Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is coming off his least productive season, generating goose eggs in most stat columns.
The 27-year-old earned zero interceptions, zero forced fumbles and zero fumble recoveries in 10 games. It was the first time he didn't force at least two turnovers in his six-year NFL career.
Entering 2024, Fitzpatrick wants to get back to playing "Minkah ball."
"Just let me play ball," Fitzpatrick said Wednesday, via the team's official website. "That's it. Minkah ball."
Injuries curtailed Fitzpatrick's season. He missed seven games and played through nicks in several others. The instability on the back end of the Steelers defense also prevented the safety from being the roving menace he's proven in the past.
Fitzpatrick believes the offseason additions of DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, Patrick Queen, Dean Lowry and others will allow him to return to playing Minkah ball.
"As many great players as you could get in the field is going to help Minkah play Minkah ball," Fitzpatrick said.
On paper, the Steelers defense has improved over last year. The key will be whether they can stay healthy after injuries ravaged the unit in 2023.