Steelers' Keeanu Benton Lays Out Critical Steps To Defeating The Chicago Bears In Week 12

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in their second game against them in 2025, winning 34-12 and getting revenge for the previous game between the two teams. The Steelers' defense showed up and made an impact this time around, holding Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco to only 199 yards, one touchdown, and a brutal interception that ultimately sealed the game for Pittsburgh. This was in comparison to the previous meeting between the two teams in Week 7, where Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns. The performance on defense was a statement on the season that couldn't have come at a better time as the schedule gets much harder from here on out.

The next game for the Steelers is the 7-3 Chicago Bears on the road in what will be another crucial matchup for the franchise on both sides of the ball. The defense will need to send another message to the league with another dominating performance, a message showing that the team can maintain a level of consistency. 

Plenty of Steelers players were asked about what they'll need to do to have the same type of success against the Bears that they did against the Bengals. In particular, Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton was asked about the state of the defense prior to the matchup against the Bears, and provided the critical steps they're taking to not only improve as a unit, but also gave answers on if anything has changed among the mentality of the defense.

"I feel like it's coming along well," Benton said. "Just, us getting a better understanding of each other as a defense, individually, has been coming a long way. We still got a ways to go, but we're going in the right direction for sure. I don't think nothing drastic has changed, it's just being more confident in the process, and keeping my body together, and going out there and putting on a display."

Benton was also asked about his thoughts on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and what the defensive front is planning to do to stop Williams from having a comfortable time against the Steelers' defense.

"He's a guy who knows how to use his legs to get those yards, extend plays," Benton continued. "And we gotta find a way to keep him in that trap on the defensive line."

Benton's comments about being able to stop Williams are important, considering that the Steelers have had issues in the past concerning mobile quarterbacks. Keeping Williams contained in the pocket and uncomfortable will be a critical piece to stopping their offense, which has been performing at a high level in recent weeks. The Steelers' defense has been known to completely shut down opposing teams' quarterbacks, and they'll need to put together another dominating performance against the Bears' offensive line. 

Benton also remarking on how the defensive line has seemingly grown together and understand each other on a higher level is also a positive sign heading into the matchup against the Bears. Relying on each other to cover for any potential mistakes one makes is a great way to ensure the team is covered in the event something were to go wrong. However, Benton's comments can go a longer way than simply helping the defensive line perform at a high level.

Steelers Need To Utilize Pressure To Force Turnovers Against The Bears 

Benton's comments are also great words of advice for the entire defense as a whole, especially with how current Steelers safety Kyle Dugger played against the Bengals. Some are even remarking that Dugger could be a potential All-Pro in the making. The Steelers' defense should approach this game with a similar plan. Allowing the defensive line and Benton to pressure Williams to force erratic throws that cause interceptions, as he's been known to do when under pressure, will be a key strategy to win the game.

What did you think about Benton's comments regarding the improvement of the defensive line and their plan to stop Williams? Let us know in the comments or on X at @SteelersSwamp7.

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