Tag: Minkah Fitzpatrick

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 17-13 lead over Steelers

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 17-13 lead over Steelers

Philadelphia established its passing game and was dominant on defense, but the scoreboard tells a different story as the Eagles hold just a 17-13 lead over Pittsburgh after one half.

Vic Fangio’s defense held the Steelers to just 80 yards of offense on 30 plays in the first half, but two costly Eagles turnovers and two Chris Boswell field goals have Mike Tomlin’s team within four.

With the second half set to begin, we’re looking at sights and sounds from the first half.

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How Steelers injuries could force Minkah Fitzpatrick to return to form

Steelers injuries could set the stage for Minkah Fitzpatrick to reclaim his elite form in a critical Week 15 matchup against the Eagles.

One of the most surprising takeaways from the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers season thus far has been former All-Pro FS Minkah Fitzpatrick’s complete lack of takeaways and splash plays.

However, Pittsburgh may need to rely on Fitzpatrick’s versatility to play anywhere in the secondaryā€”similar to years pastā€”as DeShon Elliot has been ruled OUT for the Steelers-Eagles Week 15 contest.

It was debated that a reason for Fitzpatrick’s lack of splash plays was due to the defensive scheme of 2024, and the Steelers may use their free safety similar to previous seasons due to Elliot’s absence.

The idea was well presented by Steelers beat reporter Nick Farabaugh, who believes Fitzpatrick could revert to his 2022 self by spending more time in the slot and in the box.

If the Fitzpatrick of old truly shows up on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Steelers’ odds of winning will drastically improve. Fans can watch the Steelers’ free safety finally silence critics during the Week 15 Steelers-Eagles matchup on December 15 at 4:25 PM EST.

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Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick with perfect 3-word solution for injuries

The Steelers could be without DeShon Elliott this week versus the Eagles.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, stopping the run will be a top priority. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley might be the best running back in the NFL. Now it looks like the Steelers will have to try to stop Barkley without arguably their best run defender.

It sounds like strong safety DeShon Elliott could miss Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury that surfaced just after last week’s game. But free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick offered up the perfect solution for how the Steelers will adapt to the loss of Elliott.

“Next man up,” Fitzpatrick said. The next man in this case would be Damontae Kazee who started for the Steelers last season. Elliott supplanted Kazee in the starting lineup but Kazee is a fearless hitter who is strong in run support.

We could also see defensive back Cameron Sutton play some safety as well as he’s listed as the No. 2 free safety. This would put rookie Beanie Bishop into a heavy workload as the team’s nickel cornerback.

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Steelers fans would never guess whatā€™s fueling defensive takeaways

The Steelers lead the NFL in turnovers is fueled by an unexpected motivator: T-shirts handed out to defenders for creating takeaways.

With athletes in today’s sports making upwards of $50 million per year, what could possibly still motivate them? It could be a mix of motivationsā€”like building a legacy, chasing a championship, or even something as simple as… a T-shirt? You read that right. ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor wrote an intriguing article describing how the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is motivated by earning T-shirts for creating turnovers.

Pryor explained how Steelers outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin hands out T-shirts with phrases like “The Culture” and “Takeaways” printed on the front. These shirts are awarded individually to players involved in takeaways, such as OLB Preston Smith, who recovered a fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. Smith described how the defense is going crazy over the shirts and how this simple idea has been incredibly effective in giving players extra motivation.

With the Steelers leading the NFL with 25 turnovers, perhaps the other 31 teams should try handing out clothing items. Minkah Fitzpatrick could snag his first turnover T-shirt with an interception against Jameis Winston and the Browns in Week 14.

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Browns’ Nick Chubb on returning to Pittsburgh: ‘I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it’

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb returns to Steelers’ Acrisure Stadium, the scene of a devasting knee injury, for the first time.

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb suffered a gruesome injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season — one that many feared would end his career.

Chubb was off to his usual start — 64 yards on 10 carries — when a hit by Minkah Fitzpatrick tore his knee to shreds. The injury required multiple surgeries to repair his MCL, meniscus and ACL.

This week, Chubb returns to the scene of the injury for the first time, and emotions are running high.

Chubb had this to say about whether this game has a more emotional impact, given the circumstances.

I don’t think so. It’s a divisional game. For me, that’s enough for me to get excited about. But I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it — going back to that place where it happened last year. Besides that, I’m always excited to play the Steelers.


For obvious reasons, Chubb hasn’t been the same since his Week 7 return. In six games, the four-time Pro Bowler has 243 yards and three touchdowns.

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Where in the world is Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick?

Minkah Fitzpatrickā€™s production in generating big playsā€”interceptions and touchdownsā€”has noticeably tapered off for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Pittsburgh Steelersā€™ star safety, has been a cornerstone of the defense since his arrival in 2019. Known for his knack for game-changing plays, Fitzpatrickā€™s ability to disrupt offenses earned him All-Pro honors and established him as one of the NFLā€™s elite defenders.

However, since his standout 2022 season, Fitzpatrickā€™s production in generating big playsā€”interceptions, forced fumbles, and defensive touchdownsā€”has noticeably tapered off.

A quiet stretch for Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick

In 2022, Fitzpatrickā€™s playmaking was on full display, leading the league with six interceptions and earning him his third Pro Bowl nod. His instincts and ball skills consistently swung momentum in Pittsburghā€™s favor. Fast forward to 2024, and while Fitzpatrick remains a reliable presence in the secondary, the splash plays that once defined his game have been few and far between.

Through the past two seasons, Fitzpatrick has yet to record an interception, an unusual stat line for a player of his caliber. With four games allowing 100% completion by quarterbacks, Fitzpatrick has permitted a 79.4% completion percentage average, the highest of his career.

