The Steelers’ playoff hopes took a big hit Thursday night as they were defeated by the Patriots, 21—18, their second straight loss to a team that had two wins entering the game. After the ugly loss, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, one of defensive Pittsburgh’s leaders, was more than displeased with the effort displayed on national television.
Fitzpatrick spoke to reporters following the game, delivering some harsh criticism of the Steelers and their attitude toward achieving success in the NFL. The three-time All-Pro said he feels there are players in the Pittsburgh locker room who “don’t want to toil for it“ and “expect it to be handed to them,” per Brooke Pryor of ESPN.
Fitzpatrick apparently feels the Steelers are entitled, and he might not be far off. After Pittsburgh’s Week 13 loss to the Cardinals, running back Jaylen Warren admitted the team may have taken Arizona lightly, and wide receiver Diontae Johnson echoed the comment.
Whether that’s true or not, it certainly lends credence to Fitzpatrick’s comments. Perhaps Pittsburgh saw the 2—10 Cardinals on their Week 13 schedule and chalked the game up as an easy victory. Maybe they did the same heading into Thursday night’s loss to New England.
Either way, something needs to change for the Steelers, who will play the final four games of the season against playoff-caliber opponents in the Colts, Bengals, Seahawks and Ravens.
