SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Jonesing for More’ Edition

Good Monday to you Steelers fans.

Like all of you, I cannot see the future. If I could, I’d probably be in Vegas making some money but that ain’t happening. When it comes to Pittsburgh Steelers’ first round draft pick Broderick Jones, I cannot project what his career will look like. Will he be the anchor the Steelers need at left tackle for the next decade or will he become just another first round pick who couldn’t live up to the hype? While only time will tell, there is one thing I know; Jones is doing everything in his power to be exactly the guy we all hope he is. I say all of this because of what has occurred over the last few days. On Friday night in Tampa, Jones did not start as was expected but he did get significant playing time. I’ll be honest; I thought he’d be further along. I tweeted as much and got some blowback. That doesn’t mean I think he was “bad” or that he’ll “be a bust.” That’s just silly. No one can make such a claim after one preseason game. In my opinion I thought he was extremely inconsistent in his pass blocking. He was often shoved straight back by power or was struggling with speed. His run blocking however was as advertised. He’s powerful and aggressive as a run blocker. Then yesterday happened… The Steelers returned to practice at St. Vincent College and Jones had his best practice of Camp. With guys challenging him literally on every snap Jones had his victories and defeats for sure but he was getting better. To me, that’s what matters right now for Jones. I can’t tell you when he becomes the starter or if he becomes the starter but what I love how he’s competing and that’s all any of us can ask.

Tweet of the Day… I highly recommend following Nick. He also joined me on the podcast last week. As they say, “he knows ball.”

I noticed Broderick Jones early in camp would drift in his sets and get beat to the inside because he overset.

Today, Leal and Herbig tried to attack him inside thinking he would overset, he didn't, got to his spot, and his hand usage was good. That's growth.

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 13, 2023

The Boot

Defensive Lineman Larry Ogunjobi showed up to practice with his foot in a walking boot. That’s never good but it’s also not as awful as it used to be. To be clear, Ogunjobi has had foot issues in the past so there’s some concern on my part but I think, from what I’m hearing, this is just precautionary. You’ll remember that he didn’t even play on Friday so I’m going to suggest the Steelers are just being safe here.

One Particular Play

Rightfully so, fans were over the moon about the Kenny Pickett to George Pickens touchdown Friday night. While it was indeed awesome, there was much more to this play that I really loved. At the snap, Pickett immediately looks to his left. Pickens, who is to Pickett’s right, is not his first option. In fact, Pickens looks to be the quarterback’s third or fourth option on this particular play. What I really loved about this play is that you see the growth and confidence in Kenny Pickett. There’s no “rush” to his progression – he’s calm and he has a solid pocket around him – as he scans the field from left to right. As he comes off of each guy that he doesn’t like, you can see Pickens start to come into view just as Pickett does. Rather than throwing the ball to where Pickens is, he puts it out in front of him allowing him to catch it and set up his next move. This is just one play and just one play in the preseason at that, but it’s a great sign of things to come.