Broderick Jones, a right tackle for the Steelers, keeps his faith because he knows Mike Tomlin “has my back.”

Jones, Broderick, always watches the Pittsburgh Steelers games on TV, even if it means hearing the experts say bad things about his work at right tackle.

And Jones has given them a lot to talk about: This season, he’s been warned nine times, including twice for bad behaviour, and has given up eight sacks and 28 pressures in 11 games.

Jones doesn’t blink, though.

Jones said Tuesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, “I really don’t listen to what other people are telling me because I feel like I’ve done enough to know what I need to fix and what I don’t need to fix, the things that I do to take that next step.” “People from outside don’t bother me.” “That doesn’t bother me at all.”

Jones thinks he can improve on the problems he had in his second NFL season, even though Steelers coach Mike Tomlin called them “bumps and bruises associated with on-the-job training.”

The Steelers picked the 6-foot-5, 311-pounder out of Georgia with the 14th overall pick in 2023 because they saw how much talent he had and liked how big he was. In an 18-16 win on Nov. 17, Jones got three penalties and let Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh record four quarterback hits and 2 1/2 sacks. That’s why Tomlin said he has “no intentions of blinking” when asked if Jones would be benched.

And why Jones feels better knowing that Tomlin is behind him.

“Not everything is going to be fine. Jones said, “Nothing is going to be perfect, even though we’re try to be perfect.” “I always feel like I can do anything because Coach T tells me he has a lot of faith in me.” It makes me feel a little better about myself. Self-confidence has always been a part of me. Hearing him say that gives me a little extra kick, however you want to phrase it. “It’s nice to know he has my back.”

He lost his starting job to youngster Troy Fautanu, the 2024 first-round pick, after letting Atlanta get two sacks in the first game of the season. Jones was taken out of the game because he got three fouls in six plays during one drive at Denver. But that move didn’t last long because Fautanu was put on hurt reserve after surgery for a dislocated kneecap.

The Steelers don’t have many options but to deal with Jones and his mistakes. Besides the two personal calls, he has also been called for five holding penalties, a facemask, and a false start. Jones and Trevor Penning of the New Orleans Saints both have five run-game mistakes this season, which is tied for the most in the NFL.

Tomlin has said in public that he supports Jones, but he also made it clear that Jones may have heard a lot of criticism in film sessions and team talks when no one was around.

Tollin said, “I’ll keep the things I do with them in our private space between us.” “There are times when what I tell you guys isn’t really how I handle things.” That’s all I have to say about it.

The loss of right guard James Daniels to a season-ending torn Achilles probably made Jones’ growth pains worse. Jones isn’t playing next to an experienced pro; instead, he’s playing next to a rookie named Mason McCormick. Tomlin was quick to point out that Jones, who is 23 years old, is still developing his career. Jones is almost a year younger than McCormick and only three months older than new centre Zach Frazier.

Tomlin said, “He has a lot of room to grow in every area, but he also has great skills.”

Jones knows that having two young players on the same side of the offensive line makes them easy targets for opponents, but he thanks McCormick for making him better, even if it means showing off his flaws sometimes.

Jones said, “He brings the bad to the football game.” “I like the way he plays.” The fact that they are playing next to me motivates me to get out there and finish plays. I see him downfield and around the pile every time a play is over. I like how he does little things like that, so I try to do the same.

That was clear when Jones got into a fight with Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey, which led to penalties for unsportsmanlike behaviour in the second quarter.

McCormick said that he is learning tasks and techniques from Jones and has seen Jones become more deliberate as the season goes on, even though he is having trouble with penalties and pass protection.

McCormick said, “Somethings have happened, but Broderick has done a great job of moving on.” “You can see him continue to change and grow, even in his mind.” He’s still a young player. I am too. We’re all learning and getting better. It’s clear that change is beginning to happen. …

“Not everyone can see everything we do.” Brock works hard when he gets there. He has a lot of ability. He has a crazy roof. He’s going to work hard until he gets there.

Because Jones is so talented, Tomlin hasn’t changed his mind about supporting him. Jones is sure that he can fix his mistakes and reach his full potential because his teacher is there for him.

Jones said, “I feel like I’ve always been coachable, so I pay attention to what they say.” “Without them, I definitely wouldn’t be here.” They won’t take me in the wrong direction, I know that. They always say something positive to push you along. I know for sure that they will also get on you. It’s always good to know that Coach T has your back. We’ll be fine as long as we have that.