Steelers' Broderick Jones On How Isaac Seumalo's Speech Helped Turbo-Charge The Offensive Line

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, Isaac Seumalo gave an impassioned speech to the offense this week as the team heads into the playoffs. Seumalo was picked up by the Steelers as a free agent last offseason after being with the Philadelphia Eagles for seven seasons. During his time in Philly, Seumalo helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII. That puts him in a unique position to speak about what it takes to get to the postseason and how to succeed. Apparently, his fervor, according to rookie tackle Broderick Jones, helped to ignite his teammates and get them pumped up to play the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card game. 

Steelers interim offensive coordinator, Eddie Faulkner told the media that he felt like Seumalo could give the offensive linemen an insider perspective and help get them pointed in the right direction, so he asked him to speak with them. He said that Seumalo is well respected and when he speaks, his teammates listen. They will take all the resources they can get said Faulkner and since he was on the 2017 Super Bowl team, he is indeed a resource. 

After a recent Steelers practice, Corey Crisan from DK Pittsburgh Sports asked Jones about what Seumalo said to them. 

"Isaac never talks so when he gets up to say something, everybody's locked in on what he had to say. He's just telling us we have to take it game by game, play by play, don't dwell on the past too much because this is a whole new season that we're into. We've got to be able to lock in mentally, emotionally, physically and just continue to do our best to stay our course. That's the biggest thing this late in the season, staying on course, staying on track, and just continuing to pound the run and throw the ball over their heads because it opens up all types of plays. He really didn't talk much, but those were some of his vocal points. Being able to stay on pace and all of that," shared Jones.

Hopefully, Seumalo's comments resonate with this offense since 2023 has not been an easy year for them. After a preseason that seemed to give everyone a false sense of security, the whole team came crashing back to earth when they got dismantled by the San Francisco 49ers during Week 1. 

Since that game, they have fired Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada and elevated Faulkner and Mike Sullivan as play-caller in Canada's place. If that wasn't enough, they are on their third quarterback of the season after Kenny Pickett was injured during the Week 13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Backup Mitch Trubisky took over for him roughly halfway through that game and was benched after losing that game and two others. 

The offense has been hot after longtime backup Mason Rudolph took over for Trubisky. He helped the offense get rejuvenated, as they finally scored 30 points or more in his first two starts. He then led them to victory over the Baltimore Ravens, who have one of the best defenses in the league, during Week 18.

The Steelers Have Their Work Cut Out For Them In Buffalo

Hopefully, Seumalo is able to help lead this offensive line against the Bills because it will not be an easy task. Buffalo is expecting winter weather, including snow, and low wind chills, but the game has been moved to Monday. The Bills feel quite comfortable in the elements, but Pittsburgh certainly has its fair share of winter weather. It will be slightly better on Monday, however weather is still expected to affect the game. 

The Steelers have been all but counted out by Vegas and most analysts, with the Bills picked as considerable favorites. One thing that may work in Pittsburgh's favor is the weather, however. The Bills' high-powered offense led by quarterback Josh Allen, will struggle to successfully get the ball in the air. At the same time, the Steelers have been successful in this three-game win streak on the ground. 

Since Rudolph took over, the Steelers have been running the ball really well and utilizing both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The two present a dual threat that should worry the Bills' defense, which has been good, but not consistent. 

The Steelers will be without superstar T.J. Watt who is out with a Grade 2 MCL Sprain, but they are hoping that the rest of the defense can make Allen uncomfortable enough that he throws some of those turnovers he has become known for. The Steelers' defense on paper seems to grade lower than Buffalo's, but they have been hot the past three weeks, sparked by the energy of the offense. One thing is for sure, it will be a stressful, yet exciting game in Buffalo!