Will Steelers' 'Bully Ball' Defense Bring Out Best of Benton?
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense was a big part of their success last season, as they managed to make the postseason despite having one of the league’s offenses. However, while the Steelers hope that the hiring of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will change their success offensively, their defense will still be a part of their identity.
Led by their front seven, the Steelers hope they can field one of the best defenses this coming season. Yes, it's a high bar, but this task would be made easier if second-year defensive tackle Keeanu Benton has the breakout season many are predicting.
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks is just the latest analyst to envision a big upcoming year for the Wisconsin product, as he named Benton to his All-Breakout team.
“The 6-4, 309-pounder held his own as a part-time starter for a unit specializing in bully ball in the trenches. As an energetic defender with a non-stop motor and active hands, Benton outworks and outlasts blockers to win battles on critical downs,” Brooks writes. “Though it is easier to win when playing alongside T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and Alex Highsmith, Benton's disruptive talents could help the Steelers get back to playing championship-caliber football.”
Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) carries the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 26-22. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Benton played in all 17 games for the Steelers, starting in nine of those appearances. He finished with 36 tackles, one for a loss, eight quarterback hits, and one sack. Despite not having the most eye-popping production as a rookie, he did grade out well with PFF.
Benton earned a 73.6 overall grade from PFF with an impressive 83.5 pass-rush grade, which may indicate that the 6-foot-4, 309-pound defensive tackle is suited for a more penetrating role on the interior rather than being a run-stuffing nose tackle as some projected him to be coming out of Wisconsin.
As Brooks notes, not only does Benton have the talent to be the next disruptive interior defensive lineman for the Steelers, but he will also be playing alongside some of the league's best. Having Watt and Heyward alone lining up alongside him will likely provide Benton with more one-on-one pass-rushing opportunities that he seemingly thrived in as a rookie.
As Benton enters his second year in the league, and the veteran Heyward goes into the final year of his contract, the Steelers are hopeful that they have at least one-half of their future defensive tackle pairing.