The Pittsburgh Steelers have endured a string of disappointing losses in recent weeks, sparking discussions about the team's commitment to its storied traditions and values. Amidst the growing discontent, one of the Steelers' vocal leaders, star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, stood out with his frustrated remarks.
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Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick celebrates after a late-game interception against the Los Angeles Rams on November 10, 2019.
Fitzpatrick's comments to ESPN's Brooke Pryor following the Steelers' 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots raised eyebrows, as he expressed concerns about the team's work ethic.
"In order to see the fruit, you've gotta toil for it," Fitzpatrick asserted. "I think too many people don't want to toil for it. They just want to walk out here and think that they're going to make plays and think that they're going to perform at a high level. I think we need to have more people who want to work for it, not expect it to be handed to them."
When a player of Fitzpatrick's caliber steps forward and voices such a statement, it has to make you believe that something is drastically off in that locker room.
Steelers Need More From Minkah Fitzpatrick
Playing with a broken hand, Fitzpatrick believed that not everyone on the team was putting in the necessary effort to win a game in the NFL. As a leader on the defensive side and a respected voice in the locker room, his comments carried weight.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Chris Hoke now does a postgame show on KDKA.
However, former Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke provided a frank assessment of Fitzpatrick's performance in the 2023 season during a segment on 93.7 The Fan.
"Minkah has 64 tackles, 0 interceptions, 0 forced fumbles, 0 fumble recoveries. 'A' players have to play 'A' ball in games like last Thursday & this Saturday. They haven't gotten that from him this season.”
In 2022, Fitzpatrick had an impressive season with six interceptions and a touchdown. However, Hoke feels that Fitzpatrick has not lived up to his standard in 2023. In the NFL, when you establish an exceptionally high standard for your impact, falling short of that mark is deemed a letdown. This league operates on the principle of "what have you done for me lately," rather than dwelling on past accomplishments from previous years.
Statistics backed up Hoke's claim, showing a decline in Fitzpatrick's performance this season. It's worth noting that Fitzpatrick has been dealing with various injuries which have impacted his on-field contributions. His absence from four games in 2023 due to a hamstring injury must be considered when analyzing his reduced statistics. Nevertheless, having participated in nine games, he should have found additional ways to make an impact and contribute to the Steelers' victories, particularly given the challenges on the offensive side of the football.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick (39).
From an analytical perspective, Fitzpatrick has earned the right to scrutinize the team's mentality and locker room atmosphere. He is widely regarded as one of the NFL's premier safeties. Throughout his tenure with the Steelers, the offense has often relied on the defense to make game-changing plays. Hoke argued that the Steelers could benefit from more standout performances by their star safety.
It's somewhat ironic to consider attributing any blame to the Steelers' defense, which has been dealing with a multitude of injuries and has been the primary reason behind the team's seven victories this season. However, during these recent challenging weeks in Pittsburgh, where performance has been lacking, it seems no one is immune to scrutiny and criticism. Fitzpatrick is typically someone you have faith in to navigate difficult situations and make a significant impact on the game. Throughout his entire career, he has consistently demonstrated this ability. Surely, he will continue to be a crucial part of the Steelers' efforts in their remaining four games as they compete in a tight race with six other teams, all tied with a 7-6 record, vying for a spot in the playoffs.
As the Steelers gear up for a crucial matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, their playoff hopes hang in the balance. Failure to secure a win in this game would mark a dire situation for Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick, along with the entire roster, will need to step up and make significant contributions. Perhaps Hoke's comments will serve as a motivating factor for Fitzpatrick, igniting a resurgence in his defensive performance.
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