Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick had a big game against his former team two years ago today.
On this day two years ago, Oct. 28, 2019, Minkah Fitzpatrick recorded two interceptions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Monday Night Football matchup against his former team the Miami Dolphins. It was Fitzpatrick’s first game against Miami after forcing his way out earlier that season.
One Fitzpatrick picks off the other.@minkfitz_21 pic.twitter.com/vaviZm0G6K
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 29, 2019
Fitzpatrick, drafted 11th overall in 2018, played his rookie season with Miami before requesting a trade early in his second year. After two games with the Dolphins in 2019, Fitzpatrick was traded to Pittsburgh and became an immediate impact player. That impact was on full display in primetime against Miami when his two interceptions helped catapult the Steelers to a 27-14 victory.
Go and get it!!@minkfitz_21 pic.twitter.com/rpdNhAqZ63
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 29, 2019
The ability to force turnovers is what made Fitzpatrick one of the top safeties in the NFL. Through his first full three seasons, Fitzpatrick has 11 interceptions, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and four defensive touchdowns. His ball-hawking skills are so elite, that fans have begun to worry that about the fact that he has yet to record an interception through the first six games of this season.
Tomlin says not to worry about Fitzpatrick interceptions
On the season, Fitzpatrick only has a forced fumble but has yet to get his hands on the ball. The Steelers defense as a whole, have forced five turnovers in the six games, two interceptions. While this rare occurrence for Fitzpatrick has caused concern for some fans and media, it hasn’t been for Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Tomlin, who has described it as a matter of circumstances and tells everyone to stay tuned.
Tomlin on Minkah Fitzpatrick's lack of any INTs: "Circumstantial, stay tuned. Minkah's a playmaker. I'm sure when you're looking back at this point in the season you won't be asking that." #Steelers
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) October 26, 2021
It would bode well for the success of the Steelers season if Fitzpatrick and the defense start forcing turnovers more frequently. While the defense is playing well, the offense is struggling, and a more aggressive defensive unit can improve the team’s chances of winning.
Pittsburgh is only 3-3 entering Week 8, and they are in one of the toughest divisions in football. They have a long road ahead of them, but if Fitzpatrick can return to his old ball-hawking ways, the Steelers can remain in the hunt.