PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Mike Tomlin remembers his meeting with Dexter Lawrence as he was entering the draft out of Clemson. He said Lawrence and 6'4", 310-pound defensive lineman Christian Wilkins were sitting on a love seat and Tomlin said Lawrence make Wilkins look really small.
That is the challenge for the Steelers Monday night. Drafted in the first round by the Giants in 2019, Lawrence leads the NFL in sacks, as a nose tackle. The 26-year-old is listed as 6'4", 340 pounds. He has 24 tackles this year, seven are for loss and nine are sacks.
"Dexter Lawrence is a problem," Tomlin said. "He is. He's a problem in the running game. He's a problem in the passing game. He is a dominant, dominant player. You're not going to get a lot done unless you're prepared to put four hands on them. Guys like Ryan McCollum, who are getting an opportunity to ascend and play, it's going to be a significant challenge."
"Really big, strong powerful guy," McCollum said. "Got to get on him at the line of scrimmage. You got to have good hands, good knee bend. You can't lean on him because he will pull you. Guys like that it's really hard because they are so strong. The offensive line tendency is to lean on him, but he's really good of when he feels you leaning, he pulls on you."
It's an area McCollum is trying to correct from his first start in a couple of years in the NFL against the Jets. McCollum working on not leaning, they went through a number of drills in practice last week to try and simulate what he will go through Monday. It's tough to do that.
Guard Isaac Seumalo played against him twice a year for four seasons in Philadelphia, although Lawrence started as more of an end and has worked his way into the middle.
"He's a great player," Seumalo said. "A humongous human being. Extremely athletic, the tape shows he's bulldozing his way to the QB and winning a lot of reps. They do a good job getting him in great positions."
"He is top of the food chain right now in terms of interior D-linemen."
With Lawrence's lead, the Giants lead the league in sacks. If you put too much attention in the middle, they will attack you on the edge with their linebackers. Former Pitt defensive back and Giants safety Jason Pinnock is third on the team in sacks, finding holes as the offensive line makes sure to account for Lawrence.
McCollum said he feels comfortable with his teammates. He worked constantly while others played, but prepared as if he would get on the field. He'll be out there again against the Giants with this huge challenge.
"Ryan has been the same guy every day, comes in locked in and has always mentally and physically been ready to play," Seumalo said. "It's the definition of a professional. He's stepped to the plate and been really good."
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said it's a whole new set of problems for McCollum and the offensive line. They've dealt with a lot for seven games, how will they step up to this challenge?
