Steelers Rookie Tackle Broderick Jones In Line To Make 1st Career Start Week 2 Against The Browns

It's safe to say that the Pittsburgh Steelers opener to 2023 NFL season was less than impressive. The San Francisco 49ers came to town and absolutely demolished Mike Tomlin's squad in convincing fashion. The 30-7 loss should put Pittsburgh's locker room on notice. After a successful preseason, the first game that truly mattered was a complete dud. The 239 total yards of offense were concerning and the defense didn't provide much hope either. TJ Watt had three sacks, but other than that, almost every player on the field for the Steelers was beaten by a member of the 49ers. There is a lot of work to be done.

After not having many positive things happen in Week 1, it's not necessarily time to panic as there are still 16 games left to be played. There were certainly things to be worried about, however, as any beatdown from an opponent should cause the coaching staff to evaluate what's going on. Kenny Pickett was nowhere near at the top of his game, but his offense as a whole was worrisome.

Steelers Controversial Left Tackle Slapped With Horrible PFF Grad After Sunday's Performance

The offensive line is an area that the team changed drastically since Ben Roethlisberger retired at the end of the 2021 season. For the most part, it is a completely revamped group since the legend hung up his cleats. Dan Moore Jr. has now started 34 games in his NFL career and according to Pro Football Focus, Sunday may have been his worst effort, as he ranked dead last when it came to all offensive tackles.

Pickett was sacked five times and the running game never got going, either. The offensive line was one of the many areas that can be easily criticized as the Steelers get ready to host the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football in Week 2.

One of the team's more consistent offensive lineman over the past few seasons has been right tackle, Chukwuma Okorafor. He signed a lucrative three-year, $29.25 million contract prior to the 2022 season and, for the most part, has done a solid job while also remaining durable, as he has not been injury-prone. He may have trouble playing against the Browns, however, as he is reportedly dealing with the NFL's concussion protocol. 

When he departed against the 49ers, Moore Jr. acted as the swing tackle and moved over to the right side while rookie, Broderick Jones got his first meaningful in-game action during a regular season contest since being selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Moore Jr. may have a short leash on the offensive line as it is, but if Okorafor can't go on Monday evening, Jones will have the opportunity to battle Myles Garrett and prove he is the future at the position.

The concussion protocol has been an important part of the league's player safety effort for several years now. It's not an easy thing to overcome within seven days. If Okorafor can't go, Jones would be the option at left tackle with Moore Jr. taking over the right side in place of Okorafor. It was originally believed that the Steelers would bring Jones along slowly, but that may not be the case. He could have the task of going head-to-head with one of the NFL's most dangerous defenders.

Jones will be ready to go on Monday and what better way to introduce him to the league than an old-fashioned AFC North matchup. Pittsburgh needs to show some kind of offensive life after a brutal performance against the 49ers. Jones won't make sole difference, but after Moore Jr.'s poor performance on the left side, Okorafor not passing the concussion protocol may give Jones the chance to prove he belongs in the lineup, and Moore Jr. should be on the sidelines for good.

Do you think that Jones should be starting at left tackle as soon as possible or should Moore Jr. be back if Okorafor is healthy? Let us know in the comments below!

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