Somehow, the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary held up against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. They did so without their top three cornerbacks and star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Tre Norwood stepped into Fitzpatrick's role at free safety and did admirably well. Now, it appears as if the team will get Fitzpatrick back this weekend from his nagging knee injury.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
It's perfect timing, as the Miami Dolphins possess one of the most dangerous passing attacks in football. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the black and gold will need plenty of help on the back end. The Steelers will look to improve to 3-4, as they head on the road for Week 7. That means it'll be a homecoming for Fitzpatrick, who spent just over the first season of his career in Miami. Via ESPN's Brooke Pryor, the Steelers star safety reflected on heading back to Miami this weekend:
"It's gonna be my first time going back there and playing at Hard Rock [Stadium], I'll definitely be nostalgic, for sure."
The acquisition of Fitzpatrick remains one of the best moves and trades in Steelers history. It all became even more worth it this past off-season when the team signed him to a four-year, $73.6 million deal. He became the highest-paid safety in the NFL with the extension. No one batted an eye at the deal either, as he's worth every penny for the black and gold. GM Omar Khan won fans over, as it was his first significant move made as general manager.
Credit: Miami Herald
Fitzpatrick's impact on the team's secondary can't be overstated. The team had lacked playmakers really ever since the decline and retirement of Troy Polamalu years ago. The Alabama product was able to come right in and make an immediate impact. In over three years in Pittsburgh, he has two Pro Bowl and All-Pro appearances. He has 14 interceptions, three interceptions, 31 pass deflections, and three forced fumbles across 53 games.
You get the point, beyond TJ Watt, he's probably the most important player on the team. Fitzpatrick has dealt with injuries after a hot start to the season. A few weeks ago, he suffered a concussion. He told the media that his knee feels good to go, so he expects to suit up this weekend.
What are your expectations in Miami this weekend? Will Fitzpatrick's return help slow down Waddle and Hill? What needs to happen for a win? Share your opinions in the comment section below, yinz!
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