Three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick expressed his frustration with his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates following their unexpected loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday night. Despite the Patriots’ struggles this season, they managed to upset the Steelers with a 21-18 victory. This loss has dealt a significant blow to the Steelers’ playoff hopes, as they now face a challenging matchup against the surging Indianapolis Colts.
Fitzpatrick, known for his exceptional performance on the field, criticized his teammates for their lack of dedication and hard work. He emphasized the importance of putting in the necessary effort to achieve success in the NFL. “In order to see fruit, you gotta toil for it. I think too many people don’t want to toil for it,” Fitzpatrick stated after the game. He called for more individuals who are willing to work for their success and not expect it to be handed to them.
The safety’s comments come after his return to action from a hamstring injury earlier this season. Unfortunately, Fitzpatrick’s comeback was short-lived as he broke his hand during the Week 13 game. Despite his own setbacks, Fitzpatrick urged his teammates to check their mentality and understand that they must earn every opportunity and every play on the field.
While Fitzpatrick did not name any specific players, star wide receiver George Pickens faced criticism for his lackluster effort during the game. Pickens, who had a disappointing performance with only 19 receiving yards, was visibly frustrated during a running play. Head coach Mike Tomlin appeared to scold him, and “Thursday Night Football” broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit commented on Pickens’ lack of effort and its impact on the team.
The Steelers now face a challenging path to the playoffs, with their hopes resting on their ability to regroup and address the issues raised by Fitzpatrick. This loss serves as a wake-up call for the team, highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success in the competitive NFL.
