The Pittsburgh Steelers have won two straight games to begin the 2024 season, but it hasn't been pretty. The offense has only been able to muster up 31 total points; however, a stout defense led by TJ Watt has stifled both the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos. The unit has let up only 16 points in both contests, leading to optimism throughout the Steel City regarding the unit. One individual expected to play a huge role throughout the year is Patrick Queen. The front office signed the former Baltimore Ravens linebacker to the largest free agent contract in team history.
Pittsburgh has been lacking consistency at the inside linebacker position ever since Ryan Shazier was forced to retire after a devastating injury back in 2017. The idea behind the three-year deal offered to Queen was to bring a little more stability to the group. After Sunday's win over the Broncos, former Steelers two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Hoke went on KDKA's Steelers Extra Point, and criticized Queen's play through two weeks.
"I just don't think he's playing good football right now. He's having a tough time engaging offensive linemen and getting off those linemen," Hoke said. "I see him getting knocked back too much and getting locked up, and that's not his game. His game is more of a speed game where he's got to get over the top."
Hoke noted that Queen's performances have left him scratching his head, and the linebacker apparently thinks the same of Hoke's comments critiquing him. Queen took to X and it sure seemed like he was referring to Hoke's criticisms.
His social media post was pretty simple, and there could be a number of media pundits talking badly about Queen's game right now, but the timing and Hoke speaking on local television could certainly lead one to believe that Queen wasn't fond of the comments.
No one said it would be easy for Queen, or any player joining a new organization, not to need some time to get acclimated in a new environment, but overall, the quick defender has put out some solid tape since the Steelers' regular season began.
You could ask nearly every fan of the franchise throughout the world if he/she would take the 2024 inside linebackers' unit over the one in 2023, or any previous year dating back to 2017 for that matter, and this group would be at the top of the list. Queen may not be lighting up the stat sheet, but he has shown poise, leadership, and consistency since signing with the Steelers.
It's even more encouraging that someone like Hoke is mentioning this in Week 2. He may be watching tape and seeing some things, but Queen is one of the most versatile interior linebackers in the NFL. He will continue to learn more about the players around him and be a vital piece in a defense that seems to be out for blood in 2024.
Steelers' Defense Displaying Potential To Be Unstoppable In 2024
It's small sample size and Pittsburgh played a quarterback coming off of an Achilles tear and then a rookie, but it's hard for fans not to get excited about the defensive core. It is the highest paid grouping in the league, so the expectation is strong play, but the unit may have already exceeded expectations over the course of two regular season contests. If all stay healthy, it could be one of the best defenses the Steel City has had in recent memory.
