How Minkah Fitzpatrick Saved The Pittsburgh Steelers
Hey, Ambush Sports Network readers it’s me again and today I’m doing something different. Today, instead of doing a player to watch, I will be talking about how safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, saved the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Who is Minkah Fitzpatrick?
Minkah Fitzpatrick was born on November 17, 1996, and went to college at the University of Alabama from 2015-2017. Fitzpatrick won 2 college football national championships at Alabama. Fitzpatrick decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2018 NFL Draft, where he was picked up in the first round by the Miami Dolphins.
Pittsburgh Before Fitzpatrick
Pittsburgh started 0-2, losing to the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. Pittsburgh traded for Fitzpatrick during week three of the 2019-2020 NFL Season. Here are the defense rankings before Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded to Pittsburgh Steelers.
24th in yards per play
27th in 1st down percentage
21st in turnover percentage
27th in touchdown allowed percentage
25th in field goal percentage
30 1st downs allowed
32nd in interceptions
12th in sacks
27th punts allowed
Also, the Steelers drafted Devin Bush LB from Michigan as well
Minkah Fitzpatrick Era
The Steelers traded a 1st round pick to the Dolphins for Fitzpatrick. After the trade, the Steelers went 8-5. With Minkah Fitzpatrick the Steelers got basically better overnight. Here is the defensive rankings after the Steelers acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick.
3rd in yards per play
4th in 1st down percentage
1st in turnover percentage
2nd in touchdown allowed
5th in field goals allowed
8th in 1st downs allowed
1st in interceptions
2nd in sacks
6th in punts forced
Conclusion
In my opinion, Minkah Fitzpatrick basically saved Mike Tomlin’s job because they were probably going to fire him and defensive coach Keith Butler. In a “show me now” league, even great coaches like Tomlin can hit the hot seat in a slow year. If you guys look at the stats and the development of LB T.J Watt and DE Cam Hayward, Fitzpatrick deserves a big huge payday when his contract expires.