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'He and I will not blink' - Steelers HC Mike Tomlin sticking by struggling first-round pick

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Nov 18, 2024 11:23 AM ET

There's nothing like on-the-job training.

And while Broderick Jones is no longer a rookie, the second-year starter just reached a full season of starts under his belt.

And while many of those starts, including Sunday's win over the Baltimore Ravens haven't been pretty, Mike Tomlin is sticking by his guy:

Broderick Jones Not Going Anywhere

"I am not worried about that," said Tomlin when asked about a potential change at RT following Jones' struggles against Baltimore. "You guys [media] can write all you want. Broderick Jones is playing right tackle for us. He's going to continue to get better. He's a top quality player in terms of his talent. He's a young guy. He's experiencing some on-the-job training. He and I will not blink. Keep writing."

Broderick Jones gets beat again. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/UAiswQSbUR
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) November 17, 2024

A week after having one of the better games of his career, Jones put together a performance he will soon want to forget. Not only was he a part of an offensive line that let up four sacks in the first half alone, but what was more concerning was his penalties.

Jones had a personal foul called against him after getting into a skirmish with Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey in the first half, but he would go on to have two holding calls within three plays, mimicking a horrible drive from his early season outing against the Denver Broncos.

And while Tomlin is doing the right thing by standing up for the 14th overall pick from 2023, he really doesn't have another option. The plan was to have rookie Troy Fautanu start at RT, which he did up until a knee injury that placed him on the injured reserve.

And no matter how much people want to poke at Jones, believe you me, he's better than anyone behind him on the Steelers' depth chart.

So hopefully it was just a blip in the radar for Jones as he aims to mirror his performance against the Washington Commanders going forward.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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