Minkah Fitzpatrick is essential to defensive success for Steelers

There are certain players in the league who are certified difference makers. This is a description that fits Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since coming into the league in 2018 Fitzpatrick has proven to be one of the best at his position. There is a reason why Pittsburgh jumped at the chance to trade for him after the Miami Dolphins decided to part ways with the talented safety for some reason after just over one season with the team.

Since putting on a Steelers uniform Fitzpatrick has shown time and time again that the Pittsburgh made the right decision as he has proven to be essential to their defensive operation.

Minkah Fitzpatrick has been so impressive, that he has appeared in not one, but two articles from CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin.

One article highlights the potential biggest impact defenders this season and the other names under-appreciated talents.

When compiling a list of ten NFL defensive players who could make an impact this season, the following was said about Minkah Fitzpatrick.

The general public doesn’t seem to recognize just how productive Fitzpatrick’s been at a position where the headlines often go instead to guys like Derwin James, Jessie Bates, etc. In just under four full seasons with the Steelers, he’s totaled 17 picks and 38 pass breakups. In other words, he’s everywhere the ball is. Joined by Patrick Peterson, he’s got the takeaway skills to throw a wrench into AFC North projections widely favoring the Bengals and Ravens.

Considering the other names mentioned in the description of why Minkah Fitzpatrick could be an impact player, it makes sense why he also ends up on a list of under-appreciated players. This description also mentions a few names from the previous one, but that just increases the validity of his presence on this list.

We rave about Derwin James and Justin Simmons and Jessie Bates, but this guy should probably lead every conversation about top safeties. While Pat Freiermuth and Cameron Heyward are also worthy candidates here, Fitzpatrick has been an absolute ball-hawking machine since arriving in Pittsburgh, with 17 picks and 38 pass breakups in just under four full seasons.

The big takeaway here is that Minkah Fitzpatrick is incredibly valuable to the Steelers defense. Even though attention often goes to others, Fitzpatrick is still one of the best defenders in Pittsburgh. From a much broader perceptive he does deserve some more credit on a league wide basis. Fitzpatrick is one of the best players at the safety position in the league and he has certainly played like it. Overlook his play with extreme caution, because he will continue to be a force on the back end of Pittsburgh’s defensive unit.