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The post Bell: Don’t Sweat Bumps in the Road for Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. appeared first on Steelers Now.
The second half of the Steelers schedule was loaded with top offenses headlined by talented quarterbacks and we knew that this was going to be a real test to see just how stout this defensive unit really is. In the last two weeks, they’ve shut down two of the most explosive, efficient groups in the league in Washington and Baltimore, stalling out the respective Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player favorites in the process. At the very least, Pittsburgh’s defense is very good and a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. While the pass rush is the engine that makes this collection of talent roll, it’s nearly impossible to survive in the NFL without one corner that you trust on an island. Joey Porter Jr. is that guy for this team.
After his rookie season that was flushed with high points set the bar so high, it’s been difficult for the sophomore cover man to follow that up. That’s not to say that he hasn’t been good this season, but there have been some bumps in the road. Such is life for a player at this position in the league. When you’re the number one guy tasked with matching up with the opposing teams best weapon on a weekly basis in a league that is heavily slanted towards the offense from a rules perspective, it’s never going to be easy and it surely won’t always be perfect.
His performance against the Commanders in week 10 was a low point in his young career. He picked up three first-half penalties, displaying sloppy technique by continuously grabbing and not adjusting to an officiating crew that was calling the game air tight. Star wideout Terry McLaurin got the better of him in a couple key man coverage situations, occasionally even in reps where the coverage was admirable but he was beaten by the throw more than anything else. There were also a handful of impressive reps on an island that wouldn’t be properly captured by the broadcast angle. Luckily, Pittsburgh was still able to pull out the victory on the road despite a less than ideal showing from Porter.
Not going to sit here and act like #24 played well Sunday because he didn't but plays like this are just going to happen vs great WRs/QBs. He peaks too early but this is an insane throw from the far hash into a tight window. Ish happens… pic.twitter.com/K4ry4D9vPZ
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) November 13, 2024
He needed a bounce back game versus the Ravens last week and it’s safe to say that he got one in a big way. Porter traveled with Baltimore’s dynamic number one receiver Zay Flowers in the slot and more than held his own whether it was carrying him vertically on a slot fade or matching his jitterbug quickness on a slant over the...