While Fitzpatrick is still contributing with solid tackling (67 through Week 13), fans and analysts alike have noted the absence of the highlight-reel moments that once set the $21 million safety apart.

Fitzpatrick recently defended his lack of splash plays saying, “I can’t tell QBs to throw at me. I can’t abandon my zone… I keep a lid on it, make sure nothing goes over the top or turns 10 yards into 50.”

What’s up with the decline of Minkah Fitzpatrick?

Several factors could explain Fitzpatrickā€™s drop in big plays. One is the evolving role heā€™s taken on in the Steelersā€™ defense. In recent seasons, Fitzpatrick has been tasked with more deep-field responsibilities, often serving as the last line of defense. This positioning, while critical, limits his opportunities to jump routes or attack the ball.

Another factor is the improved depth in Pittsburghā€™s secondary. With more talent around him, offenses may avoid Fitzpatrick altogether, targeting weaker matchups instead. Still, even with fewer chances, the expectation for Fitzpatrick remains high.

Minkah Fitzpatrick remains a defensive anchor

Itā€™s important to remember that Fitzpatrickā€™s value extends beyond big plays. Heā€™s a leader on the field, setting the tone for the defense with his football IQ and versatility. Even without the gaudy stats, Fitzpatrickā€™s presence forces offenses to account for him on every snap.

The Steelers are in the playoff hunt, and thereā€™s plenty of football left this season. If history is any indication, Fitzpatrick has the talent and drive to deliver when it matters most. For now, the Steelers faithful will keep an eye on their star safety, hoping to see his trademark game-changing moments return.

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Ja’Marr Chase makes surprising admission about Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick

Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase might surprise fans with this take about Steelers star Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase had a rather infamous gesture aimed at Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick not too long ago.

But fast forward to Week 13 before the Bengals play the Steelers, Chase actually had quite the admission about Fitzpatrick.

There, Chase said the following, according to WCPO’s Caleb Noe: ā€œMinkahā€™s not even ranked on my ā€˜most hatedā€™ list.ā€

But as expected, Chase wouldn’t actually name his most-hated list. Given the battles they have had over the years, it’s pretty surprising to think Fitzpatrick doesn’t crack the list. One would think he and a few guys from spots like Cleveland and Kansas City qualify for premium spots.

But who knows? Maybe as the Bengals fight for their lives on Sunday, Fitzpatrick will work his way onto it. Either way, the latest AFC North battle should be a bitter one.

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Steelers safety fined for late hit in Week 11 matchup against Ravens

Minkah Fitzpatrick received a surprising fine for a Week 11 late hit, despite not being penalized during the game.

The NFL is apparently content with adding salt to the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ proverbial wound that was opened in the Week 12 loss on Thursday Night Football to the Cleveland Browns.

Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has been the subject of recent discussion over his lack of splash plays in 2024, was fined $11,255 for his late hit on the Ravens in Week 11.

The fine is surprising, as it apparently stems from Fitzpatrick and Ravens’ Patrick Mekari’s scuffle following a Baltimore fumble.

Mekari was the only player flagged on the play, but Fitzpatrick is seemingly the only one being fined for the altercation


Fitzpatrick likely has bigger concerns than the fine, such as preparing his secondary for Week 13’s contest against the Cincinnati Bengals‘ prolific passing attack led by QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase. Fitzpatrick will also continue striving for his first interception of the 2024 season, and Week 13 in Cincinnati would be the perfect place to start.

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Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Lamar Jackson will have to wait a few weeks to get that much-needed win over the Steelers after the Ravens sputtered in neutral for most of the afternoon in an 18-16 loss to Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium.

The NFL’sĀ No. 1 ranked quarterback in QBR, Jackson was 16-33 passing for 207 yards (6.3 avg), one touchdown, one interception, and a 66.1 rating, the lowest of this season.

Jackson had four carries for 46 yards, while Derrick Henry was held to 65 yards (5.0 avg) on 13 carries and one rushing touchdown, tying the single-season franchise record for touchdowns.

Zach Orr’s maligned defense held Pittsburgh to 4-16 on third downs and 303 total yards, but Pittsburgh held the football for 36:22, compared to Baltimore’s 23:38.

The Steelers held the Ravens ‘ top-ranked offense to 329 yards and just 124 yards rushing. Justin Tucker’s two missed field goals will further magnify the two-point loss. On the day, Tucker was 1-3 on field goal attempts, while Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was a perfect 6-6, including a 57-yard field goal.

Baltimore will quickly regroup before a massive Monday night matchup against Jim Harbaugh and the 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers.

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Steelers FS Minkah Fitzpatrick discusses his lack of splash plays

In 2024, Minkah Fitzpatrick hasn’t produced with splash plays, but his impact remains critical for the Steelersā€™ strong 7-2 start.

Steelers’ All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been lacking some of his ‘FitzMagic’ to start the 2024 season, but if you ask him, it isn’t due to a lack of effort or execution.

The Pittsburgh Steelers safety has recorded 20 interceptions and three defensive touchdowns since 2019. Fans of the Steel City have been eagerly awaiting the return of Fitzpatrick’s elite playmaking ability to create turnovers and splash plays in 2024, but through nine games, thereā€™s been nothing to show for it in terms of interceptions.

However, he has still displayed elite zone coverage, pass breakups, and run-stopping excellence. It seems Fitzpatrick isn’t overly concerned about the pressure to produce turnovers this season.

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With the Pittsburgh Steelers off to an impressive 7-2 start in 2024, Fitzpatrick’s words ring true. His elite play has deterred quarterbacks from throwing to his side of the field, and he will aim to maintain his dominant coverage heading into the Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on November 17 at 1:00 PM EST.

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