WATCH: Steelers NT Keeanu Benton snatches miraculous INT in Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers NT Keeanu Benton amazes with a highlight-reel interception in Week 14, turning the tide against the Cleveland Browns.

Nose tackle Keeanu Benton’s talent has truly come to form in year two of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. From showcasing his incredible leadership abilities on HBO’s brand-new Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North to blowing up run plays on gameday, Benton has been nothing short of remarkable in 2024.

Trailing the Cleveland Browns 7-3 at the start of the second quarter, the Steelers needed a splash play—and big Keeanu made it happen. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston tried to let a screen play develop for running back Nick Chubb, but Benton channeled his inner defensive back, leaping several feet into the air to intercept the pass.

Benton’s extraordinary effort on the interception is a play that Pittsburgh Steelers fans could watch on repeat for years to come. The young nose tackle truly shifted the momentum in the Black and Gold’s favor, and the team’s victory might not have been possible without his elite level of play in Week 14.

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Steelers DL Keeanu Benton exits matchup vs. Texans early with injury

Steelers DL Keeanu Benton exited Texans game with apparent eye injury.

Second-year defensive lineman Keeanu Benton made an early from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first game of the preseason against the Houston Texans.

Shaken up, Benton pulled himself out of the first play of a second-quarter drive. Per TribLive’s Joe Rutter reported, Benton appeared to have gotten poked in the eye.

It’s likely we’ve seen the last of Pittsburgh’s starting nose tackle for week 1 of the preseason.

As usual, Mike Tomlin expects Benton to make that second-year leap in 2024. “Big things. He can grow in all areas. He’s a talented young guy with tremendous upside and room for growth in all areas.”

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Steelers name rookie Keeanu Benton starter at nose tackle

The Steelers have officially named NT Keeanu Benton starter over Montravius Adams.

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers updated its official depth chart and made one key adjustment. Rookie nose tackle Keeanu Benton has been officially listed as the starter ahead of Montravius Adams.

Benton has developed quickly while Adams has been dealing with an injury and more than earned the right to get the bulk of the snaps. Benton has been a real bright spot on defense in a season where there hasn’t been a whole lot to be excited about. He’s far more than just a big run-stuffing nose tackle and provides a nice pass rush up the middle with his burst.

Benton currently has a 74.9 grade with Pro Football Focus which puts him consistently among the Top 10 rookies in the NFL.

This week the Steelers travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts clinging to the slimmest of playoff hopes.

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