The Pittsburgh Steelers had an unusual season in 2021 for a multitude of reasons, which led to an ugly exit in the playoffs. The offense was as inept as ever and the team's run defense was shockingly bad. Steelers defense typically pride themselves in the trenches, beginning with stopping the run, so it was unfamiliar territory. Injuries along the defensive line to Tyson Alualu and now-retired Stephon Tuitt played a significant role in the underperformance. It forced other defenders to play more physical than they're accustomed to, no one more notable than safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
He's become arguably the best free safety in the NFL by freelancing in the secondary and making plays. In 2021, things were different. He had to help out in the run more, and it hindered his season in the process as he wasn't able to do what he's best at. After making First Team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick failed to do either in 2021. His efforts didn't go unnoticed by the coaches and front office though, as evidenced by the $73 million extension he signed just over a week ago.
If you haven't seen already, Fitzpatrick, along with fellow Steelers Chase Claypool and Miles Boykin, was recently on the Varsity House Podcast. He spoke of the 2021 season and the impact that it had on his body.
"I ain't gonna lie, I had to [take a break] this year. Not mentally but physically, this is the toughest season I've had just from the type of game we were playing this year as a defense. I think I had 132 tackles as a FS, and that doesn't happen too often. I wasn't used to that, my body was beat up bad after the season. I took like three, four weeks where I just rested. I just spent time with family. I just got my mind right, my body right. I had to after this year. Normally I don't, it's just like a week [break]. I had to press reset this off-season because it was a tough one."
Fitzpatrick ended the season with 124 tackles, but close enough. That was 18th-most in the NFL, the most of any non-linebacker. It took a toll on his body and his ability to create turnovers in the secondary as well. Fitzpatrick had career-lows in interceptions (2) and pass deflections (7).
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 19: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
With a well-rested body and a healthy defensive front, the Alabama product should be able to get back to his old ways in 2022. Even the signing of Myles Jack, an upgrade at linebacker over Joe Schobert, will only help Fitzpatrick's outlook for the upcoming season. It will then hopefully lead to a better product on the defensive side of the ball for the Steelers in 2022. Guys will be able to play their roles better with a healthier unit.
Are you guys looking forward to Minkah returning to more of his traditional free safety role? Do you think he returns to the Pro Bowl in 2022 as a result? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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