Critical Two Weeks Ahead for Second Year Quarterback Landry Jones

Critical two weeks ahead for second year quarterback Landry Jones
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"Not good at all," said a deflated, disappointed Landry Jones, after a miserable performance, against the Buffalo Bills, in the teams second pre-season game. They are either the first-or-last person you want to see, depending on how you value your starting quarterback. In Pittsburgh, Ben Roethlisberger is a two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback and personifies the 'franchise' label. Behind him is journeyman Bruce Gradkowski, who calls Pittsburgh his fifth team, in his eight professional seasons.

That brings us to Jones. The third string quarterback is second-year quarterback Jones and the question slightly swirls on if Jones can make it and secure that third quarterback spot.

Jones took over after Roethlisberger against the Buffalo and his first pass attempt he threw an interception to Bills defensive back Nickell Roby. "Interception, kind of forced one in their," Jones said. "The fumble, I held the ball too long," Jones replied and added, "step up in the pocket, and they stripped it."

Unfortunately, for Jones this is the time where he has to make the most of his opportunity. Playing as a back-up your 'opportunity' is what keeps you on the roster. Depending on who you speak with, the jury is still out on Landry. Spending a fourth round pick on him, places some doubt that the Steelers would elect to cut ties, in only his second year, but he's been unimpressive up to this point.

"One of the worst games I have played since I've been a Steeler that for sure," Jones replied. "It's frustrating."

He went 2-for-5 passing for 53 yards, overall. Keep it mind that one of Jones passes caught by Dri Archer was a five yard pass and 35 yards after the catch. "I definitely took a step backwards," Jones said, referring to his race to back-up Roethlisberger. "Like I said at the end of the day it's about winning a football game and as a team that's what we did."

The harsh reality is Jones could be playing for his NFL career with only two pre-season games remaining on the schedule. These games are your ten seconds of fame and how you use them determines if you are going to stay famous and not. Jones has two weeks to rejuvenate himself and get Pittsburgh's coaching excited about what he brings to the team.

"Eager to get in the film room," Jones said and "get this one behind me and move on from it." For Jones to 'move on,' in 2014, he'll have to make the most of the next two games and establish himself as a guy the team can count on in a pinch.