Key Takeaways:
– Steelers’ Head Coach, Mike Tomlin urges 2023 first-round offensive tackle, Broderick Jones to improve his game.
– Tomlin plans to give Jones an opportunity to prove himself after his subpar performance against the Denver Broncos.
– Troy Fautanu, a rookie player, shone in the game against the Broncos, starting as the right tackle.
– Jones currently stands behind Fautanu and Dan Moore Jr. on rotation, awaiting his chance to prove himself.
The Coach’s Challenge
Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin sent a motivating call to Broderick Jones during a press conference on September 17. Tomlin’s message indicates that he would give the 2023 first-round offensive tackle a chance to shape up his game. The head coach did not reveal a concrete plan for the coming days, stating the importance of giving players a fair chance.
Switching Out Players
When the Steelers faced off against the Denver Broncos in Week 2, Tomlin positioned Troy Fautanu as the starting right tackle. This was no surprise as Fautanu exhibited commendable fitness levels. However, Tomlin had reservations regarding Fautanu’s endurance, leading to the decision to interchange both first-round talents throughout the game.
Despite Tomlin’s plan to substitute Fautanu with Jones in the game, Jones’ tendency towards penalties led the coach to revert to the rookie. As a result, Fautanu remained on the field for 55 of the 66 offensive snaps, while Jones got flagged thrice and had only 11 snaps.
Rookie’s Debut Score
Fautanu impressed on his NFL debut in Denver, demonstrating strong pass protection skills. In his 55 snaps, he fended off two quarterback pressures without yielding any sacks. This excellent performance earned him a pass-blocking efficiency score of 95.7, surpassing veteran player James Daniels and substitute player Spencer Anderson.
While Fautanu’s performance as a run blocker wasn’t as impressive, he didn’t fare terribly either, securing a 59.3 grade in this aspect.
Comparing Young Talents
Jones didn’t allow a quarterback pressure and managed a 60.8 grade as a run blocker in his 11 snaps. Nevertheless, the three penalties he received were a significant setback. As a result, he sits behind Fautanu and Dan Moore Jr. in the rotation. There’s anticipation that Jones is on standby until he tidies up his game, which also shows that the Steelers have three reliable offensive tackles on hand if needed.
As we head towards Week 3, Tomlin’s challenge to Jones has set the stage for an exciting watch. Will the young talent be able to rise above his early-career setbacks and seize the opportunity offered? Or will the blooming talent of Fautanu continue to overshadow him? All Steelers’ fans are eagerly waiting for the answers.