PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Remember Minkah Fitzpatrick's first game, days after he was traded to the Steelers, picking off a pass against the Niners in September of 2019. A few weeks later, a couple of interceptions against Miami, then a 96-yard pick six against Indy and an interception against the Rams the following week.
Since a pair of interceptions against the Jags November 22 last year, not one interception. Not one forced fumble or fumble recovery. What has happened?
"It's quiet in terms of turnovers," said Steelers Senior Defensive Assistant and Secondary Coach Teryl Austin. "He does a lot more for us in terms of what he does in the back end getting us lined-up and directed. It's probably not what he wants."
"We are all expecting a little more in terms of turnovers. It's going to come."
Austin admits they've asked Fitzpatrick to do more this year. They've had him as the nickel and dime defensive back. Part of the movement is to keep offenses guessing, some is due to injuries to Cam Sutton and Joe Haden. Another factor, adding rookie Tre Norwood, inexperienced James Pierre and free agent Arthur Maulet to the mix.
"Now we have let him settle in because some of the other guys have come along," Austin said. "That gives him the chance to really hone in on his position. I have no problem with Minkah Fitzpatrick and the value he brings to our team."
Austin says Fitzpatrick is working really hard. He catches extra passes with the receivers to improve his hands. He also practices at a high intensity level. The veteran coach credits Minkah for staying in the framework of the defense even though he's probably pressing and the temptation would be to just go a freelance to try and make a play.
"It's a real challenge because their expectations are probably more than ours in terms of the type of football he plays," Austin said. "Getting the ball back, turnovers, interceptions. He's had a couple that hit him in the hands this year that he normally catches."
"I'm sure that is frustrating to him."
Imagine the frustration is not just for this season, but Fitzpatrick looking for a contract extension. It's in everyone's best interest for an improved last 11 games.
Tackling
Austin said they are aware of the tackling problems, especially in the second half against Seattle but believes that's more the exception than the norm.
"I don't think we are a poor tackling secondary," Austin said. "I think for the last few years. You guys know we are going to tackle. We are going to tackle well overall. That's something we will get back to. We have to make sure we emphasize it."
So they didn't gloss over the film from last Sunday, they discussed it. He doesn't believe it's from a lack of effort or intensity. Austin said it's up to him to put some drills in place for them to improve, as you can't really tackle in practice in today's NFL with equipment restrictions.
"It's never a function of toughness here because you can't play DB in this league if you can't tackle," Austin said. "Will put some things together drill-wise to help them feel more comfortable in the open field. Get their feet on people so they can tackle and get them to the ground because we have to do better."
