Steelers Rookie Joey Porter Jr. Expected To Make DK Metcalf Irate With Trash Talk "Metcalf Does Not Like That"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 draft class started slowly, but is beginning to establish itself as the season draws to a close. The talent has not been in question. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers coaching staff's use of that talent has frustrated the fan base. First-round pick Broderick Jones found his way into the starting lineup at the wrong position halfway through the season. Keeanu Benton, the Steelers' second-round selection, has been extremely effective on the defensive line, but his snaps are still limited.

The Steelers traded Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears for the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They used that selection to bring in the most effective 2023 draft class member thus far, Joey Porter Jr. He found his way into the starting lineup after a few weeks and is now unquestionably the best cornerback the Steelers have on their roster. The former Penn State Nittany Lions star has not been perfect. Porter has been flagged frequently for being too physical. It hasn't stopped the Steelers from having him follow the best the opposition has to offer at wide receiver.

On Wednesday, KJ Wright, who started 140 games over 10 years for the Seattle Seahawks, joined The Cook & Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan. Ron Cook is operating without Joe Starkey during the week between Christmas and New Year's. The former Pro Bowl linebacker, who hosts his podcast, KJ All Day with KJ Wright, had thoughts on a matchup he was looking forward to watching on Sunday between DK Metcalf and Porter.

“Let’s watch for Joey Porter Jr. versus DK Metcalf,” Wright said after predicting a 24-21 Seahawks victory. “This matchup is really, really intriguing. I know the young rookie has been traveling left and right with the number one receiver.”

Metcalf has impressive physical talent, but unlike some of the other teams the Steelers have faced recently, the Seahawks are not just a solo act. Porter was matched up with Tee Higgins against the Cincinnati Bengals, who were without Ja'Marr Chase, and played pretty well against him when they were matched up one-on-one. Seattle also has Tyler Lockett and Ohio State rookie, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, so it will be interesting to see if Porter sticks to one side of the field or follows Metcalf. Wright thinks the potential for fireworks exists if they match up all afternoon in Seattle.

“I heard he likes to talk a lot,” Wright continued. “I know DK Metcalf does not like that at all. It’s been peaceful these last two games, hasn’t had any penalties. Hopefully he continues that trend. I really want to see these two guys go at it.”

Porter might have an issue with drawing yellow flags because of his physicality, but Metcalf has his own problems with penalties. Metcalf has been the most penalized receiver for the last two seasons, and he is well on his way to making it three in a row. 

Matt Calkins from The Seattle Times wrote earlier this season after a particularly ugly incident involving Cam Taylor-Britt from the Cincinnati Bengals about Metcalf's explanation that he was blocking after being flagged for what looked more like a punch.

“If that was a block, then Muhammad Ali is the greatest blocker of all time.”

Metcalf has demonstrated that he is susceptible to physical play and trash talk. When the Seahawks played the San Francisco 49ers, Metcalf completely lost his composure after a Dre Greenlaw interception sealed a 28-16 loss. Metcalf went absolutely bonkers and suplexed Fred Warner. He compounded that by jumping up and grabbing his face mask, and shoving Warner's head forcefully. Metcalf was ejected following the incident.

Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Learned From The Best

Porter's physicality, paired with his training in the family business of agitating unstable opponents from his father, Joey Porter Sr., could set the stage for a meltdown of epic proportions from Metcalf. The Seahawks wide receiver is highly volatile, and if Porter can hold his own physically, a well-timed verbal jab might knock Metcalf out of the game. 

The Steelers and Seahawks both have to win to keep realistic hope alive for a playoff berth. The talent of both players makes this a marquee matchup, but the potential for an emotional explosion turns it into must-see television. The Steelers face the Seahawks at 4:05 pm ET on Fox on New Year's Eve. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will Porter use his mouth and hands to agitate Metcalf into a mistake? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq. 

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