Fitzpatrick has made Steelers D Great Again

[FSF]

This is obviously the best Steelers D since the 2004-2011 Steelers core D; and we saw how the rule changes in mid 2010 changed the way that group/style was unable to defend the pass vs. 2 years earlier when the least appreciated greatest D of since 2000 dominated.

This D isn’t as good as that one... tall order.

And Defensive dominance will NEVER be what it once was with rule changes, so everything had to be relative when making comparisons.

But since Fitzpatrick was acquired, less has been put on the rookie Devin Bush; allowing him to tackle and make plays (leading NFL in turnovers). His future is bright as Shazier’s once was -!and he’s getting better. Staying with the LBs—TJ Watt is just Bona Fide NFL superstar & a the next Steelers winner of Defensive MVP. Dupree isn’t in same league—but he’s a guy who can play at high levels during stretches and seems to be finding a groove not trying to do too much on every play anymore - I hope he can be resigned.

The loss of Tuitt (who was having best season as pro) notwithstanding... the DL anchored by Heyward can generate a pass rush better than any DL of the Steelers since it was Anchored by Joe Greene.

While a lot of attention and criticism goes to the poor FA signing of Moncrief.... Some of you can’t shut up about it

The FA signing of Stephen Nelson (to which the armchair GMs never give credit to) has given the Steelers now a pair of sold (not spectacular) CBs. Hilton has been able to focus his game exclusively on the slot... where he’s extremely good vs. playing the outside as he’s far too small for that role.

Fitzpatrick has also helped Terrell Edmonds be a better player a SS. He seemed to be toasted every week, but now like Dupree, seems to be settling into a role where he’s not trying to do too much. Hopefully some big plays happen from him soon as result.

Finally Fitzpatrick—this team wins 3 more games and I believe they will....There is ZERO chance the pick we gave up even comes close to being high enough to yield a player of his caliber.

The moment they got him Turnovers started. Each week they are getting better and carry a weak O...

Imagine how this unit can do after Big Ben gets back under center?




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[TDX27]

I've said it before, the Steelers will be getting their check books out in big fashion in 2, 3 and 4 years as they must pay Watt, Minkah and Bush. They are the core of this defense for the next 8+ years.

 

[thesteelcity]

I've said it before, the Steelers will be getting their check books out in big fashion in 2, 3 and 4 years as they must pay Watt, Minkah and Bush. They are the core of this defense for the next 8+ years.

right now, I wouldn't be upset if that included Dupree. He's been solid.

 

[slashsteel]

This is obviously the best Steelers D since the 2004-2011 Steelers core D; and we saw how the rule changes in mid 2010 changed the way that group/style was unable to defend the pass vs. 2 years earlier when the least appreciated greatest D of since 2000 dominated.

This D isn’t as good as that one... tall order.

And Defensive dominance will NEVER be what it once was with rule changes, so everything had to be relative when making comparisons.

But since Fitzpatrick was acquired, less has been put on the rookie Devin Bush; allowing him to tackle and make plays (leading NFL in turnovers). His future is bright as Shazier’s once was -!and he’s getting better. Staying with the LBs—TJ Watt is just Bona Fide NFL superstar & a the next Steelers winner of Defensive MVP. Dupree isn’t in same league—but he’s a guy who can play at high levels during stretches and seems to be finding a groove not trying to do too much on every play anymore - I hope he can be resigned.

The loss of Tuitt (who was having best season as pro) notwithstanding... the DL anchored by Heyward can generate a pass rush better than any DL of the Steelers since it was Anchored by Joe Greene.

While a lot of attention and criticism goes to the poor FA signing of Moncrief.... Some of you can’t shut up about it

The FA signing of Stephen Nelson (to which the armchair GMs never give credit to) has given the Steelers now a pair of sold (not spectacular) CBs. Hilton has been able to focus his game exclusively on the slot... where he’s extremely good vs. playing the outside as he’s far too small for that role.

Fitzpatrick has also helped Terrell Edmonds be a better player a SS. He seemed to be toasted every week, but now like Dupree, seems to be settling into a role where he’s not trying to do too much. Hopefully some big plays happen from him soon as result.

Finally Fitzpatrick—this team wins 3 more games and I believe they will....There is ZERO chance the pick we gave up even comes close to being high enough to yield a player of his caliber.

