Former NFL DPOY Defends Minkah Fitzpatrick: ‘I Don’t Think He Gets Enough Credit’
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has received a lot of flack this year from the fanbase for a lack of splash plays, but former Carolina Panthers All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly thinks Fitzpatrick is still playing at an elite level.
“I think Minkah Fitzpatrick is a stud. I really like him,” Kuechly said on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. “I don’t think he gets enough credit. I think you talk about a guy that’s smart, and intelligent, and gets football.”
Fitzpatrick, who was the NFL’s co-leader in interceptions with six in 2022, has just one turnover (a forced fumble) over the last two seasons. He hasn’t recorded an interception since Week 17 of 2022. Given his $18,403,059 annual salary, many fans and analysts think Fitzpatrick has been below the line.
Unlike years in the past, the Steelers haven’t been moving Fitzpatrick around a lot this season. He’s mostly been in the deep center field at his natural free safety position. Teams have avoided throwing in his direction, but Joe Starkey of 93.7 The Fan isn’t buying that excuse. He wants to see more turnovers and better coverage.
“He’s given up a lot … I don’t think they’re ignoring him the whole game. This isn’t Darrelle Revis in college,” Starkey said last week.
Starkey even went to the lengths of calling Fitzpatrick “a flat-out disappointment.”
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has defended Fitzpatrick all season, and he reiterated those sentiments on Thursday.
“I know we want splash, but he really does make us all better back there,” he said.
RELATED: Radio Host Rips Steelers All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick: ‘Flat-Out Disappointment’
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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