The Pittsburgh Steelers got themselves a much needed victory in Week 12 when they beat the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 16-10. The team looked rejuvenated after the firing of Matt Canada, and showed some changes that made a lot of fans optimistic for the rest of the 2023 season. Per usual, star edge rusher TJ Watt had a spectacular game and was a big reason the Steelers came away with the victory; and, he even paid homage to rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. after making a play on Sunday.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt rushes the passer against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Steelers' Watt Shows Respect To Porter Jr.
Porter Jr. was the first pick of the second-round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and so far in his rookie year, he is definitely making a lot of teams upset that they passed on him. He has played extremely well since he was inserted into the starting lineup, and the coaching staff trusts him enough to follow some of the league's best receivers everywhere they go on the field. In Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans, Porter Jr. followed DeAndre Hopkins. He then followed Ja'Marr Chase in Week 12, only allowing two catches.
Porter Jr. has made a lot of plays throughout the season, including the game-clinching pass break-up against the Cleveland Browns, and a game-saving interception in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. Porter Jr. has found his signature celebration for whenever he makes a play in coverage, and Watt used his celebration after making a tackle in coverage for the Steelers in Week 12.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. breaks up a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Watt has his famous leg kick celebration that he does every time he sacks the quarterback, but since this play was made in coverage, he decided to switch it up and copy the rookie. Watt spoke out in the preseason about rookie Nick Herbig copying his sack celebration and made sure Herbig would never do it again, but that rule must not apply to Watt.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cam Heyward (97) and TJ Watt (90) rejoice after a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Everyone in the NFL is aware of how good of a pass rusher Watt is, especially ever since he tied the all-time single-season sack record and won the NFL's Defensive Player Of The Year Award in 2021. Pass rushing is certainly the strongest part of Watt's game; however, in 2023, the Steelers have been using Watt some in pass coverage. This was seen in the Steelers' victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7 when Watt picked off Matthew Stafford. Watt has seven interceptions in his career, and most of them have come from him jumping at the line of scrimmage as the opposing quarterback throws the ball to pick it off.
Watt is firmly in the race for Defensive Player Of The Year once again in 2023, as he is tied for the league lead in sacks with 13.5 along with Minnesota Vikings linebacker, Danielle Hunter. Watt also has an interception, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, six passes defensed, 12 tackles for loss, and a touchdown in 2023. Watt should be considered the front runner for the Defensive Player Of The Year, with others getting votes such as Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and Micah Parsons.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. has become the team's best cornerback.
Porter Jr. did not play a lot to start the season, as he would only come on the field in certain personnel packages or if one of the starters got banged up for a few plays. The Steelers slowly ingratiated him with the starting defense, allowing him to play more and more every week until he finally cracked the starting lineup. Since he has been a starter, he has not disappointed. He has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league since becoming a starter, and the Steelers know they have their lock-down cornerback of the future.
What do you think of Watt showing respect to Porter Jr. in Week 12? Let us know in the comments below!
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