Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds vs. Dolphins in Week 8

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 28: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with Mason Rudolph #2 after a 26-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass throw by Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Stud: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S

Against his old team, Fitzpatrick intercepted two passes. The Steelers traded for the Alabama product earlier this season after Fitzpatrick made it clear he wanted to leave Miami. Pittsburgh sent a 2020 first-round pick, 2020 fifth-round pick, and 2021 sixth-round pick to Miami in return for Fitzpatrick a 2020 fourth-round pick and 2021 sixth-round pick.

Since first debuting with the Steelers in Week 3, Fitzpatrick has three interceptions. No Steeler even recorded three interceptions in all of 2018. Fitzpatrick has two more seasons on his rookie deal plus a fifth-year option. Hopefully, he’ll turn into the centerpiece in the secondary that Terrell Edmunds was supposed to be.

Dud: Joe Haden, CB

Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins picked on Joe Haden in the first half. At 30 years old, the former Pro Bowl cornerback is struggling to keep up with faster receivers. The Steelers signed Haden to a three-year, $27 million contract after the Cleveland Browns cut the 2010 draftee back in 2017.

On a defense that is trying to get younger, Haden stands out. He’s not a bad leader or poor personality to have around, but one has to wonder why the Steelers are paying Haden $22.4 million for 2019 and 2020.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers