Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) celebrates a tackle against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Let the “depth chart shakeup” continue!
Rookie outside linebacker Jarvis Jones was named “co-starter” at right outside linebacker according to Dejan Kovacevic of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
At least to me, the move does not come as much of a shock.
Former “starter” Jason Worilds did little to impress on Sunday afternoon in his 11th career start when he failed to record a solo tackle. On the other hand, Jones displayed a “nose for the football” on defense and special teams in his regular season debut.
Right now it looks like Pittsburgh’s brass are inching ever closer to handing the bulk of the right outside linebacker chores to the hungry rookie. Inserting the former Georgia Bulldog into the lineup more often can only help the youngster develop and hone his overall skill-set in Dick LeBeau’s complex defensive scheme.
Jones’ recent play also forces Pittsburgh’s 2010 second round pick to “sink or swim” to regain the starting job. If the fear of Jones taking job is not enough motivation for Worilds to step up his game in the present, then there will probably not be a new contract offered to him next spring.
One would have to believe that Jones or Worilds would take a slight lead over the other if they could display some consistency as a pass-rusher. Pittsburgh’s defense recorded only one sack in their season opening loss, and the pocket-collapse was scant to say the least.
For now though, we will just have to wait and see if Jones can wrestle the starting job away from the four-year veteran.
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