Still Curtain
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Steelers still have hope for a winning season

By Eric Hassel

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 28: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against Eric Rowe #21 and Raekwon McMillan #52 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 28: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against Eric Rowe #21 and Raekwon McMillan #52 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

A former Dolphin makes a huge impact for the Steelers defense

When Pittsburgh traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick, I was skeptical.  Honestly, my initial thought was this: “Why are we trading a first-round pick in next year’s draft for a former first-round pick?  What happened to the next-man-up mantra”? Happily, I am here to tell you that I was mistaken.

Thus far in his Steelers career, Fitzpatrick has defended 5 passes, has forced one fumble and has 3 INTs.  He has been nothing short of a ‘rock’ in the back-end of the Steelers defense. Against his former team on Monday night, Fitzpatrick nabbed 2 INTs, which were the only 2 INTs the opposing QB threw.  I’m sure the Dolphins didn’t want to see Fitzpatrick nab both INTs, but he did.

The Steelers ‘D’ also sacked the opposing QB 4 times, which places them in the 6th spot in the NFL rankings through seven games. The most impressive statistic from the Dolphins game is this one:  the ‘D’ held the Dolphins offense to 230 yards.  Thanks to this performance, the Steelers defense is now ranked 10th in total yards per game.

If you watched the game, you undoubtedly noticed that the defense stood tall after giving up 14 points in the first quarter.  The fact that the defense did not allow any further damage allowed the offense to get going.  This is the epitome of complementary football.

I think it’s fair to say the Steelers defense continues to improve and continues to hold up its end of the bargain.  A top 10 defense is exactly what the Steelers need if we are to maintain aspirations of post-season play.

Next. Minkah Fitzpatrick proving to be worth the 1st round pick Steelers gave up. dark

The Steelers continue their quest to become a playoff-caliber team

Although we still find ourselves a below .500 team, I think the win against the Dolphins proved to the Steelers that when we play as a team and pick each other up when the chips are down, the Steelers can be a playoff-caliber team.  I truly hope the win on Monday night was the catalyst for good things to come and not an aberration.

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