The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense couldn't have played much worse in the second half against the Green Bay Packers, and it's easy to point the finger at head coach Mike Tomlin. But the players aren't absolved of blame. One of the biggest culprits for an egregious showing on Sunday Night Football was linebacker Patrick Queen.
The sixth-year linebacker and two-time Pro Bowler was signed during the 2024 offseason to be the answer to their problems in the middle of the field. Unfortunately, Queen has been one of the most sporadic linebackers in the league.
Queen has had constant lapses in coverage this season, and his tackling has been subpar. The Steelers are coming off a performance in which they allowed 360 passing yards and three touchdowns to quarterback Jordan Love, surrendering 9.7 yards per attempt.
Even worse is that, one game after Ja'Marr Chase torched the defense over the middle of the field, Packers tight end Tucker Kraft recorded seven receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns against Pittsburgh's defense.
Now Queen is already making an egregiously bold claim for Week 9.
Ahead of the Steelers' daunting matchup against the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts, Queen vows that the defense will fix their issues covering tight ends.
“It’s going to be resolved," Queen said, via Mark Kaboly. "It’s going to be resolved this week."
Patrick Queen must be able to back up his bold claim in challenging Week 9 matchup for Pittsburgh Steelers
That's an exceedingly bold claim for a team that has been gashed over the middle of the field all season. Queen may have just backed himself into a corner, as things might only get harder in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Through the first eight weeks of the 2025 season, the Colts have one of the most productive offenses we've seen in recent years. Shane Steichen's team sits atop the league with a point differential of +116, per ESPN stats. Meanwhile, rookie tight end Tyler Warren already looks like one of the best players in the league at his position.
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In seven games, the Steelers have allowed a whopping 599 yards and seven touchdowns to opposing tight ends. Through Week 8, Colts' rookie tight end phenom Tyler Warren is averaging 4.6 receptions and 61.5 yards per game while already scoring three touchdowns.
Patrick Queen was arguably the worst defender on the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense for the second straight week, and he's in no position to make a bold claim like this. We'll find out if he can back up his words and finally turn things around in 2025.