PITTSBURGH — Steelers rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is showing up in the red zone. After a massive fumble by Gunner Olszewski and a third-and-goal for the Ravens, Porter picked the ball off on an end-zone fade when Lamar Jackson went after him. Yet, Porter skied up and made a great play to get the interception. That is his first career interception in a significant spot.
Lamar Jackson 🎯 Joey Porter Jr
pic.twitter.com/AnYXElzpNi— PFF (@PFF) October 8, 2023
Pittsburgh opted to rotate Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson in favor of getting Joey Porter Jr. more snaps after the team failed to cover the Ravens on a down-to-down basis. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin noted this week that he did not know if it was time for Porter Jr. to play, but with the division hanging in the balance, it never mattered.
“No, not yet,” Austin said. “He’s working hard, I like the way he’s working. He’s making strides, but is he ready for a full-time look right now? I’m not sure I can say that I really feel great about that yet. But he’s working in the right direction, trending in the right direction, and at some point, we expect him to be out there.”
Austin did not want to play Porter before they knew it was his time. The team had seen enough and decided it was time for the move. Porter rewarded them for their confidence in him. Now, the Steelers have a chance to pull out the win.