Pittsburgh Steelers midseason awards: Which players stood out?

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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) /

Defensive Player of the Year: Minkah Fitzpatrick

With my Team MVP vote going to T.J. Watt (and assuming that I can’t use him again for this award), Minkah Fitzpatrick is the obvious choice for Defensive Player of the Year.

Many (including myself) questioned the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade at the time. Minkah showed signs of promise in Miami but also struggled at times. Pittsburgh moved him solely to free safety upon his arrival, and he has never looked back.

Fitzpatrick has done as well as anyone could have expected, given the circumstances. He has miraculously managed to create 5 takeaways in 6 games with the Steelers and is quickly developing into one of the best young safeties in the league.

Minkah has found a home on the back end, where he can let the play develop in front of him and break on routes. He has shown incredible instincts and has given new life to this defense. Fitzpatrick is already the best player in Pittsburgh’s secondary, and he is only scratching the surface of his potential.

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