The Pittsburgh Steelers may have come out on top of the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but the defense struggled at points. QB Joe Burrow does that to defenses. However, CB Joey Porter Jr.’s struggles weren’t as expected.
Pro Football Focus graded Porter with a 32.4 overall defensive grade, largely thanks to his six penalties. It was his lowest grade ever from PFF. Defensive penalties are costly and can negate otherwise good plays.
But don’t expect Porter to change his physical play style anytime soon. Head coach Mike Tomlin wants Porter to continue to play physically against big receivers like the Bengals’ WR Tee Higgins.