Mike Tomlin confidently dismisses the Broderick Jones problem on Steelers' OL

We can be as naive as we'd like, but one thing has been very clear through the first seven games of the 2024 season: the Pittsburgh Steelers have a Broderick Jones problem. After inspiring hope during his rookie season when he was thrust into action in 2023, his performance has been anything but encouraging this year.

Since Week 1, Jones has struggled with the little things that are required for an NFL offensive tackle to be competent. Missed assignments and sloppy technique have been the story of his career so far. Sadly, things aren't getting any better as the season progresses.

After an ugly performance against the Colts in Week 4, Jones' struggles escalated with three straight awful performances that included roughly a dozen downright ugly reps that nearly got his quarterback killed.

Over the past three games, Jones hasn't earned a PFF grade over 49.8. Entering Week 8, Broderick is Pro Football Focus' 73rd-ranked offensive tackle out of 76 qualifying players.

The tape matches the despicable grades. When you throw on the All-22 film, you see a player with outrageously poor technique who is often confused about his assignment. But don't tell that to Mike Tomlin. The Steelers head coach is actually quite fond of the 'trajectory' of Broderick's 'development'.

Aaron Becker of Yardbarker captured a quote about Jones from Tomlin's Week 8 press conference.

Mike Tomlin's blind optimism isn't going to help Broderick Jones improve

It's one thing to be encouraging; it's something else entirely to be blindly optimistic regarding a player's performance. Jones has been visibly bad -- both to those who study the film closely or simply watch the Steelers live on the broadcast view.

While there are some plays he makes that get fans excited, hope is quickly wiped away when you see how badly he has struggled with consistency and assignments. An offensive tackle is only as good as the worst reps he gives his team. If Jones can't clean up his technique, the chances of him turning things around are slim to none.

Whether he wants to or not, Mike Tomlin needs to address this. Likewise, Broderick needs to hear about his inexcusable performance. With the investment the Steelers have into this young offensive tackle, they can't afford to sit idly by and watch his NFL career meltdown.

Jones has talent, but his inexcusable shortcomings will prevent him from becoming a good player. The 2023 first-round pick is already heading toward the dreaded 'bust ' label, and instead of sweeping his poor play under the rug, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to do something about it.