Minkah Fitzpatrick, a four-time Pro Bowl safety, experienced a challenging season in 2023 as he failed to record a single interception for the first time in his career. This performance was a stark contrast to his previous seasons, including his time in the NFL, at Alabama, and even in high school. The frustration of this statistic was amplified by the fact that in 2022, Fitzpatrick had achieved a career-high of six interceptions, which included a memorable pick-six against quarterback Joe Burrow. Injuries were a contributing factor to his lackluster performance in 2023, but it left him eager to make a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
One of the key factors that affected Fitzpatrick’s performance in the 2023 season was a shift in his positioning on the field. In 2022, he predominantly lined up at free safety for 76% of his defensive snaps. However, in 2023, this percentage decreased to 51%, indicating a change in defensive schemes. Due to injuries and suspensions within the secondary, Fitzpatrick was required to play a more versatile role, spending more time in the slot and lined up in the box. This shift in positioning was acknowledged by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who recognized that it did not allow Fitzpatrick to play to his full potential. As a result, the coaching staff aims to rectify this issue and prioritize putting Fitzpatrick in positions where he can excel in the upcoming season.
Return to “Minkah Ball”
Fitzpatrick’s strengths lie in his ability to play as a free safety, allowing him to read the field and make instinctual plays. His time with the Miami Dolphins saw him being moved around frequently, leading to dissatisfaction with his role and eventually resulting in his trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. Since joining the Steelers, Fitzpatrick has primarily played as a free safety, which has resulted in significant success, including multiple interceptions. However, due to a lack of depth in the secondary in 2023, he was forced to take on different responsibilities. With new roster additions for the 2024 season, including Damontae Kazee, DeShon Elliott, and Cameron Sutton, the defense is better equipped to support Fitzpatrick and allow him to return to playing in his preferred position.
The Steelers have made strategic additions to their roster, such as Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, to bolster their inside linebacking corps. This improvement is expected to reduce Fitzpatrick’s involvement in lining up in the box and enable the team to adopt a more effective defensive strategy, including playing more nickel defense. With a healthier and more balanced lineup, the defense aims to provide Fitzpatrick with the support he needs to showcase his exceptional skills as a safety.
Overall, the 2023 season presented challenges for Minkah Fitzpatrick, but it also highlighted the importance of strategic positioning and defensive schemes in maximizing his performance. As the Steelers prepare for the 2024 season, the focus remains on optimizing the lineup to allow Fitzpatrick to return to his dominant form and make significant contributions on the field.
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