too simple. Left tackle? Right tackle? What’s the difference?
Actually it’s quite significant. The footwork is the exact opposite as are the calls. For some guys that’s no problem at all. For other guys, it’s a massive problem. I’m of the opinion that the Steelers have failed to recognize that Jones falls into the latter category.
Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau is a good pass rusher but he isn’t T.J. Watt. He has 17 career sacks in three seasons. Last night he had 2.5 as he took advantage of Jones. He bull rushed him and he out-maneuvered Jones. It was like watching a toddler who was walking for the first time. There was poor balance, hesitation and ultimately the fall.
I realize that’s harsh but that’s what the situation has become. Jones’ confidence looks shattered and his coaches haven’t done him any favors.
