The Pittsburgh Steelers’ promising second-year cornerback, Joey Porter Jr., was flagged for six penalties in Sunday’s game against the
Cincinnati Bengals. While four of those penalties were accepted, the total of six is the most committed by any player in a single game this
season. As a result, Porter has climbed to second place among the league’s most penalized cornerbacks, behind only Detroit Lions
rookie Terrion Arnold. Following the game, Porter voiced frustration with the officiating, suggesting that he has become a target due to his
reputation. “Definitely, I feel like that,” Porter said when asked if he feels singled out. “Some of those calls, I don’t feel like I’m doing something
other DBs aren’t doing. But I’ve got that target on my back, and I just gotta keep working.” Porter’s frustration is not without merit. His reputation for
being “grabby” was well-known even before his arrival in the NFL, and it has become a recurring issue. These penalties have started to
significantly impact the Steelers’ performance, contributing to costly situations such as the one in Washington and again against Cincinnati.
While Porter’s penalties are problematic, there are signs of promise in his game. For example, his recent performance against the Baltimore
Ravens showcased his potential as a dominant cornerback. However, to reach his full potential, Porter must eliminate the bad habits that have
led to these penalties. He has the physical tools and natural talent to excel as a lockdown defender, but his challenge lies in consistently
trusting his technique. The key for the Steelers moving forward will be for Porter to refine his game, focusing on improving his discipline and
eliminating the grabs that have drawn the referees’ attention. Secondary coach Grady Brown will play a crucial role in helping Porter
work through these issues in the coming weeks. While Porter’s development may be a work in progress, there is little doubt that, with continued
refinement, he has the potential to become one of the top cornerbacks in the league.