The Pittsburgh Steelers have demonstrated significant growth in recent weeks, but as they approach the tougher segments of their schedule, they will be facing several playoff contenders eager to test their mettle. The upcoming games will reveal whether Pittsburgh remains a serious playoff contender or falls short as it has in the last eight seasons. The pivotal moment begins with a crucial divisional matchup on Thursday Night Football.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin recently highlighted the progress of second-year linebacker Patrick Queen during his weekly press conference. Tomlin expressed his admiration for Queen’s development, stating, “He looks like a guy in his second year. I challenge second-year guys… Last year was his first year as a defensive quarterback, and so it’s reasonable to expect him to be better, and he certainly has been. I’m excited about where that’s going to go.” Over the course of the 2025 season, Queen has made noteworthy contributions, tallying 44 tackles, five tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, one sack, and three passes defended. While flashier plays have been scarce, he has established himself as a steady presence in the heart of the Steelers’ defense, aligning with the expectations that led to his three-year contract in the offseason.
Reflecting on his first season in Pittsburgh, Queen’s numbers, though decent, did not represent his true impact on the field. The challenges he faced in 2024 prompted discussions during the offseason about the imperative need for improvement, and thus far in 2025, the Steelers appear to have uncovered Queen’s true potential, bolstering their defensive unit significantly.
One critical improvement has been his tackle effectiveness. Unlike the previous season, where many of his tackles came after substantial yardage gains, Queen has been making plays closer to the line of scrimmage. Fewer yards allowed per play illustrate that his current performance is much more substantial compared to last year’s statistics.
Improved communication has emerged as a vital factor in the Steelers’ defense. This was a significant issue during their collapse at the end of last season, with Queen struggling to convey play calls and audibles, which allowed opponents to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. Although there were still challenges at the start of the current season, the communication issues have notably diminished, as evidenced by the lack of coverage busts or defensive confusion in their Week 6 victory. If this positive trend continues, Pittsburgh may avoid their customary late-season downturn.
While the Steelers have shown improvement, they have yet to face top-tier opponents, and the most formidable part of their schedule lies ahead. For Pittsburgh to succeed this campaign, Queen must maintain his upward trajectory and ensure that communication within the defense remains crisp against elite teams like the Buffalo Bills.
The development of Patrick Queen is pivotal for the Steelers as they vie for playoff contention. If he can sustain his growth and the team continues to strengthen its communication, the season may unfold more favorably than anticipated for Pittsburgh fans.