Steelers' George Pickens Had No Idea Rookie Joey Porter Jr. Had An Interception Sunday

The Pittsburgh Steelers just squeaked past the Baltimore Ravens in a closely contested 17-10 matchup. George Pickens became player of the game, recording six receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown, which became a crucial turning point in the game for Pittsburgh. The touchdown drive was set up by a Joey Porter Jr. interception in the end zone, and Pickens later stated that he had no idea that Porter Jr. was the reason for the turn of events. 

In a postgame conference Pickens had with the press, he highlighted what was important to him and the team during their daring win. He then went on to explain that he wasn't aware that Porter Jr. had made the game-deciding interception. 

"I didn't even know. I swear to God, I didn't even know he got an interception today. But congratulations to him for sure."

Porter Jr. and Pickens are known to have a good, healthy, competitive relationship. While Pickens wasn't aware of his teammate's first career interception, he sure was proud of him for reaching that milestone so early into his career. Both Pickens and Porter Jr. had stellar days on their respective sides of the ball, and Porter Jr. continues to get integrated more into the first-team defense for the Steelers. The wide receiver-cornerback pair work well with each other, and have been working to make sure each levels up their game every week. 

It's not only Pickens who has been referencing how the Steelers wide receivers make the defensive backs better. After a 23-18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, star linebacker TJ Watt recognized that the defensive backs really stepped up their game, and the strong wide receiver core helps them be prepared for any vertical threat that could come their way. Every part of this Steelers team helps each other become stronger, cementing the "Iron sharpens iron" motto all Steeler fans and players heard during training camp. 

The Steelers Impressive Rookie Class

Pittsburgh's rookies have an incredible opportunity in front of them. Porter Jr. is working himself into becoming a starter, while Broderick Jones has provided crucial offensive line help in a thin and banged-up positional room. Keeanu Benton has stepped up in his defensive line position after veteran Cam Heyward went down with an injury early in the season. Nick Herbig has proved to be a solid linebacker for the Steelers and is part of one of the deepest, most talented linebacker cores in the NFL. 

Almost all of Pittsburgh's rookies have seen extended action on the field, continuing to strengthen the draft class' rankings. Whether they get on the field for injury problems or flat-out talent, the rookies have still shown up and become reliable for the Steelers whenever they need to call on them.

After only the fifth week of the 2023 NFL season, the Steelers are off to a turbulent start. Injuries have plagued the team since training camp, and the problem hasn't gotten any better moving into the regular season. However, the headline of Pittsburgh's rocky start has been how ineffective the offense is at moving the ball. They ranked dead last in percentage of drives ending in touchdowns, points scored, and time of possession. 

Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada has been under heavy scrutiny for the entire 2023 season, and at every home game, everyone can hear "Fire [Matt] Canada" chants ringing through Acrisure Stadium. 

Pittsburgh's defense has held its own throughout the season, consistently keeping the Steelers in contention during games. Against the Ravens, they forced two fumbles and had Porter Jr.'s interception, setting up what would become Pickens' game-winning 41-yard touchdown. During a Week 2 contest against the Cleveland Browns, the defense outscored the offense two touchdowns to one, effectively winning the game for the Steelers. As Porter Jr. displayed with his pick, whenever the Steelers need a spark or a glimmer of hope, the defense is ready to set the team up for success. 

What do you think of Porter Jr.'s performance against the Ravens? Will the defense continue to be as dominant as they have been? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. 

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