Steelers' Keeanu Benton Makes Strong Admission About His Play In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers got bullied on the defensive line at the end of the 2024 season. No one could get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks during that time, including the superstar edge rusher TJ Watt. That resulted in opposing offenses having their respective ways with a supposedly elite unit for the majority of a five-game losing streak. Because of that, Pittsburgh has made significant changes to the interior part of the trenches, including drafting Derrick Harmon in the first round. Last year's failure will not be tolerated again. 

During a training camp interview, defensive tackle Keeanu Benton gave his thoughts on what happened all around during the whole 2024 season for him.

"Last year was still subpar for me personally and I feel like as a group and as a team," Benton admitted. "What the coaches have, we talked about it: just take that next step, as in finishing plays."

After the bye week in 2024, the Steelers' defense did not play well at all. Including the playoffs, they the group teams to score at least 24 points seven times in 10 games. The highest-paid defensive attack in the NFL should not be giving up yards and points ad nauseam. If that happens again, the core might have to be dismantled completely. Certain pieces have already been let go, and others might not be too far behind.

Benton himself stagnated in development. Despite seeing a significant increase in snap count, his stats were mostly the same as his rookie season in 2023. Tackles, sacks, and quarterback hits were exactly the same for both years. He seemed less explosive than before, and as he mentioned, he couldn't finish plays. He could get close, but he rarely got the job done in the middle of the line like he was supposed to.

If Benton can't step up, there's a hungry rookie right behind him that would be more than happy to take his place. Yahya Black may be just a fifth-round pick, but his specialty is stuffing the run, and that's exactly what Pittsburgh needs for those gritty, physical games, especially against division rivals. The third-year nose tackle will have to take a big step in development if he wants to stave off Black and keep his spot as the primary 0-tech. 

For years, the Steelers were able to shut down the Baltimore Ravens' elite offensive attack and play football their way. However, Baltimore finally adapted and started playing ball like they want to. Pittsburgh needs to counter with adjustments on its own. Improved play in the trenches will always help, but it may go beyond that as well. The Steelers have to do everything they can to make sure the Ravens don't get anywhere close to 300 rushing yards again in a single game. 

If Benton keeps stagnating in development, then part of the plan to shut down rushing attacks like Baltimore's will be to have him on the bench and give Black plenty of opportunities to show what he can do. If he does progress, he could earn himself a nice extension and remain on the team for the long-term future. This is a very crucial season for the third-year defensive lineman. It could be the difference between a nice raise and unemployment.

Steelers Need More Players To Step Up

Benton isn't the only one who needs to be better. For starters, Watt has to get back to being the generational defender that everyone knows he can be. Linebacker Patrick Queen has to get back to his old form and start making plays in the middle of the field again. The blame for the 2024 collapse does not fall solely on Benton, but that doesn't mean he gets a free pass either. Everyone needs to do their part to make sure they don't falter again.

What do you think about Benton admitting that 2024 was subpar for him and the team? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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