For the first time in his career, four-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick ended a season without recording an interception.
Before 2023, this had never occurred. Not in his five NFL seasons, his time at Alabama, or during his high school years at St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey.
Adding to the frustration for the three-time All-Pro, his injury-shortened season came after a stellar 2022 where he notched a career-high six interceptions, including a pick-6 on Joe Burrow’s first pass attempt of the season.
With a revamped secondary and a new season ahead, Fitzpatrick has a clear objective for 2024.
“Just let me play ball — Minkah Ball,” Fitzpatrick said when asked how the defense could better position him to make plays. “We need to revisit the ’22 tape and replicate what we did there.”
The Steelers will certainly review the 2022 film, but a closer look at the statistics reveals a shift in schemes as well. In 2022, Fitzpatrick lined up at free safety for 76% of his snaps. This dropped to 51% in 2023, according to ESPN Stats and Info. With injuries and suspensions impacting the secondary, Fitzpatrick’s role became more varied. He played 16% of his snaps in the slot, up from 8% the previous year, and a career-high 30% of his snaps in the box.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin acknowledged that this change in positioning didn’t play to Fitzpatrick’s strengths. Adjusting this is a top priority for the 2024 season.
“As coaches, our job is to put our players in the best possible positions to succeed,” Austin said. “Last year, we asked too much of him, and I’m committed to getting him back to what he does best.”
Minkah Fitzpatrick comes off a 2023 where he recorded a career low in INTs (0) and pass deflections (3). AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar An instinctive player likened to Hall of Fame Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, Fitzpatrick excels at free safety where he can survey the entire field. During his rookie season with Miami, head coach Brian Flores moved Fitzpatrick around, leading to frustration and ultimately his trade to the Steelers in 2019. In Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick primarily played free safety, amassing five interceptions in 14 games. He continued in this role until 2023 when a lack of depth forced him to play multiple positions.
However, with new roster additions, Fitzpatrick and the defense are set for a return to “Minkah Ball.” Safety Damontae Kazee is back after a three-game suspension, and the Steelers have added veterans like safety DeShon Elliott and versatile cornerback Cameron Sutton.
Sutton, who showed his versatility during his previous stint with Pittsburgh, is expected to fill a slot role, pending any potential suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
“He’s experienced and versatile, which adds another valuable piece to our defense,” Fitzpatrick said of Sutton.
The Steelers also have Darius Rush as a slot option and rookie safety Ryan Watts, whose speed and 6-3 frame make him an intriguing candidate.
“Minkah is at his best playing deeper and reading the game,” Austin said. “Our job is to keep him in positions where he can excel, leveraging the strengths of our other additions to handle the duties Minkah took on last year.”
The Steelers will also benefit from a healthier inside linebacking corps with the additions of Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, reducing Fitzpatrick’s need to play in the box and allowing for more nickel defense.
“Adding a high-IQ player like Queen to our linebacker room is valuable,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s going to help us significantly this season.”
Can these changes help Fitzpatrick return to “Minkah Ball”?
“Having more great players on the field will help me play my best,” he said.