The moment they got him Turnovers started. Each week they are getting better and carry a weak O...

Imagine how this unit can do after Big Ben gets back under center?




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I think it is fair to criticize to a certain degree. Not so much with bringing Mongrief in, but arguably for holding onto the terrible trio of Mongrief, Switzer, and Holton for as long as they have/ had. Not to mention the horrific start to the season. They are slow to react to issues. And have a history a decent sized history of underperforming despite the talent in the room.

Not sure it is a realistic expectation for the fans not to have some reservations about the state of the team with their track record as of date.

I think it is ok to separate feelings on the subject too. Be happy for wins, enjoy watching games, but expecting and wanting more than what is showing.

The preseason approach doesn't change and the results stays predictably the same. We can sugar coat it if we want, but it doesn't sway away from the facts. The fans want a better outlook.

It personally doesn't make me cheer for them less, and I get excited to watch my team despite the NFL trying to turn the sport into a running joke.

I always say one thing that will quiet fans the quickest is to win. But right now we are dead even on outcomes.

Wins are the nourishment Steelernation desires.

Feed them and they will Seymour.

 

[SteelerSask2]

Very good player, but that defense is no where near great. Sorry. Great doesn't give up what should have been the game winning drive to a career back up. After what 6 or 7 years of rebuilding and all the drafts and moves, they are good. They can play very good. They are by no means great. With every win I'm more comfortable with the Fitzpatrick trade. Certainly if they can get 7-9 wins which is well within their grasp, he is excellent value in that draft range. No doubt. But while you are crowning him the king of a great defense you better re watch that game, he was the back end of cover one twice on TD's where he ended up covering grass.

 

[slashsteel]

Very good player, but that defense is no where near great. Sorry. Great doesn't give up what should have been the game winning drive to a career back up. After what 6 or 7 years of rebuilding and all the drafts and moves, they are good. They can play very good. They are by no means great. With every win I'm more comfortable with the Fitzpatrick trade. Certainly if they can get 7-9 wins which is well within their grasp, he is excellent value in that draft range. No doubt. But while you are crowning him the king of a great defense you better re watch that game, he was the back end of cover one twice on TD's where he ended up covering grass.

Are you saying he was solely responsible for those TDs given up? I am just clarifying I haven't zoomed in on game tape yet...

 

[Tibs]

And a huge part of the D’s resurgence? Bud Dupree, that’s who.

 

[slashsteel]

And a huge part of the D’s resurgence? Bud Dupree, that’s who.

Very happy with his play. I want to see it continue after the new contract. Which I think he will get.

 

[Hines57]

22 turnovers in 7 games, not including week 1. That's what this defense has done. The DL struggles against the run, even when Tuitt was on the field. If we can upgrade at NT from Hargrave we could clog the middle and really bring the hammer down defensively.

We're going to ride or die on the performance of this defense.

 

[21STEELERS21]

With the exception of the pick 6, the defense looked pretty bad in the first half. Colts didn't punt until 3rd QTR. Defense looked solid in second half.

 

[Crimsonsteel]

The week we got him, I posted that I haven’t been this excited about a player acquisition since the day Big Ben was drafted. While some may argue about whether this Defense is great, there’s no denying that Minkah is.

6 games
4 int’s
2 forced fumbles
1 fumble recovery
1 TD in a huge turning point of a game that could’ve gotten out of hand.
= GREAT!!!



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[TDX27]

right now, I wouldn't be upset if that included Dupree. He's been solid.

I have to admit, he has been great this year. He and Watt are unstoppable. But, someone is going to pay him big and I doubt the Steelers can afford him.

 

[thesteelcity]

I have to admit, he has been great this year. He and Watt are unstoppable. But, someone is going to pay him big and I doubt the Steelers can afford him.

yea, I doubt the Steelers will be able to, either. He's going to get paid if he continues to reek havoc with TJW.

 

[43Hitman]

I have to admit, he has been great this year. He and Watt are unstoppable. But, someone is going to pay him big and I doubt the Steelers can afford him.

So who do you try and keep Dupree or Hargrave? What I'm concerned about with Dupree is the Woodley effect. As soon as that dude got his contract he got fat and couldn't stay on the field. At least with Woodley he had plenty of good tape, Dupree has been average. But having said all of that I think I try to keep Dupree and let Hargrave walk if he doesn't take a reasonable offer. Pass rushers, QB's, and CB's are hot commodities.

