Steelers star defender holds the key to a win vs. Bengals in Week 13

The Steelers keep their divisional games rolling, as they take on the Bengals following their bitter loss to the Browns last Thursday. While Cincinnati has shined at times, they have failed to consistently put things together and are long-shots to make the postseason. Every win is vital for them moving forward, and they would also love to play spoiler to Pittsburgh season.

Despite their poor record, the Bengals boast arguably the best passing game in the league. They have a deep receiver room and Joe Burrow is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Just about everywhere else is a pain point, though, as their defense has been lackluster in most areas and the ground game has failed to gain any traction.

There are a few key players that make sense this week. George Pickens could be poised for a big game against a bad Bengals secondary. The running backs could also feast and churn out a good game. On defense, a bounceback game for T.J. Watt could be in the works against a rookie tackle. That said, there is one name that sticks out as needing to have a great game.

Steelers need a big game from this defensive back

The expectations for Joey Porter this season were extremely high. It took him a while to see the field as a rookie, but he was impossible to take off once he got the starting role. He was a lockdown cornerback in year one, and the impressive play made him a sleeper option for some accolades in year two.

He hasn’t quite hit that mark, unfortunately. That isn’t to say his play has been bad, despite a mediocre PFF grade. He has given up a few more completions than last year, but other than that his numbers are mostly in line with his rookie production. His issue has been less in coverage and more about penalties.

It was no secret that Porter had an issue with his hands in college. Despite being gifted with insane length, he used it more often than not to get his hands on a player when he was struggling to keep up. That has cost him this year, as he is regularly being flagged. This issue will be a core talking point against a talented Bengals receiving core.

While he may travel with Ja’Mar Chase, he could also just be put on a side and given the opportunity to shut that side down while Donte Jackson gets some safety help. Given Cincinnati’s two potent receivers, Porter is likely going to be in a lot of one-on-one situations, and he can’t make those same mistakes that he has struggled with this season.

Frankly, this is a put-up or shut-up week for Porter. This is what separates great cornerbacks from good ones. He doesn’t need to have two interceptions or a huge pass breakup (although I would welcome it). He needs to come in and take care of business. No big plays, and no big penalties. If he can do that on his own, this Bengals passing game could stall out. If not, it could be a long day for this secondary.