New England Patriots: 3 Steelers to fear in Week 2 AFC matchup

The New England Patriots head into their Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers hoping to avoid falling in an 0-2 hole to start the season. After an ugly showing in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, that may be easier said than done.

While we’ve taken an in-depth look at the home team in the buildup to this game, it’s important to know what the Pats opponent in the Steelers will look like heading into this matchup. After all, they managed to pull off a stunning upset of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 to open their season. So let’s take a look at 3 Steelers players that will be worth paying attention to in the New England Patriots Week 2 matchup.

The New England Patriots will need to keep an eye on these 3 Pittsburgh Steelers players

Pittsburgh Steelers player to watch No. 3: Minkah Fitzpatrick

With T.J. Watt set to miss this contest after suffering a pec injury in Week 1, Minkah Fitzpatrick quickly becomes the Steelers most dynamic defensive player. Fitzpatrick was certainly dynamic against the Bengals, as he racked up 14 tackles, a pick-six, and blocked the potential game-winning extra point to send the game to overtime. Talk about a strong start to the season.

Fitzpatrick leads the Steelers secondary from the back as their free safety who has the ability to do a little bit of everything. He’s a strong tackler who can hold up well in coverage and always seems to have a nose for the football. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is always going to want to know where Fitzpatrick is on the field tomorrow afternoon.

Pittsburgh’s secondary has some holes, which is tough to believe considering they intercepted Joe Burrow four times last week. Fitzpatrick is not one of them. The Steelers are going to rely on their defense to make big plays for the second straight week to aid their limited offense, and if there’s a guy on their roster who has the ability to make those plays, it’s Fitzpatrick.