[Audio] Arthur Moats: ‘Joey Porter’s Intensity Is Contagious’

When he was hired back in February, there was some debate about how much of an impact Joey Porter could have on the Pittsburgh Steelers this year. After how much fire he’s brought to training camp, and the special attention he’s given to the outside linebackers, I think that debate has been put to rest.

Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats was on Buffalo sports radio’s The John Murphy Show last night talking about playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. During the interview, Moats was asked what it was like to work with Joey Porter.

“Oh man, Joey Porter…he’s a great guy to be around and the thing is, with me being on the outside he’s there everyday with me, and ultimately, the same intensity you would see him play with, that’s the same intensity he brings to the meeting room, the same intensity he brings to the practice field, and ultimately any time you get a guy with that type of mentality around you, it’s contagious. So not only does he have that mentality, but now all of the guys in the locker room and in the outside linebacker room get that same mentality, and that’s why I think we’re going to have a lot of success this year.”

Moats also said that his excitement to work with Dick LeBeau helped seal his coming to Pittsburgh. “Anytime you think about Coach Dick LeBeau I mean, he’s a legendary guy…and everyone knows the success that he’s had coaching defenses and even as a player.

“So, anytime you’re coming out and you have the opportunity to play for somebody like that and a legendary defense, I mean, you’re kind of jumping at the opportunity,” said Moats. “After meeting with Coach LeBeau and being able to sit down with him, and share some of the ideas he has and things like that, you definitely get excited about it.”

The former Bills 6th round pick went on to share what it’s like to play for Coach LeBeau. “Man it’s a great feeling to play with a guy like him and the thing is this- he’s seen so much as far as, you know, different schemes and different things that happen on the field from a player’s perspective and from a coach’s perspective, so nothing catches him off guard, so he’s always able to talk to you and basically just help you to understand what you need to be looking for, and he’s very attention to detail type guy and that’s what makes him very [inaudible] and have such success at this level.”

Moats also talked about Ryan Shazier, his role in Pittsburgh, among other topics. You can listen to the full interview below.