The Steelers defense played terribly in early 2019. They allowed 640 passing yards and surrendered 61 points to the opposition in the first two weeks.
Enter: Minkah Fitzpatrick.
One year ago, in an un-Steeler like move, Pittsburgh made a bold statement in the form of a trade with the Miami Dolphins. They sent a 2020 first and fifth-round to Miami in exchange for Fitzpatrick and a fourth-rounder.
Early on, there were questions about whether Pittsburgh gave up too much. In hindsight, Pittsburgh easily won that trade — especially considering all the big names traded for first-rounders this summer.
Upon Fitzpatrick’s arrival, he picked off Jimmy Garoppolo, forced a fumble, and notched four tackles in Week 3 against the 49ers.
By the end of the season, Fitzpatrick ranked fourth in the league with five interceptions (two for touchdowns) and third with 130 interception return yards
On this day in Steelers history: The in-season trade that revitalized Pittsburgh’s defense
The Steelers defense played terribly in early 2019. They allowed 640 passing yards and surrendered 61 points to the opposition in the first two weeks.
Enter: Minkah Fitzpatrick.
One year ago, in an un-Steeler like move, Pittsburgh made a bold statement in the form of a trade with the Miami Dolphins. They sent a 2020 first and fifth-round to Miami in exchange for Fitzpatrick and a fourth-rounder.
Early on, there were questions about whether Pittsburgh gave up too much. In hindsight, Pittsburgh easily won that trade — especially considering all the big names traded for first-rounders this summer.
Upon Fitzpatrick’s arrival, he picked off Jimmy Garoppolo, forced a fumble, and notched four tackles in Week 3 against the 49ers.
By the end of the season, Fitzpatrick ranked fourth in the league with five interceptions (two for touchdowns) and third with 130 interception return yards