Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick provided the team with plenty of bang for their buck upon his arrival during the 2019 campaign. It appears expectations are now higher than ever heading into the 2020 NFL season.
The Steelers were able to maintain some continuity on defense by returning 10 of their 11 starters from last season. According to Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports, Fitzpatrick feels the lack of turnover will help pay huge dividends amid the restrictions placed by the league in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic:
“There are a lot of other teams that half their roster, half their secondary or half of their linebacker corps is gone … We’re lucky enough to not have that. I think that’s definitely an advantage for us. Most of us have at least a year under our belt and some guys have more. It’s definitely an advantage for us.”
Fitzpatrick added that the Steelers are primed to kick things up a notch from their stellar performance last year.
“I think we’re one of the best [defenses] … That was reflected with the way we played last season. We were top-three, top-five in almost every single category. Our talent level — a lot of guys have talent — but I think our execution level beside our talent level is what kind of sets us apart and is what will continue to set us apart.”
There is certainly good reason for Fitzpatrick to be confident considering nose tackle Javon Hargrave was the lone departure this offseason. Otherwise, Pittsburgh will be bringing back the same group that nearly helped carry them to the playoffs despite their lackluster offense.
Fitzpatrick is primed to pick up where he left off as one of the most dominant cornerbacks in the league. It is safe to say that the change of scenery from the Miami Dolphins was just what he needed to elevate his game after registering 69 tackles, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles en route to first-team All-Pro honors in his first season with the Steelers.
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