PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There were concerns during the first few games of the season, but safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is back making impact plays, including three in a comeback win over the Cowboys on Sunday.
Fitzpatrick knocked away the final pass of the game, this after an interception in the end zone kept the Dallas deficit within a score in the fourth quarter. The just-turned 24-year-old also caught a forced fumble by Cameron Sutton
“There are plays that are weighted more,” said defensive captain Cam Heyward. “We were in the red zone and Minkah got the pick, that was huge.”
It didn’t start with splash this year after Fitzpatrick burst on the Steelers scene last season following the week three trade from Miami. Fitzpatrick had an interception in his first game and five on the season, including one of 96 yards, a pair of fumble recoveries to go with 36 solo tackles in 14 games.
The Pro Bowl safety had only two tackles against the Giants in the 2020 opener and it wasn’t until the Browns game in week 5 that Fitzpatrick had his first turnover. A huge 33-yard pick six to give the Steelers an early lead.
Against the Ravens, Fitzpatrick forced a fumble and knocked away the final pass of the game, preserving a key Steelers win.
The 2018 first round pick out of Alabama says everybody needs to do their part and people need to be where they are supposed to be for a defense to succeed. As for his success, Fitzpatrick says it’s not just being ball aware.
“I think its reading the keys, being in the right position,” Fitzpatrick said. “Knowing what the offense is trying to do. Everyone is going to say being in the right spot, its more than that.”
Fitzpatrick said they simulate different situations in practice and film work. He says they all prepare for these moments, then it’s up to the players to execute.
While they haven’t always executed during a game, Fitzpatrick and his teammates have made the key play at the key time and now face the reigning Heisman winner for the first time. Joe Burrow and the Bengals are at Heinz Field as the Steelers return for the first home game in three weeks Sunday afternoon.