Steelers' Fatal Offensive Flaw Is Exposed And It Has Nothing To Do With The Quarterback Situation

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of questions surrounding the current roster, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Mason Rudolph is actually penciled in as the starting quarterback, although the franchise continues to wait for a final decision from Aaron Rodgers. Rudolph has proven time and time again that he is not a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL, yet the Steelers feel for some reason like he may be the team's best option. There is also a hole at wide receiver behind DK Metcalf, which is similar to the situation Pittsburgh had at the position going into the 2024 season.

A sizable hole at both quarterback and wide receiver doesn't seem like a recipe for success, but there are situations elsewhere that the Steelers and the fan base should probably be worried about. A main concern comes along the offensive line. 

The unit as a whole is young and inexperienced, but the biggest unknown is Broderick Jones at left tackle. The 2023 first-round pick has struggled a bit so far in his career, but he is now finally getting to move back to his natural position on the left side of the offensive line.

Gregg Rosenthal joined Mina Kimes on The Mina Kimes Show, where the two were discussing the biggest X-Factors for every AFC team. For the Steelers, Rosenthal gave Jones that label.

"It's Broderick Jones." Rosenthal said. "You took him a couple of years ago, I had forgotten, they actually traded up with the Patriots and gave up a pick, and a lot of Steelers fans at the time wanted Christian Gonzalez in that spot because they could have used a cornerback. They took Broderick Jones and he's been at right tackle, he hasn't looked good. He's moving to left tackle now, and there is like no backup plan if he doesn't work. I don't think the feeling last year was that he looked particularly good at right tackle."

Jones certainly struggled in his second season in 2024, but he was not given a certain role until Troy Fautanu suffered a season-ending injury. Fautanu was starting over Jones at right tackle, with the goal being to eventually move Jones to left tackle. That could never happen because of the injury, which threw a wrench in Pittsburgh's plans for Jones.

Dan Moore Jr. was Pittsburgh's starting left tackle for the last four seasons, but he left the organization to sign with the Tennessee Titans in free agency during the 2025 offseason. Pittsburgh had no intention of bringing him back, and he signed a big enough deal that would likely land Pittsburgh significant draft compensation via the NFL's compensatory pick formula. 

This moves Jones over to left tackle, a position he has only played for one game throughout his NFL career. He starting one game there in relief of Moore during his rookie season in 2023 against the Baltimore Ravens, and he played pretty well. There is no guarantee that will happen again, especially with how shaky the 2024 season was for Jones. His confidence certainly took a hit, but hopefully he can bounce back. 

The fatal flaw Pittsburgh could experience is if Jones does not play well, and needs to be replaced. The Steelers have not gathered a reliable backup plan at left tackle. The top two options behind Jones are Dylan Cook, who has played on offense in zero regular season games, or Gareth Warren, a rookie undrafted free agent.

Steelers Need To Find A Better Backup Plan At Left Tackle Position

In the case that Jones does not live up to the organization's expectations, Pittsburgh must prepare by acquiring some veteran talent behind him. One option is left tackle DJ Humphries. He spent the majority of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, but his time with the franchise came to a close after back-to-back seasons of struggling with injuries. 

He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024 season, but he only played in and started two games. He is looking to revive his career, and Pittsburgh may be the spot to do so.

What do you think about Jones chances to be effective at left tackle? Let us know in the comments below!

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