Dolphins player of the game, Week 13: Minkah Fitzpatrick

Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick put together a spectacular performance in a 21-17 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Fitzpatrick finished the game with seven tackles, including a strip sack of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. But it was the two-point conversion that he picked off and took to the house that was arguably the biggest play of the game.

While it won't count on the stat sheet, New Orleans was on the verge of tying the game late following a touchdown pass from Shough to wideout Devaughn Vele with 1:17 left in the game. The potential for overtime was thwarted by Fitzpatrick who intercepted Shough and returned it 100 yards for two points.

Although the Saints did get one more possession with a successful onside kick recovery, the 21-17 score stood as the Dolphins secured their third win in a row.

The clutch play wasn't his only contribution, though. Fitzpatrick made his presence felt in the second quarter with a sack and forced fumble on Shough that was recovered by defensive tackle Zach Sieler. It was the first sack and forced fumble recorded by Fitzpatrick this season.

Fitzpatrick's next key play was a tackle of Saints' tight end Juwan Johnson on a third down with the Dolphins up 16-8. This tackle stopped a potential game-tying drive for the Saints and forced them to punt the ball back to Miami with 4:46 left in the third quarter.

After the win, Fitzpatrick is at 72 tackles this season with three tackles for loss, a sack, six passes defended, a forced fumble, and an interception. He has started in all 12 games at safety and has been utilized all over the field for Anthony Weaver's defense.

His Sunday performance showed just how impactful Fitzpatrick can be and why he was an important offseason acquisition. If the Dolphins are able to keep up their winning ways and make a playoff push, they'll need Fitzpatrick to continue to make momentum-changing plays.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins player of the game, Week 13: Minkah Fitzpatrick