dot.Pittsburgh — The defensive strategy of the Pittsburgh Steelers has undergone an intriguing alteration as they have switched the position and player responsible for communicating play calls. When the team plays the New England Patriots in Week 14, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will be the one wearing the green
The inside linebacker, who usually wears the green dot, is in charge of communicating plays from the coaches to the defense as a whole. However, Mykal Walker and either Blake Martinez or Mark Robinson could start for the Steelers on the inside, with Elandon Roberts questionable due to a groin injury. Since inside linebacker is a more recent addition, they will rely on their All-Pro safety to spearhead communication.Tomlin told Bob Labriola of Steelers.com, “You know, probably Minkah Fitzpatrick because he’s an all-circumstances player.” To get the most out of the other linebackers, we would probably be better off using all of them and casting a wide net to maximize production. In the case of a Blake Martinez who hasn’t been here for a while, it might be a lack of conditioning or preparation from that standpoint, or it might just be a lack of exposure from someone like Mark Robinson, in terms of
National Football League defensive snaps. Therefore, when you’re doing that, it’s best to cast a wide net in order to be inclusive and use multiple people. If Elandon isn’t the right guy, Minkah would be the most likely candidate based on a hierarchy of green dots.
Roberts’ availability against the Patriots may be restricted even if he plays. The Steelers won’t risk losing another starting inside linebacker at this time, having already lost Kwon Alexander (achilles) and Cole Holcomb (knee) for the season.
Robinson, Walker, Martinez, and most likely a call-up from the practice squad Myles Jack will take Roberts’ place intermittently during the game. Fitzpatrick can therefore be more easily used by the Steelers as their “green dot” to guarantee dependable communication.
