Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Roasts Broderick Jones Over Embarrassing Week 3 Struggles

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line is young and has a ton of potential. However, they have been causing a lot of concern for quite some time now. The effort has been made, as General Manager Omar Khan and Assistant GM Andy Weidl have worked to refine the trenches. Games are often won there, and it’s clear Pittsburgh wants to build a dominant offensive line. 

The Steelers’ efforts have started to pay off, but many fans are still hoping to see much more from this group. They have promising young talent expected to develop over time, but with a 41-year-old quarterback in Aaron Rodgers leading the offense, the protection has to come sooner rather than later.

Even though the Steelers didn’t allow a sack in their Week 3 win over the New England Patriots, that doesn’t mean everything is under control. On his podcast Footbahlin, former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger admitted he is very concerned about the state of Pittsburgh’s offensive line. Roethlisberger explained that while Rodgers stayed clean on the stat sheet, the pocket consistently collapsed, and mistakes up front nearly cost the Steelers drives. His biggest criticism was aimed at third-year left tackle Broderick Jones, who again struggled with missed assignments and poor technique throughout the game.

"No sacks, congratulations, but Aaron still got hit a bunch," Roethlisberger said while speaking on his Footbahlin podcast. "There was a play where Broderick Jones is standing completely upright and the guy basically runs right through him… that play if you go back and watch it because I went back and watched two plays specifically to watch the line play, Broderick is so upright and you can’t stand upright as a tackle. You have to get low or guys are gonna get underneath you."

For a team that prides itself on physical football, the offensive line remains the biggest question mark holding the Steelers back from making a serious playoff run. 

The talent is there, but development takes time, and time isn’t exactly on the side of a veteran quarterback like Rodgers. Roethlisberger even went on a rant about Jones, saying James Harrison would get 15 sacks on him, highlighting just how poorly Jones has been playing.

"James Harrison, what did he talk about? Leverage," Roethlisberger said. "You get a guy like if James Harrison was going up against Broderick Jones, he would have 15 sacks a game. I am telling you, the low leverage, he is gonna get around Broderick. Broderick has to be better at protecting."

If Jones and the rest of the line can’t tighten things up, Pittsburgh’s offensive ceiling will be limited, regardless of the weapons they’ve added around Rodgers. 

Steelers' Broderick Jones Still Struggling, Claims Big Ben

The coaching staff and front office have invested heavily in this group, but as Roethlisberger’s comments suggest, it’s becoming a matter of urgency rather than patience. 

"There was a play later when we actually ran the ball," Roethlisberger said. "You watch from start to finish of the play. It was a run play and he doesn’t block a soul. It’s a little bit cause for concern."

Jones has had time to develop, and he has now been moved to his natural spot at left tackle. 

The hope is that he can improve, but Roethlisberger did not hold back. He is very concerned, and it sounds like Jones is the main reason why.

Do you agree with Ben Roethlisberger that the Steelers’ offensive line is a real reason to panic right now? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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