This play is kinda problematic from a fan perspective. Because I see two versions of it and am really having a hard time determining which one is "true".
What I can see from this video (
https://www.steelers.com/video/highl...ree-s-pick-six) is the following:
GOOD:
1. Steelers are in a base package with Edmunds (34) at the end of the line on the near side and Dupree at the end of the line on the far side.
2. At the snap they rush 6 (the 3 DL + Watt + Edmunds + Dupree). Bostic charges forward, but retreats to deal with the RB coming through the line after play action.
3. I think it is a zone coverage play. Dupree takes a few steps like he is pass rushing. Pins the LT to his spot. This allows Heyward (I think) to get a relatively one on one matchup with the LG, who he absolutely destroys. Also, if Edmunds had more of a pass rush plan, he might have got free as well. The Tampa blocker on that end of the line locked a bit uncertain of who his assignment was between Edmunds and Watt.
4. Behind the rush, VW, Burns, and Bostic are in coverage against the WR, TE, and RB. But,
I think but do not know and I could be WAY wrong, this is where it gets clever - Dupree has the short sideline zone between Bostic in the flat and Burns over the top. After his initial steps as a pass rusher, he turns and runs flat out to a spot.
5. Fitzpatrick never sees Dupree because he is obscured by the play action and Fitzpatrick never reidentifies if Dupree is a rusher or a coverage defender when he turns back to that side of the field. Fitz was trying to throw to "hole in zone" and found Dupree.
BAD:
All of the above, but Dupree was actually intended to turn and run with the TE from the snap and it took him about 2.5 seconds to remember that. It was only a bad throw by Fitzpatrick that allowed Dupree to look like he was in the right place at the right time when he was really badly out of position. This could very well be the case, as it appears that Burns would've had two receivers in his zone. As well as Bostic and Dupree seem to be working the same patch of grass. Hard to tell with the other safety not in the frame ever.
Honestly, I have no idea. But I do think that Dupree was intended to be in some kind of coverage, because Butler rarely sends 6, especially if one is a DB.