Bold Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line decision backfires on Mike Tomlin

   

DENVER — The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to do something that does not happen often in an NFL game. With first-round pick Troy Fautanu and 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones battling it out at right tackle, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not have a decision about who he wanted to see there. Instead, Tomlin decided to rotate both of them at right tackle.

Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp, Aug. 11, 2024

Fautanu came in on the first two drives, and one of those drives became a touchdown drive. He played clean football. However, Jones’ first drive was a disaster. He was first called on 3rd-and-6 for a false start. The Steelers converted anyway on a 15-yard strike from Justin Fields to George Pickens.

Three plays later, Jones got called for holding, setting the Steelers up with a 1st-and-20. Two plays later, Fields would make a magical scramble and find Pickens down the sideline for a would-be 43-yard gain. However, it was wiped out by another holding call by Jones. The Steelers would punt on the drive.

All in all, Jones was called for three penalties totaling 25 yards. No matter the validity, Jones has not played since that point. Fautanu has done well for the Steelers, proving that he is living up to his pedigree.

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