The Pittsburgh Steelers used their first round pick in 2023 to select left tackle Broderick Jones, even trading up three spots to ensure they would be able to select him. Throughout the offseason and during training camp, there was thought to be a position battle between Jones and Dan Moore Jr., however Jones was never able to dethrone Moore Jr. as the starter. To start the season off, Moore Jr. started the first four games, but was injured in Week 4 against the Houston Texans, which led to Jones getting his first start in Week 5.
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Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. at practice.
Steelers' Jones Shines In Debut As A Starter
Jones would be getting his first start in a home game against the Steelers' biggest rivals in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens. That was a tall task for the rookie. With all the pressure in the world on Jones in what felt like a must-win game after a rough loss to the Texans, Jones had an extremely impressive performance.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Broderick Jones (77).
Jones allowed just one pressure on 37 pass block snaps, and overall the pocket looked a lot cleaner with him in the game. Kenny Pickett didn't have to panic as much and he didn't look frantic as soon as he saw any pressure. That could be Pickett improving, but it also shows that he felt more comfortable with Jones out there. Jones also looked much improved compared to how he played in the 2023 preseason. He didn't have any penalties and was able to keep his quarterback off of the ground for the most part.
Associated Press via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers offensive line coach, Pat Meyer (left) and rookie left tackle, Broderick Jones (right) work together during 2023 offseason activities.
Steelers beat writer for The Athletic, Mark Kaboly, spoke about Jones' future going forward in the 2023 season on The Pat McAfee Show. He could see both sides about whether or not the coaching staff will decide to continue to start him, but says he thinks Jones will be the starter moving forward.
"He played good the other day against the Ravens. I'm not quite sure what they are going to do there. They wanted to bring him along slowly, you know he's a guy that didn't play a lot in college."
Kaboly certainly acknowledged that having Jones thrust into the starting line up due to injury was not the Steelers plan for the 2023 season. They wanted to bring him along slowly and allow him to grow as a professional before actually seeing the field. Whether the injury to Moore Jr. had happened or not, the offensive line was not looking great and Moore Jr. specifically was struggling. Jones would have seen the field eventually regardless. Kaboly had more thoughts about the Steelers plans for Jones and what fans might see going forward.
"The whole thought was to bring him along slowly, and once he gets in there, he'll stay in there. It's a question of if Dan Moore Jr. goes to the right side, left side, or to the bench. I think you're getting your wish, the two rookies [Jones and Joey Porter Jr.] will be starting."
It sounds like if Jones continues to practice well and has a good performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, he'll be the Steelers starter for the rest of the season and beyond. Moore Jr. is still recovering from his knee injury and when he comes back, it sounds like he will need to fight to get his job at left tackle back, or even compete on the right side if he wants to. He does have some experience at right tackle, as he practiced some at that position during the 2023 offseason.
How did you feel about Jones' first start? Would you like to see him be the starter moving forward? Let us know in the comments below!
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