In a division known for defense in the National Football League, the Pittsburgh Steelers were missing a centerpiece in its secondary.
The addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins has fans proudly waving the “Terrible Towel” in the steel city of the AFC North.
A former All-American safety at the University of Alabama, Fitzpatrick has solidified a group that’s currently on a four-game winning streak.
Despite having a young quarterback in Mason Rudolph filling in for Ben Roethlisberger, the defense is carrying both he and the franchise.
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Fitzpatrick took on Jared Goff, Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and limited the high-powered offense to 12 points. He collected one of Goff’s two interceptions, while totaling four tackles, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown in Pittsburgh’s 17-12 victory. The New Jersey native has guided the Steelers to a 5-4 record and if the NFL playoffs started now, it would be sixth and final seed in the AFC heading into action.
W = secured@minkfitz_21 pic.twitter.com/Fk22lihfUT
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 11, 2019
Fitzpatrick has been masterful with his new team — chiming in with 34 total tackles, five interceptions, eight pass breakups and two scores.
He was a critical piece two a pair of College Football Playoff National Championships (2015, 2017) at Alabama, and he would love nothing more than to capture a Super Bowl at some point.
.@Jay_MostWanted with the sack.@minkfitz_21 with the score. pic.twitter.com/V4sB0dTmz7
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 10, 2019
After seeing it miss the postseason last year, Fitzpatrick is trying to guide Pittsburgh back to the big stage.
Should he keep performing like this, we may see him crack the NFL’s Top 100 Players list pretty soon.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
