Ray Fittipaldo says Joey Porter Jr.'s development caused one Steelers coaching change
On a recent episode of 93.7 The Fan, Fittipaldo connected Porter's development issues to Brown losing his job in Pittsburgh:
Advertisement
"[Steelers DB coach Gerald Alexander] said he thinks [Joey]'s elite at the line of scrimmage, in terms of disrupting, but it's everything that happens after that where Joey still struggles. Like, your transition to your coverage, then once you're close to your guy — don't put your hands on him, and then be more opportunistic when the ball's in the air. He's been kind of behind the eight ball in all three of those things.
"That's Gerald's job. That's why Grady Brown is no longer here. Joey Porter has not developed the way they hoped he thought he would as a No. 32 overall pick in that draft."
The Steelers hired Alexander in February to serve as the new defensive backs coach, while Brown was picked up by the Saints to serve as their new cornerbacks coach.
Porter could be in for a major breakout in 2025 alongside newly signed CB Darius Slay Jr., who's taken the third-year Steelers corner under his wing this offseason.
Advertisement
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers coaching change linked to Joey Porter Jr., per insider
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
a minute ago
- USA Today
What is the best and worst case scenario for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025?
Every NFL team has a floor and ceiling, the Vikings are one of those teams that have the largest gap between them. Coming off a 14-win season with backup Sam Darnold, expectations are high due to them turning the keys to the franchise over to top draft pick J.J. McCarthy. Doing that, though, creates as many questions as it gives answers to the team. ESPN's Kevin Seifert gave his predictions for the floor and ceiling of the Vikings' season, and record-wise, they are similar. For the ceiling, he thinks 11-6 is possible. Whereas a floor is 6-11, so the opposite of the ceiling in the exact way. Seifert wrote about the floor and ceiling of the Vikings, saying, "Is Kevin O'Connell serious about the run game? The Vikings coach took a step toward balancing his offense in 2024 from its pass-happy ways in 2022-23, but the ascendance of first-time starter J.J. McCarthy will necessitate a bigger shift. The Vikings will also need to run more effectively after ranking 25th in the NFL last season in EPA on running plays. There is good reason to think they can, after pairing Jordan Mason with Aaron Jones Sr. in the backfield and acquiring three new starters on the line. McCarthy continued to develop during training camp, but counting on him to be a 4,000-yard passer in his first season seems unrealistic." The whole thing will come down to J.J. McCarthy. Fairly or unfairly, that is where things stand as most of this roster returns, with some pieces even revamped, such as their offensive and defensive lines. If McCarthy plays well, this team will reach its potential, but if he doesn't, this team is going to be left picking up its teeth in a tough NFC North.
Newsweek
2 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Former GM Links Lions to Blockbuster Trade for Perennial DPOY Candidate
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Detroit Lions are viewed as one of the top potential Super Bowl contenders in the NFC heading into the 2025 season. Last year, Dan Campbell and company came through with a 15-2 regular season record. That success had fans expecting a deep playoff run. Unfortunately, the Lions were eliminated in their first playoff game against the Washington Commanders. Losing in front of the home Detroit crowd was a rough way to go out after such a magical season. The team will be looking to avenge that ending. Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions smiles prior to an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 5, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions smiles prior to an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 5, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo byOn paper, the Lions look very good. However, there are some potential areas that could use improvement. Read more: Browns' Shedeur Sanders Under Fire for Actions Before NFL Debut Aidan Hutchinson is back to full health for the 2025 season after suffering a broken leg last year. Bringing in another dangerous pass rusher could be something that Detroit has interest in doing. Since Micah Parsons made his trade request public with the Dallas Cowboys, the Lions have been linked as a possible destination. That link has been made once again. Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum made an appearance on ESPN's "Get Up" on Friday and suggested a blockbuster trade between Detroit and the Cowboys that would feature Parsons. His trade idea would see Parsons sent to the Lions in exchange for safety Brian Branch, a first-round pick, and two second-round pick. It would be a steep price for Detroit to pay, but Parsons could be the final piece of the hopeful Super Bowl puzzle. Last season with Dallas, Parsons played in 13 games. He racked up 43 total tackles to go along with 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a defended pass. Back in 2023 in 17 games, he recorded 64 tackles, 14 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two defended passes. Read more: Steelers' Mike Tomlin Just Sent the NFL a Serious Warning A pairing of Hutchinson and Parsons would be an absolute nightmare for opposing offensive lines. It's possible that the Lions won't have interest in paying what it would take to acquire the 26-year-old superstar, but they make sense as a suitor. Expect to continue hearing more rumors and speculation about Parsons moving forward. There is no telling what the Cowboys will do about his trade request, but if they do place him on the trade block Detroit could be a serious team to watch. For more on the Dallas Cowboys and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Washington Post
2 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Pirates recall relievers Evan Sisk and Colin Holderman from Triple-A; cut lefty Ryan Borucki
CHICAGO — The Pittsburgh Pirates recalled left-handed pitcher Evan Sisk and right-hander Colin Holderman from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday before their series opener against the Cubs in Chicago. In a corresponding move, the Pirates designated lefty Ryan Borucki for assignment. Right-hander Cam Sanders had been optioned to Indianapolis on Wednesday following a 12-5 loss at Milwaukee that extended the last-place Pirates' slide to five games.
