Overlooked Starter Facing Criticism for Steelers Defensive Woes
The Pittsburgh Steelers had major issues trying to cover the Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers and place pressure on quarterback Joe Flacco in Week 7. But Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin blamed the run defense as much as anything for the team’s issues in Cincinnati.
On Thursday, former Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke had one player in mind to blame for the Steelers poor run defense — Keeanu Benton.
“Two of those [long runs allowed] were Keeanu Benton,” Hoke argued on Thursday’s The Pomp and Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan, via Steelers Depot’s Jeremy Pike. “He’s just got to be in his gap.
“Then this game, whether you’re trying to make a play, whatever you’re trying to do, it’s not consistent.”
Steelers’ Keeanu Benton Struggling to Take Next Step in Development
As Benton has gone this season, so has the Pittsburgh defense. Really, he has been a microcosm of the play from the Steelers defense this season.
Benton posted a below average Pro Football Focus player grade in run defense during the first three weeks of the season and in Week 7. In those four games, the Steelers allowed an average of 140 rushing yards per contest.
In Weeks 4 and 6, Benton recorded an average PFF run defense grade. During those two games, the Steelers yielded 135 rushing yards total.
PFF grades are not the end all, be all. Benton also hasn’t posted a PFF run defense grade above 61 (out of 100) in any game this season. So even in his better performances, Benton hasn’t been elite.
But it does appear that when he struggles to stay in his gap, the Steelers run defense experiences major issues.
The Steelers will enter Week 8 ranked 17th in rushing yards allowed per contest.
Another Former Steelers Player Criticizes Defensive Line
Hoke, who started 10 games for the Steelers No. 1-ranked defense in 2004, wasn’t the only former Pittsburgh player who didn’t like what he saw from the black and gold last week.
Former Steelers full back Merril Hodge didn’t call out Benton specifically. But Hodge was very critical of the Pittsburgh defensive line.
“The thing that was probably the most concerning was their defensive line kind of fell back into the first two weeks,” Hodge said during an appearance on 102.5 WDVE this week,
Simply put, that’s just not a recipe for success.
Benton has to play better, but so does the rest of the Steelers defensive line.
In six games this season, Benton has posted 12 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss. He also has five quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks.
At PFF, Benton has registered mostly ugly grades. He has excelled the most, according to the PFF grades, at rushing the passer.
BREAKING: Buffalo Bills Owner Terry Pegula Issues Strong Statement Condemning Racist Behavior Among Fans
In a decisive and powerful statement, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula has condemned recent reports of racist behavior among fans during home games, calling such actions "completely unacceptable, disgraceful, and in direct opposition to the values that the Buffalo Bills and our community stand for." This comes in response to troubling reports of racial slurs and discriminatory actions allegedly taking place at Highmark Stadium, prompting Pegula to take immediate and firm action.
“Racism has no place at Highmark Stadium, in Buffalo, or in the NFL,” Pegula declared, his voice firm and resolute. “These actions are not only disrespectful, but they go against the very foundation of inclusivity, respect, and sportsmanship that the Bills have built their reputation on. The Bills organization stands for unity, and we will not tolerate any behavior that undermines those core values.”
Pegula’s statement follows alarming reports from recent Bills home games, where fans were allegedly seen or heard using racial slurs and engaging in discriminatory behavior. These incidents have raised serious concerns about racism in sports, and Pegula made it clear that the Bills will take immediate steps to ensure such behavior is eradicated from their fanbase.
“We are a team for all people, and Buffalo is a city that thrives on its diversity,” Pegula continued. “Our fans represent a broad spectrum of cultures, backgrounds, and communities, and we take great pride in that diversity. Every fan should feel safe, respected, and valued when they come to Highmark Stadium. We will not allow hatred or bigotry to have any place in our stadium.”
To address these incidents, Pegula announced that the Bills would be strictly enforcing the team’s Fan Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits hate speech, discrimination, and any actions that create a hostile or unsafe environment. He emphasized that any individual found engaging in racist or discriminatory behavior will face permanent bans from attending future games at Highmark Stadium. Additionally, the Bills are working to enhance security measures and raise awareness among fans about the team’s commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all.
“We will not turn a blind eye to this,” Pegula stated. “Anyone found promoting hate or racism will face permanent bans from the stadium. This is a zero-tolerance policy. We are committed to making Highmark Stadium a place where all fans can enjoy the game in a safe, inclusive environment.”
Pegula’s swift and decisive response has garnered praise from across the NFL, with many applauding his leadership in confronting the issue head-on. “Terry Pegula is setting the standard for how team owners should respond to these issues,” said NFL analyst and former player Louis Riddick. “It’s essential for organizations to send a clear message that racism and discrimination will not be tolerated, and Pegula is doing just that.”
In addition to enforcing the Fan Code of Conduct, the Bills have pledged to work more closely with local community organizations to promote inclusivity and combat racism both inside and outside the stadium. Pegula emphasized that the team’s efforts to fight racism will extend beyond policy enforcement and focus on creating a long-term culture of respect, unity, and inclusivity.
As the NFL continues to address issues of racism, Pegula’s statement serves as a strong reminder that sports should be about unity, respect, and the shared love of the game. The Buffalo Bills are sending a clear message: racism will not be tolerated, and they are prepared to take bold action to ensure that every fan feels safe and respected at Highmark Stadium.
“We will not allow hatred or bigotry to be part of our game. Every fan should feel safe, respected, and valued when they come to our stadium.” — Terry Pegula
With his commitment to making Highmark Stadium a place where racism and hate have no place, Terry Pegula is setting an example for the entire NFL, proving that leadership in the fight against racism begins at the top and resonates throughout the organization.
