Steelers' Run Defense Under Patrick Graham Better vs Run w/Improved Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton?

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast, and is joined by Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' run defense needs to be better in 2026 than it was in 2025. Can new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham make improvements that helps stop the likes of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry? Christopher Carter and Alan Saunders discuss what has to be better for the run defense to get back to being a top 10 unit. Could the development of Derrick Harmon and Keeanu Benton be the key to the defense being more stout agaisnt the run? And where does the Steelers' defensive line depth help the team compared to last year? Can rookie Gabriel Rubio be a factor if he makes the team? And can the Steelers' defense be ready for the retirement of Cam Heyward in the coming years both on the field and off the field with the leadership he brings?

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Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire, Steve Roberts

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