The Pittsburgh Steelers offense seems to be clicking with Russell Wilson as the quarterback. The passing game is much improved and the unit had more than 400 total yards two games in a row for the first time since 2018 after beating the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Maybe the previous offensive struggles were detracting from some of the concerns that have started to pop up about the defense, and now that they are playing better, cracks are showing elsewhere.
Pittsburgh has the highest paid defense in the league, and the expectations regarding their performance are justifiably high. With their "bend don't break" approach to defense, they gave up 394 total yards against the Giants in Week 8. While it was good enough to win, that game should have been a smackdown, not a nail-biter. Now, the fingers are starting to be pointed, and one player who is popping up in conversations about who is falling short is defensive lineman, Keeanu Benton.
Recently, Ray Fittipaldo joined Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson on The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan. Crowley asked Fittipaldo for his thoughts on Benton and said he was disappointed by his play, especially against the run. Fittipaldo agreed that Benton is getting bullied by offensive guards and centers.
"He might be injured, and we just don't know about it," speculated Fittipaldo. "He just doesn't look right to me. I've been on this train for a while; he's not big enough to be a traditional nose. I was watching that game, and he was getting single-blocked a lot. I hope he's injured. If he's not injured, it's a step back for him this year. Back in July and August, we were talking about him being a breakout player, and he's been anything but in the first two months. Just more woes for that defensive line. It's a good thing Cam Heyward is playing at an All-Pro level because you're not seeing much from those other guys on that line."
Benton has been struggling against the run recently. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has him at a run defense grade of 43.3, but his passing defense grade is 80.4, which is seventh out of 198 defensive linemen. That makes his overall grade, through eight games, 66.0, which is 53rd out of 198 defensive linemen. He has 13 solo tackles, four hurries, and one batted pass against Aaron Rodgers in the Steelers' win over the New York Jets in Week 7.
Fittipaldo said that while Benton is small, the focus in the league has shifted from size to versatility. Even if he isn't big, he has to be able to handle coverage, which he doesn't do consistently against the run.
Benton was battling an injury, appearing on last Thursday's injury report with a calf, and was limited. This isn't the first time he has appeared on a report with that injured calf. So, while it isn't serious, it does seem to be lingering and could be part of what is causing him to struggle. During the 2024 offseason, Benton was heralded by numerous media members and former players, like Ike Taylor, who feel he has the potential to be exceptional.
Steelers Getting A Break From Injuries
If Benton is injured, he won't be the only Steeler battling lingering issues. Wilson was out for the first few games with a calf injury, and backup Justin Fields just popped up on the injury report before the Giants game with a hamstring. Rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson was placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next four weeks.
Fortunately, no new injuries occurred during the Giants game, but they hope some players return after the bye week. That includes center Zach Frazier, who has been out for several weeks, and running back Cordarrelle Patterson. Cam Sutton is also set to return from his suspension.
The Steelers will need everyone healthy and ready to play, especially Benton and Sutton, in Week 10. Pittsburgh will travel to the Nation's Capital to face the Washington Commanders, who are feeling confident under the leadership of rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
