In what could’ve been the difference in the Raiders game, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was flagged for a ridiculous red zone roughing the passer penalty midway through the fourth quarter. And, once again, Fitzpatrick is under a microscope for a controversial hit.
The call gave Las Vegas a fresh set of downs and led directly to a touchdown moments later.
Buy Steelers TicketsThis is a HORRIBLE roughing the passer call on @steelers Minkah Fitzpatrick! pic.twitter.com/fF2TYSjM5h
— Doc Holliday (@The_DocHolliday) September 25, 2023
When Fitzpatrick prompted the referees for an explanation, they told him it was a helmet-to-helmet hit after “he ducked and I hit him in his head.” Video replay clearly shows Fitzpatrick’s helmet did not make contact with the quarterback’s helmet.
“I don’t even know what to say about that,” T.J. Watt told Steelers media after the game.
Rules analyst Terry McAulay disagreed with the call, saying on the broadcast there was no forcible contact to the head or neck area of Jimmy Garoppolo.
Minkah playing 2 hand touch and still getting flagged @steelers
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 25, 2023
According to Steelers Now, crew chief Tra Blake refs lead the NFL in roughing-the-passer penalties in 2023.
Fitzpatrick has every right to be upset, visible after the call and during his postgame interview. It was a solid play that could’ve kept the Raiders from putting six points on the board. Thankfully it didn’t cost them the game.
