Monday Night Football between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins will mark exactly 168 days since the big trade happened. It was announced on June 30 that Minkah Fitzpatrick would be dealt to the Dolphins in exchange for picks, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnu Smith.
It was a gamble for both organizations, and, for the most part, both clubs have emerged victorious from the late-offseason trade.
Ramsey has become a solid safety for Pittsburgh and remains one of the strongest heartbeats on their defense. Smith has been a different story, as the former Dolphins star tight end has struggled to find a role with the Steelers. That could change later in the season, but for now, he has been a bust. Fitzpatrick has done a terrific job of helping settle the Dolphins' secondary.
Week 15 of the season will be a tough battle for the Steelers to overcome. The Dolphins have won their last four games, and it's clear that Miami has the momentum to overcome the odds. Fitzpatrick would love to play spoiler and get revenge on his former employer. Coming off their Week 14 win over the Ravens, this is a prime opportunity for a trap game, which Mike Tomlin has struggled to overcome.
Ex-Steelers star Minkah Fitzpatrick could be playing for revenge in Week 15 of the season
There are several storylines to monitor heading into this matchup.
The Steelers must extinguish Miami's rushing attack. Their offense is thriving in the running game, and Pittsburgh has allowed more than 200 rushing yards in each of its last two games. That inconsistency in stopping the run this season will force them into uncomfortable situations. It could lead to disaster.
Aside from stopping the run, they also need to be careful in the turnover battle. That is where Fitzpatrick's presence can be felt. He was a turnover machine for the Steelers during his first three and a half seasons. That trend has worsened during the last two years in Pittsburgh, leading to his departure. He is still a top defensive back, but luck has not been on his side.
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While the ex-Steelers cornerstone hasn't returned to his previous elite form in Miami, he has done wonders. He is a solid leader and has found ways to calm a toxic secondary with the Dolphins. They are not the strongest group in the NFL, but having Fitzpatrick and his reputation at the back end of their defense can help force opposing offenses into uncomfortable situations throughout a game.
Through 13 starts this season, Fitzpatrick has one interception, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
They may not be All-Pro numbers given his contract, but they are an improvement over what he delivered for the Steelers in his last two seasons. This game could be decided by which offense turns the ball over more, and Fitzpatrick could get the revenge game he wants.