After over two years of disappointing moments and an overall lack of impactful plays, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen has seemingly turned things around over the past few weeks. Not only has he helped the Steelers become one of the NFL's most dominant run defenses, but he has finally started to impact the passing game as well.
According to Pro Football Network’s linebacker impact metric, Queen (91.5 grade) ranks among the top NFL linebackers in coverage this season. His 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks in the last three games have helped the Steelers stack four consecutive wins.
However, Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals plan to disrupt the party Sunday evening. His 282 passing yards and three touchdowns in Week 3 were not enough to secure victory.
I’m sure he’s hungry for revenge.
A win against Cincinnati will give the Steelers a divisional sweep over their rivals, and it would go a long way towards securing another AFC North title. Another standout performance at a pivotal moment could also give the front office reason to consider extending Queen’s tenure with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh’s veteran linebacker is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. He’s played a significant role in each of the three seasons with the team, even if some performances caused fans to grow concerned.
His dropped interceptions and inconsistent efforts have been hard to overlook. But don’t get it twisted, he’s a nightmare to deal with when he is playing free. He’s a quick physical force on the prowl for the football.
That’s exactly what Patrick Graham’s defense will need under the primetime lights this weekend.
Limiting Burrow’s ability to dictate the outcome has been mission impossible for opposing defenses. He’s utilized a lethal receiving corps in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, routinely. Their chemistry has led to a 6-2 record and an impressive stat line. Queen will be paramount to slowing them down.
The Pittsburgh Steelers front office must analyze Patrick Queen’s performance against the Cincinnati Bengals
Entering Week 10, Burrow ranks first in touchdown passes (23) and second in passing yards (2,386). He’s the engine of the offense. The All-Pro quarterback is dominating, but the offense is still one-dimensional. According to Statyx, Cincinnati ranks 32nd in designed runs (162) and 32nd in yards per carry (3.88).
Burrow’s ability to extend possessions makes Queen’s presence in the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense important. Limiting yards after the catch, closing passing lanes, and preventing short completions from becoming first downs will be critical. Queen doesn’t need to snatch an interception to influence the game.
He just needs to make routine gains difficult.
The good news is he won’t have to do it alone. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is a collective with established players on multiple levels. Ironically, the signal caller of the group is playing for another contract. The second half of the season will determine how the front office shows its gratitude.
If Omar Khan declines to extend Queen and the veteran signs elsewhere, Pittsburgh could become eligible for a compensatory selection in the 2028 NFL Draft. However, that possibility might not outweigh the value of retaining its defensive leader.
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