Steelers vs. Rams: The defense yet again propels Pittsburgh to victory
By Eric Hassel
A Steelers Free Safety continues to shine for the defense
It seems as if we talk about the play of Minkah Fitzpatrick every week, but, honestly, how could we not talk about his play? Fitzpatrick has been absolute ‘money’ since the Steelers acquired him in a trade with the Dolphins.
His presence in the back-end has transformed the defense from a unit that surrendered an average of 30.5 points per game to a unit that has surrendered an average of 17.14 points since his acquisition. You really can’t say enough good things about the play of Fitzpatrick.
The fumble in the second quarter that he returned for a TD proved to be the difference in the game. With the game tied at 7-7, Javon Hargrave caused the Rams QB to fumble, which was scooped up by Fitzpatrick for a TD, a ‘scoop and score,’ if you will. If you did not see the play, you can watch it here: Fitzpatrick ‘scoop and score.’
It’s one thing to cause a turnover; it’s quite another to score a TD on said turnover. The ‘D’ is doing everything in its power to give the team a chance to win games. Fitzpatrick’s INT was his fifth of the season, which brings the total number of INTs generated by the ‘D’ to 14, which is good enough for second-best in the NFL.
Obviously, Fitzpatrick is not a one-man defense; it is a total team effort. In addition to the INTs, the Steelers defense ranks 3rd in sacks, with 33. Since ‘rush and coverage’ go hand-in-hand, it’s nice to know the ‘backstop’ can hold up long enough for the rush to get to the opposing QB.
The Steelers are winning games ugly, but they are winning nonetheless
As I have stated numerous times, I really do not care about how the Steelers win games. As long as we win, I am content. I am not the ‘stick my head in the sand’ type of fan who is just happy with a win.
We are not a perfect football team by any means; however, with the way the defense is playing right now, you have to wonder if and/or when the offense will join the productivity party. Right now, the offense is lagging behind the defense, but the Steelers are winning games, albeit in an ‘ugly’ fashion.
Next. 5 things we learned from the Steelers victory over the Rams. dark
Hey, a win is a win is win. The offense will have to win games on its own merit eventually, but, for right now, just keep riding the wave the defense is providing, and we should be just fine.