3 bold predictions for Keeanu Benton in Steelers Week 3 game against Chargers

The Steelers defense has been playing at an elite level to start the season, and their vaunted pass rush is a major reason why. They forced Kirk Cousins to make multiple back-breaking mistakes in Week 1 and they made Bo Nix uncomfortable all game in Week 2. Second-year defensive lineman Keeanu Benton has been a big part of that, with two pressures and a quarterback hit in each game.

Benton isn't getting as many snaps as Cam Heyward or Larry Ogunjobi, but his efficiency in his limited snaps should be earning him more playing time. This week against the Los Angeles Chargers is a great opportunity to let him loose on a lackluster interior offensive line.

Their tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are one of the few duos who could potentially slow down T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, so the interior rush will be more important than ever. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is also dealing with an ankle injury, so his ability to move in the pocket could be less of a weapon.

To me, everything is lining up for a big week from Benton. Here are three bold predictions for him in Week 3.

Benton will have the most pressures of any player in the game

The Steelers and Chargers have made it clear through two games that their offenses will go as far as the run game will take them. The passing game for both teams lacks either established weapons or the depth to handle a lot of volume. That will make the few pass-rushing opportunities that each team gets even more valuable.

Benton will likely get one of the more favorable matchups, often lining up as a nose tackle against center Bradley Bozeman. Bozeman is a solid run blocker but has struggled so far this season in pass protection. If Benton is winning early and often, I could see him playing much more than the 27 snaps he has been averaging this year. That will give him a chance to rack up pressures and hopefully sacks.

Benton has his first multiple-sack performance

Despite playing more down the stretch of his rookie season, Benton has just one career sack. He has pressured the QB at a good rate but just hasn't finished many plays in the backfield yet. This week against a weak interior line and a potentially hobbled QB, he could finally show up big on the stat sheet. Even if he doesn't play the amount of snaps I expect, he only needs a few quality reps to get home twice.

Justin Herbert has done a solid job in his career of avoiding sacks in his career, but he likely won't have the same escapability he normally possesses. We saw him get hit a few times by interior rushers in his first two games, and most of the pressure he faced was right up the middle. It may end up being Cam Heyward or Larry Ogunjobi who have big days, but I like Benton's chances the most.

Benton will play the most snaps on the interior aside from Cam Heyward

Benton has not been a true starter for the Steelers so far in his career, often only playing about 40-45% of defensive snaps. Part of that is his role as the nose tackle on a lot of plays. The Steelers also have a pretty deep group of interior linemen, so they don't need him to play a ton of snaps. While it helps keep him fresh, it also prevents him from fully breaking out as a difference-maker.

This week could be when things change if he is dominating early against the Chargers interior. Cam Heyward is going to be out there most of the game, and Benton makes more sense next to him than guys like Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams, or Isaiahh Loudermilk. Heyward is still one of the best run defenders in the NFL, and Benton can be the explosive pass-rusher next to him in a way that the other guys can't. Hopefully, he gets more snaps to show it this week and in the future.