Veteran Steelers Guard Dazzles Teammates

PITTSBURGH — One Steelers offensive lineman on the team has recent experience facing the 49ers. He faced the 49ers in the NFC Championship last year en route to defeating them and heading to the Super Bowl. And he could be the key to the Steelers handling the 49ers pass rush.

When it comes time to communicate, no one is better at pointing out what is happening in the defensive formation than Isaac Seumalo. Jason Kelce, the Eagles All-Pro center, noted that Seumalo can deconstruct blitz looks and point them out. In Cole’s short time with Seumalo to his left, he has seen that manifest itself already.

“It’s phenomenal, man, because he helps me a lot,” Cole said. “Sometimes, before a play, Isaac will already tell me what’s going on. He reads the defense and knows what’s coming. I don’t always see what’s coming, but he’s helped a lot with being on point with those details and when pressure is coming.”

James Daniels has observed Seumalo doing the same thing. When they have to go tit for tat with Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead, the two guards could sometimes have help from Cole. But their ability to win by rushing four will be necessary for San Francisco to make Pickett feel uncomfortable. The offensive line’s interior is vowing to ensure that doesn’t happen.

“These guys are two different types of players,” Daniels said. “Armstead, he’s longer and super smart, and before every snap, he looks at every alignment or formation. It’s a chess match, and he knows what’s coming. Hargrave is the opposite of that. He’s twitchier and smaller, but he’s tough to stop. This is a test.

Seumalo’s veteran experience will be a key part of what helps the Steelers in this game. The new defensive looks Wilks brings out will be the wild card of the entire game. Guys like Seumalo and Cole have their hands full in this matchup. But Seumalo’s steady hand usage and lowkey aggressiveness fit this matchup perfectly. He rarely has clean losses. For this team overall, he is likely the most significant addition to the team because of how steady he is as a player.

Seumalo’s aggressive setting style in pass protection fits what offensive line Pat Meyer likes at that position. A former center, it is little surprise that Seumalo can aggressively set, play with quick and independent hands, and break down defensive fronts like a center would call out stunts and slides. That is an invaluable asset for any offensive line. When a guy like Kelce says that Seumalo saved him a few times, that speaks volumes to the type of football intelligence he brings to the table. Expect Seumalo to be a huge factor in handling the 49ers’ pass rush on Sunday.