Steelers Starter Faces Benching Amid Attacking Own Fans Following Loss To Colts

   

The Pittsburgh Steelers felt the first taste of defeat on Sunday after a 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.  Pittsburgh fell to 3-1 on the year, but very much still in prime position to compete in the AFC North.

However, at least one current starter didn’t take the loss too well, and let fans know on social media.

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Steelers Starter Ripped After Attacking Own Fans Following Loss To Colts

Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) reacts as he takes the field against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) reacts as he takes the field against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

In the wake of his team’s 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, Jones responded to critics on Twitter (X):

😂lol bro do you even know football?

— Broderick Jones (@millionairemov3) September 29, 2024

Another post read: lol you don’t know s**t about football I’m convinced.

You got one rn huh?

— Broderick Jones (@millionairemov3) September 29, 2024

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Chris Lammons (35) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) after recovering a fumble Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. © Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Chris Lammons (35) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) after recovering a fumble Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. © Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

According to journalist Dave Holcomb:

Jones hasn’t exactly played at a Pro Bowl level to begin this season. But some of the criticism he received on social media on September 29 seemed unjust or inaccurate.

Jones’ play, though, has left a lot to be desired. Before Week 4, 59 offensive tackles had played at least 50% of his team’s offensive snaps. The Pro Football Focus player grades had Jones ranked last in that group.

Even though Jones hasn’t fared well in the PFF player grades, his play seemed serviceable during Week 1. But the Steelers had Jones play on a rotational basis in Week 2, where he didn’t perform well at all.

On the only drive he played during the game, Jones committed three penalties.

Jones officially lost the right tackle job to rookie Troy Fautanu after that series. But Fautanu didn’t make another start before suffering a regular season-ending injury on September 20.

Despite Jones’ reaction to fans, his play is calling into question whether or not he should be in the starting lineup.  Will Pittsburgh consider a change?

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) blocks Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman (6) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) blocks Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman (6) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images