Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds vs. Colts in Week 9

Stud: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S

The trade for Fitzpatrick has more than paid off for the Steelers. On Sunday, the former Miami Dolphin intercepted Hoyer and returned the ball 96 yards for a score. It was Pittsburgh’s only touchdown of the first half.

In mid=September, the Steelers sent their 2020 first-round pick, a 2020 fifth-round pick, and a 2021 sixth-round pick to Miami for Fitzpatrick, a 2020 fourth-round pick, and a 2021 sixth-round pick. At the time, the move seemed strange. Pittsburgh was about to have its highest first-round pick this decade, so why trade it away during a non-playoff season?

Fitzpatrick eased fans’ minds in his first game with the black and gold, creating two turnovers. Since then, Fitzpatrick has intercepted three passes, including the one against the Colts. He’s Pittsburgh’s best defensive back since Troy Polamalu. That’s saying a lot because the Steelers have used two first round selections on defensive backs since Polamalu retired.

Dud: Jaylen Samuels, RB

Early in the fourth quarter, with the Steelers leading 23-18, Samuels fumbled at Pittsburgh’s 30-yard line and Justin Houston recovered. The Colts drove down the field and scored a touchdown. Indy went for the two-point conversion but failed to convert. The Colts took a 24-23 lead.

Before the fumble, Samuels wasn’t doing much on the ground. The Steelers utilized him heavily in the passing game so Mason Rudolph didn’t have to throw the ball far down the field, but Trey Edmunds accounted for the majority of Pittsburgh’s rushing yards.

Sunday was Samuels’ first game back after undergoing a knee scope following Week 5. James Conner missed the game due to an AC joint injury suffered during Monday night’s win against the Dolphins.