There are very few things Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Keeanu Benton can't do on the field, which is one of many reasons why he could be an x-factor this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.
In their previous matchup on November 17th, Benton sustained a leg injury that resulted in him leaving the game after recording four tackles. Though the Steelers came away with the win, his absence opened up more run opportunities for the opposing team. Even if he doesn't make splash plays, his ability to penetrate the backfield has stymied opposing run offenses. On 219 run defense snaps, Benton has registered 17 stops, according to Pro Football Focus.
Though veteran Cameron Heyward has been playing at an All-Pro level this season, the Steelers' defensive front is generally at its best when he is present. Even in their loss this past Sunday, Heyward played a big part in limiting All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley to only 65 rushing yards.
For the Steelers, the task doesn't get any easier as they reacquaint themselves with the duo of quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. Though the team had the edge in their first meeting, one should expect the Ravens to go to great lengths to change their fortunes on the ground. With Benton at his best, the probability of success for the Ravens in this regard decreases, translating to a potential win and total control of the division.
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