If they put in a similar performance in the second half, the Steelers would be walking away with an upset over the 49ers.It was certainly a tale of very two different halves for the Steelers against the 49ers. Fitzpatrick completely turned around the Steelers defense after his arrival. Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports. On offense, one star in a group of 11 can make all the difference. 11 overall draft pick in 2018, received permission to seek a trade from the Dolphins in September because he was unhappy with playing multiple positions on … Minkah Fitzpatrick: Mr. Minkah Fitzpatrick, the No. Mostert’s fumble in the first quarter was the other turnover of the half.Coming into the game, the 49ers were scoring the second-most points through the first two games. Fitzpatrick’s fast start with the Steelers defense was emblematic of the unit’s performance in the first half. Here’s to hoping that impact will continue going forward. The Steelers, on the other hand, were giving up the fourth-most. Turnover Creator. How Minkah Fitzpatrick Immediately Impacted Steelers' Defense. You would not have realized that by watching the first half. Bush led the team in tackles at the half with six, as well as his two fumble recoveries. Yet in the first quarter of his first game for the Steelers, Fitzpatrick recorded his first interception for the team off of Jimmy Garoppolo. But due to the sloppiness of the 49ers and the new life Fitzpatrick helped inject, the score was 6-3 in favor of the Steelers at halftime. at the time the … By: Trevor Sikkema June 20th, 2020 2020-06-20T04:01:00-07:00 The Draft Network. Pittsburgh’s defense entered the game facing San Francisco’s top-five offense. Jimmy G threw two picks in the first quarter, followed by a fumble on the center-quarterback exchange in the second quarter. If he can put in a full game, this defense will take on a whole new life. You couldn’t have asked for a better performance by the defense in the first half. Share this article 35 shares share tweet text email link Luke Easterling. The 49ers were sloppy throughout the first half, committing four turnovers in the half.
Fitzpatrick made an immediate impact in just one quarter. Full disclosure, when the Pittsburgh Steelers traded a first-round pick for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick last season, I was apprehensive. at the time the team was in a spiral and looked poised for a top-five pick which would have certainly complicated the trade.This site is neither endorsed, nor sponsored by, nor affiliated with Pittsburgh Steelers or NFL Properties LLC. In a season when the defense carried an anemic offense, Fitzpatrick was one of the two most important impact players on that side of the football.However, the Steelers ended up rallying to finish 8-8 making the trade a genius move for the Steelers. Pittsburgh ranked as one of the worst teams when it came to forcing interceptions. March 5, 2018 1:57 pm ET. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3925345/minkah-fitzpatrick And if you look at some of the other recent trades for top-tier talent, it further highlights what a bargain Fitzpatrick was.Just look at these other big trades that have happened for star players which involved multiple first-round picks.Full disclosure, when the Pittsburgh Steelers traded a first-round pick for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick last season, I was apprehensive. He could help lead this defense back to the dominance it enjoyed in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Minkah Fitzpatrick proved his worth in the first half with the turnovers he helped generate. On the other hand, the Steelers defense entered as one of the five worst defenses. The first half showed the potential this defense has with 10 of the 11 players drafted in the first round. STEELERS is a registered trademark of the Pittsburgh Steelers LLC. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James impress with 40-yard dash times. Throughout last season, the Steelers struggled to create turnovers.