Steelers' Keeanu Benton Detailed Plan To Stop Jets' Justin Fields In Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers have such an interesting Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets. It’s very obvious why this game carries high stakes. In the 2024 season, Aaron Rodgers was the Jets’ quarterback and Justin Fields was the Steelers’ starter for the first six games. Both organizations essentially made it clear they were ready to move on from their quarterbacks, and now each has found a new home in the other’s huddle.

Now Rodgers is in Pittsburgh and Fields is with the Jets. This matchup sets the stage for a revenge narrative on both sides, as each quarterback looks to prove their former team made a mistake. The Steelers being familiar with Fields’ game and going against him during practice in 2024, should give them an edge in preparation.

That familiarity has already been a talking point inside Pittsburgh’s locker room. Steelers defensive lineman Keeanu Benton spoke with the media on Wednesday about the plan to contain Fields, who remains one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in football. Benton emphasized the importance of maintaining gap discipline and forcing Fields to stay in the pocket, where his decision-making has been more inconsistent. 

"I feel like that's something I'm [not going to] disclose," Benton told reporters Wednesday on the team’s official website that the Steelers have a clear plan in place to keep Fields under control. "But we'll find out on Sunday."

He also noted that the defense is preparing for Fields’ ability to extend plays with his legs. The Steelers witnessed that skill firsthand last season, so it’s fresh in their minds. Fields is dangerous on the ground, but as a passer, this Steelers defense should force him to struggle big time.

However, Benton was smart with his words and avoided revealing too much detail. He made sure not to give Fields or the Jets any extra bulletin-board material.

"When you get a running quarterback, it adds a whole different aspect to the game and what they can do," Benton said. "So just keeping him contained, keeping him in the pocket, will be big for us."

For the Steelers, the challenge will be balancing respect for Fields’ athleticism with the confidence of having seen his tendencies before. Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s teams are known for their disciplined game plans, and this Week 1 showdown offers the perfect chance to showcase that trademark early-season preparation. If Rodgers and the Steelers’ offense can strike early and Benton and the defense can keep Fields under control, Pittsburgh could send a strong opening statement to the rest of the NFL.

Steelers' Week 1 Game Will Be Super Telling

Of course, any Week 1 game is naturally going to tell a lot of stories. In the case of the Steelers, they have plenty of new faces in Pittsburgh for the 2025 season. That first matchup against the Jets will be very telling for how the year might unfold. Not in the sense that the Steelers absolutely need to win or lose—after all, it’s Week 1. A loss isn’t the end of the season, and a win doesn’t automatically mean you’re a contender.

What will matter most is how the Steelers respond after the result, whether it’s a win or a loss. Rodgers has already stepped in as a strong leader, earning the captain status he said he wanted. Now the responsibility falls on him to guide this offense to at least an above-average level. If the defense can do its part, led by stars like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh has the potential to shock many in 2025.

What do you expect to be the result of the Steelers against the Jets Week 1 showdown? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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