Ben Roethlisberger ripped Broderick Jones on his podcast after Pittsburgh’s Week 1 win over the Jets, calling Jones a turnstile and noting three sacks credited to him. Jones’s 2024 line (58.5 PFF, 10 sacks, 10 penalties) has Steelers fans worried as they face a difficult early slate. Troy Fautanu showed better footing, and Pittsburgh could consider veteran Andrus Peat if Jones doesn’t turn it around quickly. The win-now Steelers must fix left-town protection fast.

Jones’s struggles come as Pittsburgh eyes tougher opponents like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Green Bay, and Detroit. The Steelers’ pass protection hinges on Jones’s rapid improvement, with Peat as a possible fix. Week 1 highlighted the urgency to stabilize the left side, or risk accelerating the push to upgrade the line this season.

Week 1 inactives for New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers inject notable fantasy volatility. Vera-Tucker and Lazard sit for the Jets, along with Braiden McGregor, thinning the interior and receiver depth. Jelani Woods is also listed as inactive, adding a wrinkle for tight end usage in the surrounding context. For Pittsburgh, the list includes Derrick Harmon, Nick Herbig, Skylar Thompson, Max Scharping, Andrus Peat, and Ese Otomewo, signaling shifts along both lines and depth on defense. The opening matchup now hinges on which role players seize expanded opportunities and how coaches deploy their depth charts in MetLife.

Fantasy takeaway: Jets must compensate for Vera-Tucker and Lazard with lineman shuffles and elevated targets for other pass-catchers, while Steelers’ inactives thin certain rotations but could boost opportunities for reserves on both sides of the ball. DFS and daily fantasy pivot to upside plays at the edges and in the Jets’ and Steelers’ supporting cast, with a wait-and-see lens on early-series snaps.

Pittsburgh reshuffles six jersey numbers ahead of the regular season, led by Yahya Black moving to No. 94. Esezi Otomewo becomes 93, Andrus Peat 71, Max Hurleman 84, D'Shawn Jamison 38, and Trey Sermon 37. No. 94 last belonged to Dean Lowry, who is out with a knee injury. Black wore 94 at Iowa, and preseason buzz could push him into action as Week 1 vs. the Jets looms.

The change signals a fresh Steelers DL rotation and potential fantasy upside for Black if his momentum carries over. Sermon and Hurleman add backfield and committee depth, while Otomewo and Jamison provide versatile line-coverage options. The Jets opener on Sept. 7 will reveal how these moves translate to real game snaps.

For fantasy players, tracking snap counts and usage in that opener will be critical. If Black commands early-down reps and pressures the quarterback, a notable surge in tackle and sack opportunities could follow, especially with Lowry sidelined.

Trevor Penning is making significant strides in his transition to the left guard position for the New Orleans Saints, as highlighted by head coach Kellen Moore. Following a challenging start to his NFL career, Penning is now adapting well, reminiscent of the journey of previous Saints first-round pick, Andrus Peat. Moore pointed out that Penning is not only embracing the change but performing exceptionally well, often drawing parallels to Mekhi Becton’s previous transition. The coaching staff's experience with tackle-to-guard shifts seems to be aiding Penning's rapid development.

The Las Vegas Raiders are struggling with veteran players Ameer Abdullah, John Jenkins, and Andrus Peat failing to meet expectations this season. Abdullah, now 31, has seen a drop in production, managing only 60 receiving yards and 81 rushing yards. Jenkins, at 35, has recorded just six solo tackles, a significant decline from last season. Peat, a former Pro Bowler, has only played one game and has not contributed as anticipated.

The team may need to reassess their roster strategy, focusing on either nurturing younger talent or bringing in more reliable veterans to improve their performance.