PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Just with his teammates for a handful of voluntary practices there is something that has become clear with new Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo. He will be a leader for this offensive line.
"He loves working," said Steelers center Mason Cole. "He's not usually going to say a lot, but he's going to be ready to work. His ability to explain the times he's played in big games. He's been there before."
Seumalo started for the Eagles in the Super Bowl. In the 1,353 snaps he played last year he didn't commit a holding penalty and only has six in his six-year career. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 10th best guard in all of football in 2022.
"He's like a football savant," Cole said. "That's a credit to how dialed in he is in this building. How much football he's seen. When guys have been there before, you lean on those guys a little bit. They've seen what it takes. He's been on really good offensive lines."
They've added starters and depth to the line with Seumalo, first-round pick Broderick Jones, Nate Herbig and LeRaven Clark. They also ended last year playing better football, not that they believe they've figured it all out.
"I don't think anybody is satisfied," Cole said. "We didn't make the playoffs last year, there is nothing to be satisfied about. Sure, we ended the season well, the second half of the season we played great, but sitting at home in January is not the best feeling."
If there is anything gained beyond confidence, and Cole said they took a lot with the late season win over Baltimore in particular, it's a group that found an identity. They understand when the offense is right, what he can be.
"I think we saw the potential of our offense," Cole said. "When we are playing well, I think our offense is super-efficient. Efficient on first down, efficient the whole drive. We have to be better in the red zone, but that goes everywhere. As good as the offensive line is going to be is as good as the offense will be."
That line, and a number of guys on offense, have gotten to the point where they will get together outside of work. Cole said it's important that the players and their families can have fun in a group while not talking football. He said they've enjoyed get-togethers where they can 'throw a few back'.
They also understand it's more fun to throw a few back after a win.
