The Pittsburgh Steelers knew they had to put on a show in Dublin, Ireland.
The anticipation surrounding this game wasn’t just about football — it was about legacy, pride, and honoring the late Ambassador Dan Rooney, whose connection to Ireland runs deep. The question heading into Week 4 was simple: who would rise to the occasion and deliver the spark this team desperately needed?
As it turns out, the answer was the man right in the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense — Patrick Queen.
Let’s be honest: the All-Pro linebacker hasn’t had the smoothest start to his Steelers career. Expectations were sky-high when he signed in free agency after an outstanding 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens, but early on, his performances drew criticism.
Some questioned his impact, and others wondered if he was adjusting properly to Teryl Austin’s system. But when the lights shone brightest, Queen did what great players do — he responded.
In what can only be described as a rebirth game, Patrick Queen dominated the field in Dublin, recording 11 tackles and a crucial sack in Pittsburgh’s 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. His energy was contagious, his leadership unmistakable, and his timing couldn’t have been better.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must see Patrick Queen perform this well more consistently
I have to admit — it was refreshing to see Queen perform at that level again. You could feel his confidence returning with each tackle, each stop, each roar after a big play. It was a reminder of why the Steelers invested in his talent in the first place.
This wasn’t just about stats.
It was about presence. From the opening drive, Queen set the tone. He flew sideline to sideline, stuffed the run, and played with the kind of controlled aggression that defines elite linebackers. When Pittsburgh needed a stop late in the game, there he was again — plugging gaps, rallying teammates, and commanding the defense like the star he’s always been capable of being.
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His performance was symbolic of the Steelers’ defensive resurgence. After weeks of inconsistency, Pittsburgh finally looked like the defense fans have come to expect — the kind that swarms, pressures, and punishes.
Six sacks, two interceptions, and countless pressures made life miserable for Carson Wentz and the Vikings’ offense. And make no mistake, Queen was at the center of it all.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the bye week approaching, the Steelers needed this win not only for the standings but for their confidence. A 3-1 record heading into the break feels far different than 2-2, and the way they earned it — led by their defense — matters even more.
Patrick Queen’s rebirth in Dublin wasn’t just a game; it was a statement. The Steelers needed a leader, and their prized linebacker delivered. If he continues to play like this, Pittsburgh’s defense won’t just regain its reputation — it’ll redefine it.
Week 4 belonged to Patrick Queen, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.