If the Pittsburgh Steelers hadn't notched a 34-32 victory in Week 1 over the New York Jets, we would be talking about left tackle Broderick Jones a lot more.
No, Jones' putrid Week 1 performance isn't erased off the map entirely because of the win over the Jets, but the result of the game certainly creates a softer landing spot than Jones otherwise would've gotten.
In his first game since sliding over to left tackle full time, Jones was awful. He was routinely getting beaten all game and ultimately surrendered four pressures and three sacks, both of which were tops on the team.
In fact, no other Steelers offensive lineman gave up a sack, per Pro Football Focus, and Jones posted the lowest pass-blocking grade (46.8) among the five starters. It was also the seventh-worst mark in the NFL among tackles.
Even with the good news, there is some bad. The good news is that Jones didn't have the worst run-blocking grade (57.0) on the offensive line, but his grade still isn't good.
You never want to make too much out of the first game of the season, but Jones has been bad since last year, so it's fair to be concerned, at the very least, and the Steelers will have to decide when enough is enough if this keeps up.
Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex is among those who are worried.
"It’s his first start at LT. You want to give the kid some grace. And I will. But there are some SERIOUS issues with 77’s technique and general football smarts that should not be made at this point in his career," Essex said of Jones. "I am concerned. Hopefully time and reps will improve these issues."
While the rest of the offensive line wasn't great, it held up enough.
Troy Fautanu gave up two pressures but no sacks and Isaac Seumalo's one pressure allowed was the only other one from Pittsburgh's group upfront. Kenneth Gainwell was responsible for the fourth sack on Aaron Rodgers.
The Steelers might have something in Rodgers after what we saw Sunday, but Jones has to step up if they're going to get the most out of him.
If Jones can't, the Steelers seriously have to consider making a change.
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