Joey Porter Jr., cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, initially struggled with tackling during his rookie season. In limited playing time, he frequently missed tackles, which posed a significant weakness in his otherwise promising game. This area of his performance needed improvement to meet the demands of playing in the physical AFC North division where defenses must be stout against the run.
Developing a Stronger Run Defense Approach
Over time, Porter Jr. refined his tackling technique and transformed into a reliable open-field tackler and a forceful downhill defender in run support. The evolution of his tackling skills aligns with the style of play necessary in the AFC North, a division known for its tough, physical football. Defenders must consistently stop the run to succeed, and Porter Jr. embraced this mentality as part of his growth.
Mentality Required for Tackling in the AFC North
On The Christian Kuntz Podcast, Porter Jr. discussed the importance of tackling and the mindset needed to thrive in the AFC North. He emphasized that opposing teams deliberately seek weak tacklers, making reliable tackling essential to avoid becoming a target.
“Especially in our division, they gonna try to find a weak link and if you’re turning down tackles, they’re going at you the whole game. And that’s the game plan and that’s just what it is in the North,”
Porter said.
“So like that’s what I always say about why I love Pittsburgh football, is ’cause it taught you that throughout high school. Like, we’re running the ball. Like, we don’t care if you could stop it or not. We’re gonna run this football. And I felt like that was the same case at Big Ten football. We’re running the ball regardless.”
—Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
He also noted the consistency of this approach across different teams, stating:
“Like Michigan, all these other teams that we’re facing and we’re toting the rock. So, going to the North, it’s pretty much the same thing, you know? They’re not letting nothing slide.”
—Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
The Physical Demands of the AFC North Division
The AFC North is known for a traditional, smashmouth style where running the football remains a priority. Despite star players at the quarterback and receiver positions, the division’s identity centers on physicality and wearing down opponents. This style requires defenders like Porter Jr. to be tenacious in run support and effective tacklers.
Statistical Progress in Tackling Performance
Porter Jr. faced tackling issues even after transitioning from the Big Ten to the NFL. At one point in his rookie year, his missed tackle rate reached 25%, a high figure for a player in his position. This was while playing behind experienced cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace. However, Porter Jr. made significant strides throughout that season, reducing his missed tackle rate to 12.3% by the year’s end.
In his second season, he continued improving and lowered his missed tackle rate further to 10.6%, showing a clear upward trajectory in his tackling reliability.
Influence of Family and Personal Drive
Porter Jr. credited his father, former NFL linebacker Joey Porter Sr., for pushing him to improve his tackling. He learned early that the ability to hit and tackle confidently was crucial to securing playing time and earning his role on the team.
“Like, if you’re not making those tackles or if you’re not willing to put your body in there, you’re not going to be on the field,”
Porter said.
“And I [had] to learn that my rookie year, especially just from my dad. Like, my dad would be like, ‘Bro, what are you doing?’ Like, come on.’ So I had to go through my learning stages of that myself my rookie year.”
—Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
“After that it’s been smooth, but it’s definitely something that is in the North for sure.”
—Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
Recent Performance and Future Outlook
Though the Steelers struggled against the run in the latter part of last season—particularly against the Baltimore Ravens—Porter Jr. displayed improved physicality. In the final three games, he missed only one tackle, showcasing his development in run defense. Entering his third NFL season, Porter Jr. has become known for consistent tackling ability, particularly at cornerback.
This transformation not only reflects his individual growth but also demonstrates how vital it is for defensive backs in the AFC North to meet the division’s physical demands. Going forward, Porter Jr.’s tackling skills will remain a key asset for the Steelers’ efforts to control the ground game in conference matchups.