Mike Tomlin: Broderick Jones ‘Higher In All Areas’

Mike Tomlin made clear Broderick Jones’ play within the season opener wasn’t ok. His critiques had been adopted by reward per week later. Throughout final Tuesday’s press convention, Tomlin mentioned Jones was “considerably” higher in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks than the New York Jets and in his weekly interview with Steelers.com’s Bob Labriola, expanded on what he meant.

“Intimately, in end, in physicality, and that’s why I mentioned ‘important,’ Tomlin instructed Labriola in an interview published Sunday morning. “I used to be considerate with my phrases. He was higher in all areas.”

The areas Tomlin referred to haven’t at all times been Jones’ strengths. Or at the least, areas he hasn’t been constant in. End and physicality had been areas Jones struggled in final season throughout a troublesome sophomore season. All through 2024, former Steelers DL Chris Hoke and OG Ramon Foster remarked Jones wasn’t ending his blocks, a cardinal sin for an offensive lineman. Particularly for a Pittsburgh crew that struggled to run the ball, ending simply twenty fifth in yards-per-attempt. The amount was there, typical of beneath OC Arthur Smith, however the effectivity was missing.

Jones is 2 video games into probably the most vital 12 months of his profession. Flipping again to left sort out and tasked with defending QB Aaron Rodgers’ blindside, Jones’ enchancment nonetheless isn’t ok. There’s a lot areas for him to enhance. Pre-snap recognition of stunts and blitzes was an space he struggled in opposition to Seattle whereas his method can nonetheless develop and be extra constant.

Even with progress, the NFL provides no time for a beginning left sort out to relaxation on his laurels. The New England Patriots enter Week Three main the league in sacks and boast expertise at defensive finish. DE Keion White picked up 5 sacks final season whereas, Ok’Lavon Chaisson has 1.5 already this season, and Harold Landry is tied for the NFL lead with 3.5 of them. All three are former Prime 50 picks.

Jones’ play is considered not in a snapshot however a movie strip of time. The lengthy haul. His play should preserve getting higher whilst his competitors will get fiercer.