Steelers' Keeanu Benton Could Become Huge Help If Cam Heyward Doesn't Bounce Back In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to have another lockdown defense in 2024, but that starts with the big men up front. The Steelers have always had strong defenses, especially when it comes to the line. Pittsburgh has a crucial season upcoming, and with uncertainty on the offensive side, the defense will have little wiggle room for error. Steelers defensive captain Cameron Heyward is coming off of a disappointing 2023 season that was filled with injuries. The Walter Payton Man of the Year hopes to bounce back, but if he can't, second-year player Keeanu Benton could rise to the challenge. 

Benton, who will be 23 when the season begins, was drafted in the second round last season out of Wisconsin. He was fortunate enough to stay healthy his entire rookie season, and totaled 36 tackles. Although he only recorded one sack, he also managed to force two fumbles for the Steelers' defense. Benton earned nine starts in 2023 while Heyward was out, and he'll be looking for more this season. 

Coming in at 6'4" and over 300 pounds, Benton's game is at it's best when he's rushing the passer. Steve Palazollo and Sam Monson on the PFF NFL Podcast talked about Pittsburgh's defensive line, revealing Benton's great opportunity this coming season. The crew speculated about Heyward and his ability to play at a high level, considering his age. Palazollo believes Benton should receive a bigger workload in 2024 to show what he's really capable of. 

"82.6 as a pass rusher, similar to what he showed throughout the offseason process as a rookie, and at Wisconsin -- his ability to get into the backfield. So I think, a bigger workload for Benton, you might be able to replace what Cam Heyward was bringing as far as pass rush production at least."

Monson mentioned how the other young defensive rookies who played so well may have shadowed Benton's performance. 

"Keeanu Benton, also I think, is probably underrated, and it sort of didn't get the notice because of Jalen Carter and because of Kobie Turner, who were phenomenal. Like, Benton wasn't phenomenal, but he was good."

The Steelers and their defense are going to need big years out of their second-year guys between Benton, Nick Herbig and Joey Porter Jr. As long as they stay healthy, the Steelers should come away as a top 10 unit by the end of the 2024 campaign. 

Steelers' Calvin Austin III Says They Need To Stop Relying On Defense

For multiple seasons now, Pittsburgh has had to rely on its coaching staff and defense to pull away with wins because the offense has been so bad. While it's good to have a commanding defense, in today's league, you need a powerful offense to make deep playoff runs. It's good to see some of the players starting to recognize that, like wideout Calvin Austin III.

Austin recently explained about their recent struggles with having to rely on the defense to win games. The speedster said once their offense can finally get going, they have a chance at making a big run. Austin has certainly stepped up it seems during the 2024 offseason, and he might have to take on a huge role in the receiving group if Pittsburgh decides not to add another pass catcher. 

It seems that the Steelers organization understands two things - it's time to win in the playoffs, and it's time to start scoring some points on offense. Neither of those things have gone their way the past few years, but they seem to be going in the right direction this offseason. By finding a new play caller and new quarterbacks to throw the ball, the Steelers' offense looks better. 

What do you think of Benton's potential behind Heyward? Will the Steelers' offense finally improve, or will it be another disappointing season? Let us know in the comments. 

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