Steelers surprised by penalty that wiped out potential 1st career sack for Minkah Fitzpatrick

LAS VEGAS — In his decorated six-year NFL career, Minkah Fitzpatrick has returned interceptions for touchdowns. He’s taken a few fumbles to the end zone as well.

One thing he never has done is register a quarterback sack.

For a fleeting moment Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ All-Pro safety appeared to end that drought. It came when he brought down Las Vegas Raiders passer Jimmy Garoppolo for a 6-yard loss in the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 23-18 victory at Allegiant Stadium.

Then, he saw the flag. Fitzpatrick was called for roughing the passer, and the drive continued. The Raiders scored a touchdown on the possession, got the 2-point conversion and later added a field goal to trim a 23-7 deficit to five points.

The Steelers held on for the win, but the flag clearly perplexed Steelers players.

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“I don’t even know what to say about that,” outside linebacker T.J. Watt said.

Fitzpatrick also was at a loss for words, but mostly because he didn’t want to be fined for criticizing the officiating.

Asked if he thought he would be penalized, Fitzpatrick responded, “No.”

Was he surprised to see the flag?

“Yes.”

Was Fitzpatrick given an explanation?

“They said he ducked, and I hit him in the head when he ducked,” Fitzpatrick said.

Garoppolo, who had not been sacked in either of the Raiders’ first two games, was brought down four times, including twice by Watt.

If not for the penalty on Fitzpatrick, the total would have been five. Instead, he had to settle for leading the Steelers with 11 tackles.