Broderick Jones is in Dallas, and he is going straight into a battle for the starting right tackle spot. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer dropped the news during a Monday press conference, making it clear Jones isn’t just a depth piece; he’s here to compete, and that competition kicks off immediately. This isn’t some slow-burn camp battle, either. We’re talking about a live wire situation that could even spill beyond the Week 1 showdown with the Giants.
The Right Tackle Gauntlet Is Thrown
Jones might have played both left and right tackle during his time with the Steelers, but Schottenheimer has a laser focus for him: it’s all about the right side in Dallas. This isn’t just a coaching decision; it’s a direct challenge to incumbent right tackle Terence Steele. Schottenheimer went as far as calling Steele personally to inform him about the impending competition after the Cowboys finalized the trade for Jones. Think about that for a second. The head coach picking up the phone to tell a starter, “Hey, your job’s on the line.” That’s not a move you make lightly, and it tells you everything about the urgency and seriousness of this situation.
Steele’s Pro Mentality Meets New Pressure
According to Schottenheimer, Terence Steele was the “ultimate pro” when he got that call. Steele’s response? He told his coach, “Schotty, I get it, I appreciate the phone call. You didn’t have to make the phone call.” Schottenheimer’s reply laid bare his respect: “I did, because I respect that you that much as a teammate and a player.” But respect doesn’t equal a guaranteed starting gig. Schottenheimer was crystal clear: Steele is “1A” at right tackle *right now*, meaning he has the edge, but it’s not a done deal. Jones “has to show that he can do that,” and what he has to show is that he can be the starter for this football team. That’s a direct challenge for Jones to prove his worth and for Steele to defend his position.
This isn’t some friendly rivalry; this is a fight for a critical starting spot on the offensive line. With the competition starting immediately, it means every practice rep counts, every drill is under a microscope. By the time Week 1 against the Giants rolls around, we’ll see if Jones has made enough of an impact to unseat Steele, or if Steele’s veteran experience holds strong. Either way, the Cowboys’ O-line just got a whole lot more interesting, and the best man for the job will be blocking from day one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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