Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first loss of the season, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick voiced his frustration over an unnecessary roughness penalty he incurred during the team’s 27-24 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. Late in the third quarter, Fitzpatrick collided with Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell while trying to defend a deep sideline pass from quarterback Joe Flacco.
Although the pass was incomplete, Fitzpatrick was penalized for hitting Mitchell, whom the officials deemed a “defenseless player.” This ruling left Fitzpatrick bewildered, especially since he had made efforts to avoid leading with his head.
Fitzpatrick expressed confusion over the officials’ interpretation of the hit, arguing that Mitchell was not defenseless since both players were making a play on the ball. He criticized the modern rules of the game, lamenting how hard it has become for defenders to deliver physical hits without being penalized. Fitzpatrick said the game has changed dramatically from what he grew up playing, as hard-hitting plays often result in flags, leaving him unsure of how to adjust to the evolving rules.
The safety also noted that his momentum carried him into Mitchell during the play, but he believed this should not have resulted in a penalty. Fitzpatrick emphasized that he has a right to go for the ball, just as the receiver does, and he felt that he executed the play without violating the rules. His frustration stemmed from the perception that defensive players are being overly restricted, making it difficult to play football as it was traditionally understood.
The timing of the penalty was critical, as it gave the Colts a new set of downs and allowed them to continue a drive that ultimately resulted in a touchdown, extending their lead to 24-10. The Steelers had been trying to mount a comeback after falling behind 17-0 in the first half, and the penalty further hindered their efforts. Fitzpatrick’s flag shifted the momentum back to the Colts during a crucial stretch of the game.
Steelers teammate DeShon Elliott was equally frustrated with the call, describing it as unfair and unwarranted. Elliott defended Fitzpatrick, arguing that his teammate led with his shoulder and had made an effort to ease up on the hit. Elliott’s reaction mirrored Fitzpatrick’s concerns about the difficulty defenders face in navigating the NFL’s increasing focus on player safety, which they feel sometimes leads to questionable penalties on routine plays.
