An Exuberant Steelers' Patrick Peterson Said "I Saw Growth From Joey Porter Jr. Again"

Much has been made about the catch that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens made over the head of cornerback and rookie, Joey Porter Jr., in training camp. The catch was a thing of beauty; there is no disputing it. So far during camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA., Pickens and Porter have been testing each other in competition. 

There is never a dull moment with these two. There have been amazing blocks and the sight of them both going at top speed. Then, there was the catch. Some are calling it the craziest catch they've ever seen. Pickett went up over the top of Porter's head and somehow reels the ball in with one hand. After the play was over, Porter did not attempt to contain his frustration. He rifled the ball back at Pickens as he celebrated with the offense.  

Head Coach, Mike Tomlin said that as far as he is concerned, they are just two young, extremely talented men, who are doing everything they can to make their marks in the league. They are fierce competitors and it consistently shows. After the catch went viral, there were many who criticized Porter for not preventing the catch, although, frankly, sometimes there is just nothing that can be done. However, one of Porter's teammates saw the catch situation in a different light. 

Steelers' Patrick Peterson Heaps Praise On Joey Porter Jr. For The George Pickens Catch

Veteran cornerback, Patrick Peterson is entering his 13th year in the NFL, but this is his first season as a Steeler. They needed a mentoring presence in a room that has plenty of young cornerbacks.

Peterson, who is learning his new roles in the secondary as a sort of hybrid Swiss army knife player and as a mentor for the younger guys, also co-hosts a podcast with his cousin and former Steelers cornerback, Bryant McFadden called All Things Covered. On a recent episode, McFadden asked Peterson about the catch and how he perceived it. Peterson surprised some by saying that, to him, he didn't see it as a miss by Porter, but instead, as proof of growth. 

"When you see a guy make the catch, and it was a spectacular catch, unbelievable catch, but when you get the ball and you put it in the DB's face, that's a fight waiting to happen. But you know what the young fella (Porter) did very well? He kept his cool. He took coaching points from coach, Grady Brown and he did not retaliate. That's a sign of growth." 

McFadden agreed with Peterson who remarked that all rookies have to go through this process of growth because you can't fight in a game. If you fight in an actual contest, you can get fined or worse. A player could get ejected from the field by the referees. It is critical that players learn to control and channel their emotions. 

However, do not think that the coaching staff did not notice what went down. Peterson remarked that a coach told them, "Don't let it happen again." McFadden said, as a young player, you start to see how patience can pay off. That same day, Porter had an interception and he was able to shake that previous play off and keep working. 

"You have to have a short-term memory," said McFadden. "These two are gonna battle. They are year one and year two up-and-coming superstars." 

Peterson pointed out that the play tilts in the favor of the offense in a one-on-one situation. He said that a receiver should win that match-up every time and it would be concerning if they did not. The defensive backs just need to bide their time because, as Peterson noted, at some point they will find themselves in man-to-man coverage with 10 other guys that help tilt it in their favor.  

At the start of every day at camp, Peterson said he asks Porter what his goal is for the day and Porter always tells him that he is trying to work on his fastball. The young corner is working hard and making strides every day Peterson said. What's really important to Peterson as a mentor is that these young players continue to grind. It's why he named Porter as a defensive camp standout for the week. 

"I saw growth from Joey again."

It does appear that Porter and Pickens are going to be engaging in some epic battles in the years to come. Both players are young, hungry and talented. Like Tomlin always says, "iron sharpens iron." This case could turn out to be a best-case scenario for these talented Steelers, one where they challenge themselves and each other to continue to be better each week.

What did you think about Pickens' catch? What did you think about Porter's role in it, from not breaking it up to chucking the ball back at Pickens in frustration? Do you agree with Peterson? Is Porter already showing growth? Do you think Porter will start his rookie season? Tell us what you think! Click to comment below. 

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