It hasn't been a dominating start to the season for Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick. That's partially why Defensive Coordinator, Teryl Austin thinks things are about to change. When a good player hasn't had any standout performances, they are "due" as some would say. Since joining the Steelers in 2019, Fitzpatrick has lived up to every expectation and then some.
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Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is not only the best player in the secondary, but he has been asked to step up as a vocal leader in 2023 as well.
Despite the slow start, at least stats wise, nobody seems to be concerned. When speaking to the media on Thursday via Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Austin stated that he thinks Fitzpatrick will step up in a big way sooner rather than later. He attributed the "law of averages" for his reasoning as to why the safety will have a big game, perhaps as soon as Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams.
"Always a juggernaut. I just think that he'll be able to get his plays. I think sometimes it's just the law of averages, kind of slows it down a little bit. And I believe because I know what kind of football player he is, that he's gonna start getting his hands on some balls and making a splash that we need."
Through five games, Fitzpatrick has exactly zero flash plays. Despite that, the team's five interceptions are still tied for fifth in the NFL so far. In his career, particularly since he arrived in Pittsburgh, he's made a living off those kind of plays. Before the 2023 season, he had 17 interceptions in 61 career games with the Steelers. This year, he not only doesn't have an interception, but he has no forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, tackles for loss or sacks.
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Steelers Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick celebrates after a late-game interception against the Los Angeles Rams on November 10, 2019.
Fitzpatrick has just 41 total tackles and two pass deflections to show for on the stat sheet. We're missing that performance where the three-time All-Pro defensive back just takes over a game. We saw it last time the Steelers faced the Rams back in 2019. Fitzpatrick had a fumble recovery for touchdown as well as an interception in that massive victory. This time, there are plenty of new faces, particularly on the Rams side of things.
Why Hasn't Steelers Star Safety Made Any Splash Plays In 2023?
They now have a new quarterback in Matthew Stafford, while Cooper Kupp has since ascended into superstardom. The Steelers actually held Kupp without a catch in that 2019 contest, but that will be nearly impossible to do this time around. To be fair to Fitzpatrick, he is being asked to do a lot on the back end of that secondary, particularly with veteran, Terrell Edmunds no longer in the fold. Now, Fitzpatrick is the veteran in the secondary, along with offseason signing Patrick Peterson.
Similar to the 2021 season, Fitzpatrick has had to help out more in the running game. The run defense has struggled again, which has forced the team to utilize their physical safety to help. He has also been used in the slot, which has showcased his overall versatility as a player. Still, he hasn't been able to freelance on the back end of the defense like he typically can.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Safeties Terrell Edmunds and Minkah Fitzpatrick spent a few seasons together with the Steelers, but Fitzpatrick has had to play with new running mates in 2023.
That has hurt his stats and overall impact. Out of 86 qualifying safeties to this point, Fitzpatrick ranks just 48th with a 62.8 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus. In fact, he actually sits two spots behind his former teammate, Edmunds. He can be better, but the Steelers also need to get him back to a position where he performs best. Expect a huge performance from Fitzpatrick in Week 7 against the Rams.
Why do you think it has been a slow start to the season for Fitzpatrick? Do you think the coaching staff isn't utilizing the three-time Pro Bowler in the correct way? Do you expect a big performance from the star safety this upcoming weekend? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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