Steelers’ Keeanu Benton drops truth bomb on ‘cheat code’
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ formidable defense rests heavily on the shoulders of defensive tackle Cam Heyward. However, Heyward suffered a groin injury that affected his play, leading to a subpar showing last season.
With the injury and his advancing age, the 13-year defensive lineman might be thinking of passing the torch to a younger player. Enter Steelers tackle Keeanu Benton, whom Cam Heyward had taken under his wing during training camp.
On his part, Benton was deeply appreciative of the experience playing with and learning under the veteran lineman.
“It’s a cheat code. I feel like it’s a cheat code,” Benton told reporters after practice on Monday. “I’m not coming in here doing it for the first time. I’m not going in blind. I can lean on guys like that to lead the way and ask some questions like, ‘What [do] you wish you would’ve done your rookie year?’ It’s not mystical and I feel like he hands those details down.”
The Steelers’ young players
Keeanu Benton had showed some promise as a rookie, where he started nine games and averaging two forced fumbles, one sack, two defensed passes, and 36 combined tackles. However, promising rookies also carry the burden of expectations heading into their second year, and by all accounts the young player sounds like he is ready to show out in 2024.