(Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images)
Minkah Fitzpatrick is participating in his first OTAs with the Steelers, as he was still with the Dolphins in 2019 prior to being traded to the Steelers in September, and last year OTAs were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, Fitzpatrick has been enjoying the process of gaining chemistry with his teammates during OTAs this spring. He's also glad that the franchise quarterback has been a regular participant.
"I am happy Ben is out here," Fitzpatrick told the media after Tuesday's OTAs practice. "He has been doing this a while. He doesn't have to be out here competing against us. He chooses to come out and compete. When he is out there everyone gets better."
"It's a great look for me. Not too many quarterbacks can do the things he does. The very first play he held me in the field a little bit and made a throw backside. Not too many guys are doing that across the league. Me going up against that, I get to go back and watch film, or on the field say I could have done this better, remind myself of the fundamentals when I go against a guy like Ben. This year we are going against a lot of guys that are high caliber. Him coming out here, I respect it, appreciate it. We are going to see some great looks. Everybody gets better when Ben is out there."
OTAs are voluntary, so Roethlisberger doesn't have to be there, but the 39-year-old quarterback is showcasing that he's all-in to make the Steelers better in 2021. Giving the defenses looks like Fitzpatrick described will only help the team moving forward as they get into training camp, the preseason and eventually the regular season.
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