Former Steelers Offensive Lineman States Disturbing Truth About Broderick Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't do a lot of things right in their devastating 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. One of the more consistently disappointing aspects of the team has been third-year offensive tackle Broderick Jones, who is protecting the blindside of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While Jones' issues are more than one single thing, a former Steelers' offensive lineman has it diagnosed.

Trai Essex, a former guard for the Steelers who played in the National Football League for eight years, gave some advice to the struggling third-year player.

Mental mistakes have been a clear problem with Jones' game since he came into the league. In Week 1 of 2025, he gave up three of the team's four sacks allowed. Pro Football Focus has Jones graded at an absymal 54.5, good for 60th out of 82 tackles in the NFL. He also had ten penalties in 2024. 

While things certainly look dire after an uninspiring Week 2, the season isn't over yet - but offensive line play has to get better. The team has 41-year-old Rodgers under center, and he won't survive the entire season if he keeps taking massive hits. The offense's success depends entirely on if the run and pass game can pick up steam - and it all starts with the offensive line.

Steelers Offense Sputters In Week 2

The Pittsburgh defense surrendered 31 points in Week 2, shifting a lot of the blame, but the offensive unit wasn't exactly inspiring either. Rodgers threw for only 203 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Around 60 of those passing yards came from a single play to running back Jaylen Warren, where the speedster took a checkdown and turned it into a near touchdown.

A major reason for the Steelers' struggles on offense was the fact that Rodgers was hit nine times and sacked three times, although none of the sacks in this game were attributed to Jones. There's an argument to be made that Rodgers' lack of mobility can make the offensive line look worse than it is, and that's certainly true, but there are many cases where a defender is in the backfield before Rodgers even stands a chance.

If there was a reason to be optimistic after Week 1, despite the defense's struggles, the offense scored 34 points. Rodgers, seemingly turning back the clock, put up four touchdown passes. In Week 2, that optimism died. The offense scored only 17, and Rodgers had more turnovers than scores. Historically, the Steelers' offensive struggles were sidelined due to a suffocating defense. In 2025, with a defense that's allowed 31.5 points per game, that luxury has disappeared.

So, what's the answer? Rodgers isn't getting any younger, and the Steelers' pass catchers are who they are at this point - a meaningful upgrade of the receiving room wouldn't likely come until the trade deadline, if an upgrade comes at all. The fact is, the offensive line simply has to be better. The run and pass game are both suffering because of it. The team is averaging a miserable ~3 yards per carry, and the pass game is having next to no success because of it. 

The fact is, Jones is the clear weakest link of the OL unit. He will face pass rushers like Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett in coming weeks, and teams will almost certainly be looking to exploit him as a weakness. If the Steelers want to level up in 2025, their success begins and ends with Broderick Jones taking a major leap.

What do you think of Broderick Jones' performance through two weeks? Let us know in the comments below!
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