In a game that left the Pittsburgh Steelers reeling from their first loss of the season to the Indianapolis Colts, emotions ran high as Minkah Fitzpatrick openly expressed his frustrations with what he perceived as a broader issue within the game. The three-time All-Pro safety found himself on the receiving end of a controversial unnecessary roughness call in the third quarter of the 27-24 defeat.
It all unfolded on a crucial second-and-10 play from the Colts’ 42-yard line, with quarterback Joe Flacco taking the reins after Anthony Richardson’s untimely hip injury. Flacco launched a pass towards rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, missing the mark as the ball sailed out of bounds. However, what happened next was what ignited Fitzpatrick’s ire – a collision between himself and Mitchell near the sideline, resulting in a jarring impact to the shoulder.
In his post-game comments, Fitzpatrick didn’t hold back, declaring to reporters, “I thought we were playing football. I don’t know what we’re playing at this point. Very different game than what I grew up playing and what I grew up loving. Can’t hit nobody hard. Can’t be violent. So I don’t know. I don’t know what to say anymore.”
Fitzpatrick’s sentiments resonated with his teammate, Steelers safety DeShon Elliott, who didn’t mince words in his assessment of the penalty. “That was (expletive),” Elliott stated, as reported by ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “I don’t care … That was not OK. That wasn’t illegal. He did nothing malicious. He didn’t even hit him in the head. He hit him, led with the shoulder. If anything, he let up. So I don’t know what that was about.”
With emotions still running high, the Steelers now turn their focus to their upcoming home matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. It will be a test of their resilience and determination as they aim to bounce back from the disappointment of their first loss and the contentious calls that marred their game against the Colts. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on the gridiron, where every play and call can make or break a team’s season.
