Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick upset with controversial unnecessary roughness penalty in loss

After the Pittsburgh Steelers' first loss of the season on Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts, Minkah Fitzpatrick aired out his frustrations – not just with one play, but what he sees as a larger trend.

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

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

"I thought we were playing football. I don't know what we're playing at this point," Fitzpatrick told reporters after the game. "Very different game than what I grew up playing and what I grew up loving. Can't hit nobody hard. Can't be violent. So I don't know. I don't know what to say anymore."

Fitzpatrick wasn't alone in calling out the penalty after the game.

"That was (expletive)," Steelers safety DeShon Elliott said, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I don't care ... That was not OK. That wasn't illegal. He did nothing malicious.

"He didn't even hit him in the head. He hit him, led with the shoulder. If anything he let up. So I don't know what that was about."

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

All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick upset with unnecessary roughness penalty