Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is aware of penalties are his massive challenge. Higher method, not totally different attire, is his reply. Chatting with reporters Thursday, Porter once more downplayed the concept that his gloves ought to match the colour of the opponent’s jersey to cut back the variety of penalties in opposition to him.
“I’m not specializing in that in any respect,” Porter mentioned in video offered by the Publish-Gazette. “I get that requested usually, however I’m not likely targeted on that. I do know there’s larger issues I gotta work on and clear up in my sport, and that’s decrease on the checklist.”
It’s a principle posited a number of instances earlier than, even by us. Cornerbacks appear break up on if it’s an efficient instrument. Some corners color-coordinate whereas others imagine it doesn’t have an effect. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as soon as known as for Porter to make the change. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was much less satisfied.
Clearly, matching gloves alone received’t routinely stop penalties. Yank a receiver down mid-route and it doesn’t matter what the defensive again is sporting. Porter is appropriate that enhancing his method is extra necessary than something associated to his uniform. He’s proven a nasty tendency to panic with the ball within the air, inflicting him to get grabby. His flags additionally are available bunches, recording six of them mid-season in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals, and 12 of his 15 calls on the season occurred throughout simply three video games.
Routinely dealing with No. 1 receivers like Porter does is a problem. There are not any weeks off. Past the penalties, Porter has performed nicely and allowed only one landing over his first two seasons. His tackling has additionally improved. However there’s no query penalties are the highest story with him. Till they get fastened, they’ll proceed to be the main focus of analysts. Constructing a status doesn’t do him any favors with officers who usually tend to look ahead to and name penalties in opposition to a participant liable to them like Porter.
Defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander’s job is to educate Porter up. Cleansing up his method is a precedence. However Porter’s resistance to matching glove colour is curious. The NFL is all about gaining the smallest of benefits and Porter is punting on doing all he can to enhance.
