Three must-watch Steelers in Week 8

The Steelers (4-2) host the Jaguars (5-2) in one of only two matchups this week that showcase two teams with winning records. Here are three must-watch players for Pittsburgh in Week 8.

George Pickens, wide receiver

Pickens is coming off his third 100+ receiving yard game of the season and that was even with WR Diontae Johnson back in the lineup. The 22-year-old seems to have established himself as the Steelers WR1, but Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins isn't sold quite yet.

"I know that receiver we have coming in this week, No. 14, he has a high yards per catch," Jenkins said. "But respectfully, he hasn't played our corners yet. So I'll say that."

It's quite a bold statement about a player who is on pace to have 1,417 yards and six touchdowns this year. Jacksonville is also allowing the second most passing yards per game (273.9) in the league, which means Pickens could be in store for another big day. If so, the second-year wide receiver, who plays with his emotions on his sleeve, won't be afraid to let Jenkins and company know.

Kwon Alexander, linebacker

Alexander was the last to join Pittsburgh's new-look inside linebacker group this offseason. But the 29-year-old has shown he can still fly from sideline to sideline when healthy. He'll play an important role once again this week as he will likely be tasked with covering TE Evan Engram, who leads the Jaguars in receptions (41).

Although the former first-round tight end hasn't found the end zone yet in 2023, he is still on pace to have a career year (840 receiving yards). Alexander must minimize Engram's impact on Sunday. If he doesn't, it could be a long day for the defense, which has allowed the eighth most passing yards per game (241.2).

Joey Porter Jr., cornerback

Porter Jr.'s role seems to be slowly growing as he recorded 53 snaps played in Week 7 compared to veteran CB Levi Wallace's 49. The rookie has impressed with one interception, three forced incompletions and just one catch allowed for 12 yards on 96 snaps, per Pro Football Focus. 

Now Porter Jr. has another chance to make his case to be an every-week starter against one of the better up-and-coming quarterbacks in the league, Trevor Lawrence. If he continues his lockdown coverage against the Jaguars, his time could come sooner than later.

"With each week, they all are [close to starting]," head coach Mike Tomlin said. "There's some variables at play with what they do and the quality that they do it. Things and decisions don't happen in a vacuum."