PITTSBURGH — Joey Porter Jr. relishes the intensity that comes with his role on the football field. He actively seeks it out, making it an integral part of his identity as a player. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin first recognized this tenacity over a decade ago when Porter was a child frequenting the team’s facilities while his father, Joey Porter Sr., served as an assistant coach. The younger Porter stood out with a distinctive confidence, a quality that foreshadowed his future as a professional athlete.
Tomlin described Porter’s mindset as possessing a “serial killer’s mentality,” although the coach clarified that it doesn’t carry the dark implications such a phrase might suggest. “He’s not running from the fight; he’s running to the fight,” Tomlin noted. “You better have a short memory at that position, and he’s always had it. He was probably nine or 10 when I met him, and he had it then.” This unwavering confidence was one of the driving factors behind the Steelers’ swift decision to select Porter with the first pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, marking a significant return for a local talent steeped in the franchise’s storied past, particularly at such a challenging position.
Porter has openly expressed his ambition to become recognized as an elite cornerback and is unafraid to take on demanding assignments, fully aware that the game can be unpredictable. As of late, however, he has found himself frequently tested by opposing quarterbacks eager to exploit his aggressive playstyle. Recent games have seen a rise in penalties, often concluding with officials announcing, “No. 24, defense,” much to his chagrin. In last Sunday’s nail-biting 44-38 win against Cincinnati, Porter was flagged four times while trying to cover Bengals stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with infractions ranging from holding to pass interference.
While the number of penalties isn’t exemplary, Porter maintains a positive outlook. Following the game, he addressed reporters, maintaining composure and displaying resilience as he faced questions about his performance. Tomlin emphasized that the challenges Porter is experiencing are technical rather than indicative of a lack of confidence. This focus on technique aligns with the Steelers’ need for consistent performance as they prepare for a matchup with Jameis Winston and the high-scoring Cleveland offense this Sunday, particularly crucial for a team with a strong 9-3 record.
“I’ve just got to keep playing my game and don’t let (the penalties) affect me,” Porter commented. When asked if that was an easy mindset to maintain, he conceded, “Definitely,” adding, “Playing DB is a hard position, but you got to have that mentality anyways. That’s the world we live in, and I feel like I’m capable of doing that.”
Porter has drawn inspiration from his father, a notable player known for his unique ability to engage in trash talk throughout a successful 13-year NFL career that included four Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl victory with the Steelers in 2005. His father’s lessons about resilience and confidence remained ingrained in him throughout his life. “He’d been telling me that since I was a young kid,” Porter stated. “I know what I got to do to be great, look good, and help this team win.”
Despite leading the Steelers in penalties with nine infractions — ranking second in the league among defensive players — Porter has impressively not allowed a touchdown pass while in coverage. This statistic is a tradeoff that the team is willing to accept. Porter’s towering 6-foot-2 frame makes him one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in his draft class, allowing him to effectively match up against larger receivers, such as the 6-foot-4 Higgins.
“You have to match the physicality of these big people, and sometimes you do so at risk,” Tomlin remarked. “And that’s just a tightrope that I and he are willing to walk in an effort to be competitive.” Porter acknowledges that he needs to improve in certain areas, particularly near the line of scrimmage. The recent hitches he’s experienced are manageable and correctable, but if he were to start doubting his capabilities, it could create greater problems. He, however, insists that confidence remains high. “Things happen, you know that,” he expressed. “I like to bounce back and prove myself again. So that’s what I got to do this upcoming Sunday.”
With an upcoming challenge on the horizon and Winston coming off a remarkable 497-yard game in a loss against Denver, Porter is aware that he will be tested again. The Steelers faced challenges against Joe Burrow recently, and Winston is known for taking risks with deep throws, making this matchup pivotal. “I’m trying to be great,” he affirmed. “And I know to do that, I got to clean up with the stuff I’ve been doing. So I just face it and keep working.”
In injury updates, linebacker Alex Highsmith, who has been recovering from an ankle issue, was limited in practice on Wednesday and is on the brink of returning after missing three games. Additionally, wide receiver Calvin Austin III was also limited due to a concussion.
