Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick destroys soft NFL rules for bogus call vs. Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't have had a slower start to their game against the Indianapolis Colts than what we witnessed this week. Mike Tomlin's defense was humiliated from the gate-- allowing two touchdowns and a field goal on Indy's first three drives of the afternoon.

Despite digging themselves into a 17-0 hole, Pittsburgh had a chance to fight back. Thanks to an impressive second half from quarterback Justin Fields, the Steelers were back in the game and looking to mount a comeback win.

Unfortunately, one questionable call might have made the difference in the outcome of the game.

The Steelers' defense needed a stop to give the ball back to the offense for a chance to take the lead. That's when Colts' quarterback Joe Flacco (who replaced the injured Anthony Richardson) threw a ball down the left sideline. This pass was just out of the reach of rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

Flying over to make the play was Steelers' All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. As soon as Minkah recognized the ball was out of reach of the intended receiver, he tried to gear down, but it was too late. Fitzpatrick made contact with the receiver and the yellow laundry flew.

Minkah was tagged with a 15-yard personal foul penalty, which gave the Colts a fresh set of downs. Indy would score a touchdown three plays later. Eventually, the Steelers lost in heartbreak fashion with a final score of 24-27, and this bogus penalty could have made the difference in the game.

After the loss, TribLive's Chris Adamski caught up with Fitzpatrick where the disgruntled safety let the NFL hear it for the officiating's disastrous personal foul call against him.

"I thought we were playing football," Minkah said. "I don't know what we playing at this point. Very different game than what I grew up playing and what I grew up loving. Can't hit nobody hard. Can't be violent. So I don't know what to say anymore."

Fellow Steelers safety DeShon Elliott had Minkah's back. He had some unkind words regarding the penalty that gave the Colts a first down and helped them with the game, insisting Fitzpatrick's actions were not malicious. Here's what he had to say after the game, via 93.7 The Fan.

It's safe to say Elliott can expect a hefty fine from the league for his comments.

Iffy call could have changed the outcome of Steelers vs. Colts

Minkah Fitzpatrick has a point. What are you supposed to do as a safety? Had the pass to Mitchell been caught, is Minakh simply supposed to let him come down with the football for an enormous play? It's clear the safety let up on the play as soon as he recognized the football was not going to be caught. By then, it was too late.

Plays like this should not be able to reshape the outcome of the game. Though it's possible the Colts could have held on to secure victory without referee assistance on this play, the Steelers were the team with all the momentum in the second half, and with how Justin Fields was playing, Indy couldn't stop a nosebleed.

It's beyond frustrating to see these soft calls by the officials that have devastating implications. The Steelers' defense didn't play well in this contest, and Pittsburgh shouldn't have let it come down to this. At the same time, the refs shouldn't have this type of impact on the game.

Fitzpatrick and Elliott will be hearing from the league about their comments. Let's hope they use this as fuel for the fire moving forward.