Despite the fact the Pittsburgh Steelers lost their franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the second game of the season, the Steelers front office decided to mortgage their 2020 first-round pick for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. At the time the move was met with mixed results considering the cost with many calling the price too high.
But nine games into the season the Steelers defense is among the best in the league and Fitzpatrick is a frontrunner for defensive player of the year.
Fitzpatrick’s skillset has allowed defensive coordinator Keith Butler tremendous freedom with his front seven knowing he has No. 39 patrolling the back end. On the season, Fitzpatrick has five interceptions — best in the NFL —- as well as two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.
But his impact spills over into every aspect of the defense, in particular, deep coverage. In the first two games of the season, the Steelers back to their old ways with shaky deep passing defense. But the presence of Fitzpatrick has turned the Steelers into playoff contenders.
In the final analysis, it is hard to see any player being more impactful to a team than Fitzpatrick is to Pittsburgh. And his play has quieted any concerns about who won or lost that trade.
We pose the question to you: Will Minkah Fitzpatrick be the defensive player of the year? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at the Steelers Wire Forum.
