Rising Steelers star could single-handedly wreck the Broncos chances in Week 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-0 and looking for their second straight victory early in the season. Despite being three-point underdogs in Week 1, Mike Tomlin's team escaped Atlanta with a win over the Falcons, thanks in large part to the spectacular performances by kicker Chris Boswell and Pittsburgh's defense.

In Week 2, Tomlin couldn't ask for a better matchup. His red-hot defense will get to tee off against rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos. However, this will be Pittsburgh's second straight road game, and playing in the Mile High City early in the season isn't easy.

Sean Payton could get the gears turning to his offense in Week 2 now that the team has a rough season-opener behind them. Courtland Sutton, the top receiver on the Broncos, is energized and determined to make an impact in Week 2.

But this won't happen if Joey Porter Jr. has anything to say about it.

Steelers could make Courtland Sutton disappear with Joey Porter Jr.

During his rookie season in 2023, Porter Jr. was better than advertised. The talented cornerback used his long arms and physicality to re-route top-flight wide receivers with ease. Unfortunately, his grabbiness led to 12 penalties last year (four of which were declined).

In his Week 1 opener against the Falcons, Porter showed more promise than ever. Tasked with shadowing Atlanta's top WR Drake London, the Steelers cornerback made the Falcons' 2022 8th overall pick a complete non-factor. London caught just one pass for seven yards all game when Porter was lined up across from him.

In a similar way, Porter could make Courtland Sutton non-existent in Week 2.

This is the perfect matchup for the Steelers cornerback. A big-bodied receiver who's only an average athlete at the position by NFL standards and doesn't offer much after the catch. Porter has the size to match the 6'3'' Sutton, and his arm length and wingspan trump Denver's number-one receiver.

Sutton is a similar player to London in terms of the way he wins. If Porter can wipe away the Broncos' top target in the passing game, he will force Bo Nix to look for unspectacular options who have yet to find any success in Denver.

Meanwhile, wide receivers Josh Reynolds and Devaughn Vale are dealing with injuries and missed practice time early in the week. This could give cornerback Donte Jackson a walk in the park against the Broncos in Week 2.

The Steelers know better than to ever take a team lightly, but Pittsburgh matches up beautifully with Denver. If Joey Porter Jr. can take Courtland Sutton out of the game with sticky coverage, it will be lights out for the Broncos this Sunday.