Second-year inside linebacker Payton Wilson and third-year nose tackle Keeanu Benton were expected to be key pieces of a star-studded defense for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 season. The two in the middle of the defense were expected to take significant steps forward, elevating their games to another level.
Two weeks into the season though, that hasn’t happened. In fact, in the case of Benton, there’s seemingly some regression going on, too, raising concerns.
Wilson hasn’t been any better, either, struggling as a run defender and getting picked apart in pass coverage, too.