 

[Crimsonsteel]

I’ll play along on the defensive discussion as well...

We had 4 positions with new starters on D to start the year. So I expected it to take some time. Halfway through the season here’s where they stand...

2nd in Takeaways
7th in Total Defense
10th in points allowed

Fairly impressive especially when you consider they were probably 32nd or close to it after week 1.


Their arrow is pointing upward if you will...

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[Coryea]

22 turnovers in 7 games, not including week 1. That's what this defense has done. The DL struggles against the run, even when Tuitt was on the field. If we can upgrade at NT from Hargrave we could clog the middle and really bring the hammer down defensively.

We're going to ride or die on the performance of this defense.

We'll always struggle vs the run because we use 2DL so much.

Dupree is playing good, but no way in hell I'm paying him. Not the franchise tag or long term, it's taken him 5 years and it just happens to be his contract year, someone else can give him 14 million per year, whoever it is better hope they have a guy like Watt on the other side.

 

[thesteelcity]

So who do you try and keep Dupree or Hargrave? What I'm concerned about with Dupree is the Woodley effect. As soon as that dude got his contract he got fat and couldn't stay on the field. At least with Woodley he had plenty of good tape, Dupree has been average. But having said all of that I think I try to keep Dupree and let Hargrave walk if he doesn't take a reasonable offer. Pass rushers, QB's, and CB's are hot commodities.

that concerns me, too. Is he playing for that new, shiny contract and then disappears again? Very possible. He's still playing really well right now. Would be a tough call.

 

[Coryea]

that concerns me, too. Is he playing for that new, shiny contract and then disappears again? Very possible. He's still playing really well right now. Would be a tough call.

Let him walk, the tag is like 16.5 million dollar cap hit, and some one will well over pay for him, and if they don't have a guy like Watt opposite him, they'll be paying top dollar for a guy that doesn't produce. I don't trust guys that all of sudden look interested and play well in their contract year.

 

[slashsteel]

I have to admit, he has been great this year. He and Watt are unstoppable. But, someone is going to pay him big and I doubt the Steelers can afford him.

Not sure it will even get to that point. They could very well lock him up before free agency.

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[Tibs]

Not sure it will even get to that point. They could very well lock him up before free agency.

Exactly, as they should. Not looking forward to this D with a guy like Chickillo - or even Ola - lining up across from TJ. No thanks.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

I hope this doesn’t mean the NFL will try to impeach Minkah

 

[mdk2]

Contract year performances can be very deceiving.. credit to Bud for a nice year thus far but no way do I give him a big contract next year.


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[thesteelcity]

Contract year performances can be very deceiving.. credit to Bud for a nice year thus far but no way do I give him a big contract next year.


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Too bad we couldn't give him an extension with many incentives and performance bonuses thrown in there to keep him motivated.

 

[Hines57]

Dupree will get franchise tagged if they can't get an extension signed. Actually let me reword that. He will get franchise tagged and THEN they will try to work a full contract extension out with him during camp.

Can't afford to open a hole at OLB without a first round pick this year. We need to retain guys who are performing so we have free money to fill holes in UFA

 

[Hoot]

So who do you try and keep Dupree or Hargrave? What I'm concerned about with Dupree is the Woodley effect. As soon as that dude got his contract he got fat and couldn't stay on the field. At least with Woodley he had plenty of good tape, Dupree has been average. But having said all of that I think I try to keep Dupree and let Hargrave walk if he doesn't take a reasonable offer. Pass rushers, QB's, and CB's are hot commodities.

I think we all share the concern that he could catch Fat Cat Syndrome. A couple points I would bring up is that he was considered raw and a project when he was drafted...great ball player but a jack of all trades. IIRC, he had a couple injuries early that limited time (but I could misremember) and then he was asked to play a lot of coverage rather than rush (which was supposed to be a strength for him). Then he got flipped to the other side of the defense last year. He started to flash and this year seems to be settling in well. My gut is the guy is a worker and late bloomer, but after a couple other Fat Cats it is easy to be gun shy. This is where we have to hope the coaches and front office know the young man well enough to make a reasonable conclusion.