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5 takeaways from Steelers dramatic win over the Colts

By Tommy Jaggi

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 03: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops a pass against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 03: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops a pass against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/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) /

Minkah Fitzpatrick is reaching All-Pro status

The Steelers haven’t had an All-Pro player in their secondary since the great Troy Polamalu earned that honor for the last time in 2011. There’s a chance that could change soon.

While Minkah Fitzpatrick may not be the most consistent safety in the league, he certainly has been the best at creating turnovers. The former 11th overall pick from 2018 added a 96-yard interception return for a touchdown to his resume against the Colts this past week, and he is quickly gaining steam as one of the best play-making safeties in the NFL.

It’s no longer a question of whether or not Fitzpatrick was worth the Steelers 1st round pick in 2020; rather, how high can he fly? The Steelers had no idea they would see the return on their investment so soon.

Bud Dupree is coming alive

I admit that I was a Bud Dupree doubter for most of his career. The former 1st round pick back in 2015 has tremendous athleticism, but has never shown enough as a pass rusher to make me believe he could be special.

These are the times when I love to be proven wrong. After a disappointing first four years, Dupree has really taken shape and is developing into quite a nice pass rusher. He’s more consistent when rushing the quarterback and can now win one-on-one matchups regularly. Dupree has tallied 6.0 sacks on the season (5.0 over the last 5 games), and he already has as many tackles for loss as he did all season last year (8).

This is hands-down the best season of his career. He will be due for a massive payday in the offseason if he keeps this up.

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