The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to rely on back up quarterback Landry Jones once again as Ben Roethlisberger will miss the next four to six weeks due to a meniscus tear.
Many fans have a sour taste in their mouth when thinking of Jones as their new starter because of the big drop off from Roethlisberger. Last year, he saw playing time in five games, starting in two of them.
His first call to action was in Week Six when Michael Vick, who was starting because of yet another Roethlisberger ailment, went down in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals. He played fairly well in the game completing 8-of-12 passes for 168 yards and two scores.
The 6-foot-4 quarterback assumed the helm for the next game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He played formidable, but lost 23-13 against a powerful defensive team. Big Ben returned in Week 8, but got hurt again the following game against the Oakland Raiders. Jones came in late in game and capped off a 38-35 victory.
The situation turned for the worst in Jones’ next two games against the Cleveland Browns and then the Seattle Seahawks. Against the Browns, he played one series and went down with an ankle injury. The next week, against the Seahawks, he tried to play again, but threw four passes and two of them were intercepted.
Jones’ 2015 campaign, to say the least, was an up and down rollercoaster that makes fans worried about the upcoming games. This is especially true against the New England Patriots, who have an angry Tom Brady.
Nonetheless Steelers Nation, it isn’t all bad, here are the reasons why Jones can be successful.
Three Reasons Why Landry Jones Can Succeed in 2016
- As a fourth year pro, 2015 was his first time playing as a starter for the Steelers. During that time, he did look turnover prone, but he also made big plays like this 88-yard score to Martavis Bryant against the Cardinals.
- Last year, the Steelers had a banged up offensive line, which accounted for the big hits Roethisberger, Vick, and Jones all took. This year, the Steelers are one of the strongest in the trenches. According to Football Outsiders, they are the the fifth lowest in sacks allowed with nine.
- The Steelers still have the best offensive weapons in all off football. Running back Le’Veon Bell looks fresh after missing the first three games of the season because of suspension. He’s been rushing the ball and catching very well. In the three games since his return, he is averaging 146.6 scrimmage yards. Also, they still have the most talented wide receiver in the league with Antonio Brown. Last season, the Jones-to-Brown connection was near non-existent. But this year, Brown has faith in his passer stating, “Every pregame we throw routes together, communicate a lot in the film room. We’re just excited to have the opportunity to go out and play together this weekend,” according to CBS Sports.
Today’s match against the Patriots will be a true test of colors for the former Oklahoma Sooner. New England has been dominating the NFL, both offensively and defensively, and are projected to be a Super Bowl contender. On the other hand, the Steelers with Roethlisberger were also projected to be at the big dance. Brady will be traveling to Heinz Field, a difficult stadium to play in. If Jones can follow coach Mike Tomlin’s crafted game plan, this could be the biggest upset of the year.
