Mike Tomlin Calls Out Broderick Jones Following Poor Week 1 Performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line struggled to protect their starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, on Sunday. Mike Tomlin is making it clear that can’t keep happening.

Rodgers was sacked four times in a thrilling 34-32 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday criticized the offensive line for their poor performance, calling out left tackle Broderick Jones, the leader of the struggling unit.

“Certainly, it can be better,” Tomlin said when asked about Jones’ performance. “All of our performances could be better. Our quarterback got hit too much, and he was a component of that.”

However, Tomlin isn’t worried about Jones’ confidence moving forward.

“You don’t get to the National Football League by being fragile emotionally,” Tomlin said. “There are a lot of confident guys I work with. You win some battles, you lose some battles, and you come back fighting. That’s just the nature of the men who play the game at this level.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Jones earned a pass-block grade of 46.8, the lowest among the team’s offensive linemen. He was responsible for three sacks.

Jones continues to struggle with pass blocking, a problem dating back to last season. In 2024, PFF ranked Jones 97th out of 140 qualified tackles, as he allowed 10 sacks, tying him for the second-most among tackles.

Jones needs to step up his pass blocking this season; otherwise, it could be a challenging year for Rodgers, who’s 41 and doesn’t have the same mobility he once did.

More NFL: Stephen A. Smith Hits Steelers With Harsh Justin Fields Truth