McCarthy Is Already Changing Broderick Jones’ Game With One Small Detail
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Broderick Jones is learning that Mike McCarthy’s changes do not always come with a massive schematic overhaul. Sometimes, it is something as basic as where the offensive tackle puts his hand before the snap. For Jones, that small adjustment has already forced him to rethink a technique he has relied on throughout his young NFL career.
And that detail says plenty about what McCarthy is demanding from the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line. Jones is being asked to become more comfortable with different stances and alignments, even if they initially feel unnatural. It is a subtle change, however, one that could have a bigger impact on how the Steelers operate up front.
Mike McCarthy Is Changing Broderick Jones One Small Detail at a Time
Jones discussed the adjustment on August 28. The offensive tackle explained that McCarthy has emphasized putting his hand in the dirt on first-and-10 plays, rather than consistently operating from a two-point stance. For Jones, who has traditionally been more comfortable upright, that means learning to play from a three-point stance more regularly.
“I would say just like the small details. Like, Coach McCarthy’s big on putting your hand down in the ground if it’s first in 10. I’ve always been out of like a two point, so putting my hand in the dirt, playing out of a three is a little bit different for me. But it’s something to learn from.”
OT Broderick Jones on adjustment playing for Mike McCarthy: “I would say just like the small details. Like, Coach McCarthy’s big on putting your hand down in the ground if it’s first in 10. I’ve always been out of like a two point, so putting my hand in the dirt, playing out of a…
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 28, 2026
That might sound minor; however, offensive-line technique is built on repetition. A change in stance can affect a lineman’s balance, first step, leverage, and timing. So when McCarthy asks Jones to change something he has done for years, it is not simply about putting one hand on the turf. It also fits the broader transformation happening in the Steelers. Jones has described McCarthy’s offense as more aggressive, with an emphasis on pushing the ball downfield, using motion, and getting defenses to react early. That means the offensive line has to execute different looks without losing its discipline.
For Jones, versatility could become another part of his value. The Steelers recently identified him as a candidate to get additional work at right tackle, particularly with rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor dealing with an injury. Jones already has significant experience at right tackle, even though his recent work has largely come elsewhere.
That possibility makes his current technical adjustment even more interesting. McCarthy is not just teaching Jones a new offense but expanding the tackle’s toolbox.
And Jones appears willing to embrace it. Instead of treating the stance change as a problem, he described it as something he can learn from. That attitude could be important as the Steelers install McCarthy’s system and ask its offensive linemen to become more adaptable.
The bigger test will come when those small details have to hold up at game speed. Except for now, McCarthy is showing Jones that improving his game does not always require a dramatic overhaul. Sometimes, it starts with simply putting a hand in the dirt.
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