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Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick upset with unnecessary roughness penalty

Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick upset with unnecessary roughness penalty

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After the Pittsburgh Steelers' first loss of the season on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, Minkah Fitzpatrick vented his frustration – not just with one play, but with what he believes is a larger trend.

The three-time All-Pro safety was called for unnecessary roughness late in the third quarter of the 27-24 loss. On 2nd-and-10 from the Colts' 42, quarterback Joe Flacco – filling in for Anthony Richardson after the starter suffered a hip injury – overthrew rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. But just after the pass fell incomplete, Fitzpatrick collided with Mitchell near the sideline and hit his shoulder.

The flag helped extend a drive that resulted in a touchdown, extending Indianapolis' lead to 24-10.

“I thought we were playing football. I don’t know what we’re playing at the moment,” Fitzpatrick told reporters after the game. “A completely different game than the one I grew up with and loved. It shouldn't hit anyone hard. It can't be violent. So I don't know. I don’t know what to say anymore.”

Fitzpatrick wasn't the only one to call the penalty after the game.

“That was (expletive),” Steelers safety DeShon Elliott said, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “I don’t care… That wasn’t okay. That wasn't illegal. He didn’t do anything malicious.”

“He didn’t even hit him in the head. He hit him, led him with his shoulder. If anything, he has slacked off. So I don’t know what it was about.”

The Steelers will look to bounce back next Sunday in a home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

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