Steelers Rookie Joey Porter Jr. Keeps Shining in Big Moments

The Pittsburgh Steelers rookie continues to impress in big moments.

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. had a hunch the Baltimore Ravens were going to target him late in the fourth quarter with a chance to put a crucial divisional victory out of reach late in the fourth quarter. 

Gunner Olszewski had just fumbled on a punt return, giving Baltimore the ball back and a second wind at the Steelers' seven-yard line. On a third and five with 4:10 to play, Porter lined up in single coverage against one of the best receivers of his generation. 

"I'm the rookie out there against Odell Beckham on a third down," Porter said. "I kind of had that in the back of my mind that they were going to try me on that play." 

It didn't break the Ravens' way. The Steelers' rookie stood tall in one of the game's biggest moments, blanketing the seasoned veteran in the endzone and intercepting Lamar Jackson to set up a game-winning touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett to George Pickens. As more playing time comes his way, Porter continues to reward the faith of his coaches and teammates.

Porter grew up around the Steelers-Ravens rivalry, when his dad was engaged in the same ferocious style of game that persists to this gay between those two teams. The younger Porter was eager to put his stamp on the series. 

“I just really put myself in that Steelers-Baltimore rivalry,” Porter Jr. said. “It means everything. Earlier in the week, we were talking about how this is a regular season game, but it’s not like the regular season. When we get in that stadium, it’s going to be a chippy, close game and I just made a great play at a great time.”

The Steelers have slowly been integrating Porter into the base defense lineup more and more as the weeks persist. 

In Week 3 against the Raiders, he came up with a crucial defense of superstar wideout Devante Adams late in a tight win on Sunday Night Football. Once again in a tight spot, the Steelers turned to Porter and he delivered, opening up the door for more snaps. 

Porter started the second half and can look forward to more regular playing time as he continues to perform at a high level. 

"Porter's been playing increasingly more with each passing week," head coach Mike Tomlin said. "Oftentimes, we start with a good foundational plan in terms of how they participate and we go from there. He's done a solid job with the work given and so today he got more. He did a nice job with the work he was given today." 

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