The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have one of the best defenses in the NFL. This conclusion is taken from a small sample size, as they have only played one game during the 2024 season. Regardless, the defense looked dominant in the Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The unit forced three turnovers, which included two interceptions by a pair of new additions, DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson. They made their presence in Pittsburgh known quick, and were a big reason the Steelers were able to kick their season off with a win.
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Steelers' Donte Jackson and T.J. Watt got hyped against the Falcons in 2024.
Another factor in Pittsburgh's victory was second-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. He didn't show up much in the box score, but he did a good job when it came to covering premiere wide receiver Drake London. He was a big reason Atlanta struggled to move the ball through the air. Elliott joined SNR Drive on Thursday, and he spoke about how effective Porter is. He was asked about the trajectory of Porter, and just how good the young corner could be.
"I've told Joey this, that if he is serious about being the greatest corner that Pittsburgh has ever had, then you need to take each day serious, meticulously, just day in and day out. Like, get in that book. Study your tape because he has the tangibles obviously - 6'3", 205. Like I told him, 'I played with Jalen Ramsey and you have the size, you have the ability to get your hands on somebody at the line and you have the ability to really lock guys down. The thing is you need to start taking each day as if it's your last.' I think that's something that has started to catch on."
Jalen Ramsey is a promising comparison for the young cornerback in Pittsburgh. Ramsey has been one of the best corners in the league since he was drafted in 2016, and he has been voted a Pro Bowler in every season since 2017. Elliott played with Ramsey during the 2023 season when both were with the Miami Dolphins, and he has gotten the chance to see both corners up close.
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Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. tries to breakup a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
Elliott has played with many high-caliber cornerbacks and defensive backs throughout his time in the league. When he played with the Baltimore Ravens, he suited up alongside Marlon Humphrey and Eric Weddle. In Miami, he played with Ramsey, as well as Xavien Howard. He has a decent gauge when it comes to talent in the secondary, so his praise for Porter should be taken extremely seriously. Porter has a ton of potential, and he will face some serious tests during the 2024 season. If he can continue the type of play he showed in Week 1, he could certainly be voted to the Pro Bowl or be named an All-Pro.
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Steelers' DeShon Elliott secures an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 of the 2024 season.
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Makes Life Easier On The Safeties
While Elliott called into the radio show, he was asked about how Porter has the ability to follow the opposing team's best receiver to both sides of the field. The hosts asked Elliott if it changes his responsibilities at safety, and if it ever complicates things. The safety shared it actually makes things a lot easier.
"I wouldn't say it changes anything, it just makes it in a way, easier. You know, we know that Joey going to go out there and do what Joey does. And Joey, since he stepped on that field whether it was college or the NFL, he's gonna be a shutdown corner. He's gonna get his hands on somebody."
Having a shut down corner like Porter is beneficial to Elliott and Minkah Fitzpatrick. It allows them to focus more on the rest of the field. Also, if Porter is ever having a rough game he will be able to rely on either safety for help. Although, the second-year corner hasn't shown many signs of struggle against talent at the NFL level.
What do you think of Elliott's comparison for Porter? Let us know in the comments below!
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