Minkah Fitzpatrick, a four-time Pro Bowl safety, faced a challenging season in 2023 as he failed to record a single interception for the first time in his career. This disappointing performance came after an impressive season in 2022, where he recorded a career-high six interceptions. The shift in his play can be attributed to various factors, including injuries and a change in defensive schemes.
In 2022, Fitzpatrick primarily lined up at free safety for 76% of his defensive snaps. However, in 2023, this percentage decreased to 51%, with Fitzpatrick being utilized in different positions due to injuries and suspensions in the secondary. This change in positioning did not allow Fitzpatrick to play to his strengths, as admitted by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Moving forward, the focus for the 2024 season is to get Fitzpatrick back to playing free safety, where he excels at reading the field and making plays.
To support Fitzpatrick’s return to his preferred position, the Steelers have made significant roster additions for the 2024 season. Safety Damontae Kazee’s return following a suspension, as well as the acquisitions of DeShon Elliott and Cameron Sutton, provide depth and versatility to the secondary. Sutton, in particular, has experience playing multiple positions in the secondary and can fill the slot role effectively. The addition of rookie safety Ryan Watts also offers a promising option for the team.
Fitzpatrick’s playing style is best suited for a deeper role in the defense, where he can read plays and react quickly. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin acknowledges this and aims to minimize Fitzpatrick’s involvement in blitzing situations to maximize his impact. With the new additions to the defense, such as Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson at inside linebacker, Fitzpatrick’s responsibilities in the box are expected to decrease. This adjustment will allow the Steelers to utilize more nickel defense and enhance Fitzpatrick’s effectiveness on the field.
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus is on optimizing Minkah Fitzpatrick’s playstyle to bring back the dynamic playmaker he has been known for. By aligning the defense to support Fitzpatrick’s strengths and providing him with a solid supporting cast, the team aims to unlock his full potential and boost the overall performance of the defense. With a renewed strategy and a revamped lineup, the Steelers are poised for a successful 2024 season with Minkah Fitzpatrick leading the charge.
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