The Pittsburgh Steelers have problems all over their defense in 2025. During their dismal Sunday Night Football showing in Week 8, this unit couldn't get quick enough pressure to disrupt quarterback Jordan Love, and Pittsburgh's pass coverage was routinely gashed with chunk plays and an egregious amount of yards after the catch.
But when I went back and watched the all-22 there was one bright spot on defense: Payton Wilson.
The second-year linebacker and 2024 third-round pick was under scrutiny early in the season after multiple coverage lapses and miscommunications with Patrick Queen at the linebacker position. Wilson's early-season struggles led to Mike Tomlin's decision to play more Cole Holcomb on early downs.
However, after Week 8, nobody should be questioning who's the best linebacker on the team.
As Queen and Holcomb showcased pitiful performances, Wilson shined. He was quick to read and react to the play, closing running lanes for three run stops near the line of scrimmage. The second-year linebacker was also excellent as a blitzer, despite just nine pass rush reps; Wilson earned pressures on four rushes. This was as many pressures as T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith combined for on 59 pass rush snaps.
While the other linebackers and the entire secondary struggled in coverage, Wilson was responsible for allowing just eight of Love's 360 passing yards, as he quickly closed the gap and tackled the receiver for minimal gains.
This exceptional performance fell through the cracks because the rest of the defense didn't show up to play. But those who studied Wilson know how good he was in Week 8. For his fantastic efforts in an otherwise pitiful game from the Steelers' defense, Wilson earned a 92.7 overall grade from PFF on Sunday Night Football—the best of any player from either team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must promote Payton Wilson and demote Patrick Queen
Payton Wilson is already a starting linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he's been splitting snaps with veteran Cole Holcomb. Meanwhile, Patrick Queen, who wears the 'green dot', never comes off the field. This needs to change.
NFL rules allow someone else to wear the 'green dot' helmet—the helmet that receives communication from the sidelines—only if the original 'green dot' helmet wearer is on the sidelines. And after what we've been witnessing for much of the year, it would be wise to make Queen take a seat every once in a while.
So far on the season, Queen has played 496 defensive snaps compared to just 343 for Wilson. This needs to change.
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For the second consecutive game, Queen earned an embarrassing overall PFF grade of 34.8. In seven contests this year, the veteran linebacker has been responsible for allowing 32 of 43 receptions for 374 yards and two touchdowns for a combined passer rating of 115.8. Entering Week 9, Queen is the 76th-ranked NFL linebacker out of 80 qualifying players.
Wilson isn't without his struggles, but he's quickly trending in the right direction after a poor start to the season and is coming off one of the best games of his career. It's easy to see who's the best linebacker on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it's time for Patrick Queen to take a backseat to Payton Wilson.