The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 after bizarre circumstances unfolded at Acrisure Stadium in Week 5. The Steelers defense won another AFC North game. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith were phenomenal in the fourth quarter, and they got plenty of assistance from a Ravens offense that gave Lamar Jackson very little help for most of the day.
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Steelers rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. celebrates with his teammates after breaking up Deshaun Watson's 4th down pass to seal the Steelers' 26-22 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers selected Joey Porter Jr. with the first pick in the second round of the 2023 draft. Porter was the 32nd overall pick, making him the last choice of the first round in most years. Steeler Nation celebrated when the legacy pick was made. They have been frustrated with his lack of playing time through four weeks.
After what seemed like another back-breaking mistake by Gunner Olszewski, the Steelers faced an almost impossible task with the Ravens inside the Steelers' 10-yard line. The Steelers turned to Porter on what might have been the most crucial series of the 2023 season up to this point. After the Steelers defense forced a third down, Jackson threw a bad pass in the direction of Porter.
Jared Wickerham Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Joey Porter Jr tries to fire up Acrisure Stadium Fans
It was a massive mistake by the former league MVP, who has played some of his worst football against the Steelers. Porter came away with his first career interception and gave Kenny Pickett one more chance to beat the Ravens. Pickett came through, and Baltimore will be headed to London in Week 6 looking up at the black and gold in the division.
Coach Tomlin spoke to the media after our win against the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/az6JfJOwR9
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 8, 2023
Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin have come under fire for not putting Porter on the field more during the first month of the season. The defense has not gotten nearly the heat that Matt Canada and the offense have, but the Steelers defense is one of the highest-paid in the NFL, and they have not always performed like it through the first month of the season.
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Steelers Mike Tomlin addresses questions about Joey Porter Jr's playing time.
Tomlin was asked why they finally put the rookie on the field. He attempted to defend the thought process of the coaching staff on the reduced role Porter had played in previous weeks.
“Porter’s been playing increasingly more with each passing week,” Tomlin stated. “I’ve been really transparent about the inclusion of all the rookies. Often times we start with a good foundational plan in terms of how they participate and we grow from there.”
Fans biggest issue with the foundational plan is that Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson resembled burnt toast for the season's first month. Porter is a rookie, but Peterson and Wallace have yet to perform up to the mythical standard of Tomlin. He did hint that the defensive coaching staff was getting more comfortable with Porter on the field.
“He’s done a solid job with the work given. So, today, he got more,” Tomlin continued. “He did a nice job with the work he was given today.”
Porter’s interception of Jackson should make him the clear number one cornerback on the Steelers current roster. At best, Wallace and Peterson should be battling for playing time as the number two cornerback, with the loser relegated to sub-packages. Peterson is a future Hall of Fame defensive back, but it has become exceedingly apparent that will not be his role in the Pittsburgh defense.
Steelers Rumored To Be Interested In Trade For Denver Broncos Cornerback Patrick Surtain II
The Steelers have two weeks to prepare for the Los Angeles Rams, Sean McVay, and what may be the best receiver duo in the NFL. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua will present a unique challenge to the Pittsburgh secondary. Rumors were floated that the Steelers might be interested in acquiring Patrick Surtain II from the Denver Broncos. Based on the current state of the secondary, if Omar Khan pulls it off, it wouldn't be a moment too soon.
AP
Steelers rookies Joey Porter Jr and Nick Herbig
Just about everything that could go wrong in the first five games has for the Steelers. After all the chaos, Porter, Keeanu Benton, Darnell Washington, and Broderick Jones seem to have finally found their way into starting roles. That and a sixth consecutive victory over the Ravens is a good reason to celebrate.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you excited to see Porter on the field? How about the rest of the rookies? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq.
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