4 Steelers players who have disappointed thus far in 2021
By Scott Long
1. Steelers Minkah Fitzpatrick
Unlike the rest of the players on this list, Minkah Fitzpatrick entered the season widely regarded as one of the top five players at his position. After T.J. Watt received his contract extension, many discussed how long it would be before the team offered Fitzpatrick a massive extension.
Since coming to the Steelers, Fitzpatrick has been named an All-Pro twice, and a Pro Bowler twice. This year in his third year in Pittsburgh Fitzpatrick’s play has dipped, as he has not made the “splash plays” the team has relied upon him making. While he does have 64 tackles, he has yet to record an interception and only has a single forced fumble.
However, it is not just the lack of turnovers that have shown regression in Fitzpatrick’s game. There have been several instances where he has taken the wrong angle at a ball carrier or receiver which has allowed for additional yardage. While mistakes are understandable, Fitzpatrick has made more this year, without the big plays to make up for it. By no means has he played bad, but the team expects so much out of him, after he had been named an All-Pro in each of his first two years with the team, so they need him to be better.
Out of all of the players on this list, Fitzpatrick is the one on the team most needs to step up. He has become such an integral piece of the defense, and with injuries all over the defense, including from T.J. Watt, Tyson Alualu, Stephon Tuitt, and others, Fitzpatrick must show up and prove his worth. This will benefit the team as well as himself, as a strong second half could help drive up his asking price in extension talks this offseason with the team.
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Clearly, the team is in the thick of a playoff race, and with a multitude of injuries all over the team, the Steelers need these players to step up their play to the level they were expected to perform at. They will look to bounce back next week on Sunday night in Los Angeles against the Chargers, after a disappointing performance against the winless Detroit Lions.