Radio Host Rips Steelers All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick: ‘Flat-Out Disappointment’
Through 11 games, Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has yet to record an interception. It’s been a continuation of last year when Fitzpatrick did not create a single turnover. Fitzpatrick, who was the NFL’s co-leader in interceptions with six in 2022, is not providing enough for the defense right now, especially given his $18,403,059 annual salary.
“Minkah Fitzpatrick is a flat-out disappointment,” Joe Starkey of 93.7 The Fan told Bob Pompeani on Monday afternoon.
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 Starkey isn’t buying that excuse. He wants to see more splash plays.
“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.
Starkey does have a point with Minkah Fitzpatrick giving up a lot. Fitzpatrick has allowed 18 catches on 24 targets (13.8 yards per catch) and a 135.4 passer rating in coverage this season, according to Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus. Fitzpatrick has especially struggled in coverage against tight ends. Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku gave him fits in Thursday night’s loss.
Minkah Fitzpatrick in coverage this season:
24 targets
18 catches
75% reception rate
13.8 yards/catch
135.4 passer rating allowedIt's hard to point a finger at just Fitzpatrick, but his single coverage hasn't been effective this year. Hasn't held up against tight ends well pic.twitter.com/TWRlZKcnpB
— Bradley Locker (@Bradley_Locker) November 22, 2024
Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has said multiple times this season that the turnovers will eventually come for Fitzpatrick. Time is ticking, however. There’s only six regular season games remaining. The Steelers need Fitzpatrick to step up.
“Sometimes it’s not happening right now, but I got full confidence because I know what kind of player Minkah is and the more opportunities that he has and the more time he’s back there that those splash plays will come,” Austin said in early October. “I don’t worry about that. I know how he leads our group in terms of the communication and everything working from back there, and it’s a lot smoother. So I think as a unit, we’ve operated really well, really smooth overall, and so the splash will come. I’m not going to get bent out of shape about that at this particular time.”
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