The word rebuild has been associated with the Steelers for a couple years. The Steelers have been “re-tooling” the offensive line for years and they may have found a solution in new Offensive Line Coach Mike Munchak. With the apparent upswing of the offensive line, the biggest subject matter for the word rebuild has been connected to the defense. The word reboot may be better to describe the current trend of the defense, especially with the line-backing core.
Former Steeler linebacker Joey Porter signed on as a defensive assistant after a coaching stint (Coach Peezy?) at Colorado State University, his alma mater, to help coach the young group of linebackers. The linebackers, that includes two first round picks and a second, look very similar to the offensive line. Mike Munchak brings with him experience, knowledge, and technique and Joey Porter brings something else.
With football being the ultimate team sport, how each player is affected can have an enormous effect. With the addition of Coach Porter (how awkward is that to say?) a needed intensity to the defense will be identified and received. Being a third round pick by the Steelers in ’99, his mid round selection may have assisted Joey’s fire to be better, but it’s his demeanor that will affect the team.
Over his career with the Steelers, the team had a higher sack average per year. The higher average sack numbers demonstrate how Joey can affect everyone around him. The largest part of his game, on and off the field, was his words. While some guys will lead by example and stay silent, Peezy never stopped talking. The vocal effect of Porter could rally a defense and even the entire team. The many sound bites through the Superbowl run helped create a wave of emotion for the team to ride.
Coach Porter (still doesn’t sound right) played for the Steelers, then went to Miami and eventually “Steelers West.” After his playing days were over, he quickly began coaching at Colorado State University. Head coach at CSU Jim McElwain spoke on the effect of Joey, “I can’t say enough about the job he did with our team last season, and the way he poured his knowledge, experience and passion into our players.” He returned to his alma mater to finish a degree and helped coach. What a feel good story. What you may not remember though, is that he was also returning to the area where he was shot. To return to the scene takes two of something that could affect the youth on defense.
With the assistance of Coach Porter (I think I’m ok with this now) the CSU Rams had a sack increase by 12 in one year. How coaches affect their players is different for each individual. The difficulty of coaching is being able to connect and respond with the correct form to motivate someone you, as a coach, wish to succeed. While Porter was coaching, senior Shaquil Barrett’s sack total doubled in one year, and was named Mountain West defensive player of the year. Now one can see the Porter effect.
Whether it is how Joey Porter affects, or the effects of Joey Porter, I think it’s the affection for the game he will bring.
