The Pittsburgh Steelers went the distance with the Washington Commanders in their 28-27 Week 10 victory. Entering the matchup as underdogs, the Steelers leaned on Russell Wilson's leadership to pull off a thrilling comeback, securing his third win of the season and pushing the team to a strong 7-2 record. With each hard-fought win, the Steelers are quickly emerging as serious contenders, sending a clear message to the rest of the league.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' QB Russell Wilson celebrates after a big play against the Washington Commanders in Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season.
The intensity of the game was evident, especially during a clash between Commanders tight end John Bates and Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen. Early in the second quarter, tempers flared between the two after a particularly aggressive play, leading to a minor scuffle that showcased the physicality both teams brought to the field.
John Bates may be ready to scrap pic.twitter.com/2BBujZHzVo
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 10, 2024
After the game, Bates addressed the confrontation through the Commanders' official website, implying that Queen's play went beyond typical physicality. Bates seemed to suggest that Queen played with an extra edge, making the battle feel more personal. Bates called out Queen for being dirty.
"I would say something like that has never really happened to me," Bates said. "Like I said, I was playing through the whistle. It's just the way I play. If you go back and watch the film, in my opinion, it was him probably trying to do something dirty to me. Things happen. It is what it is."
Bates downplayed the scuffle afterward, but admitted he was fired up in the moment. Known as one of the league’s top blocking tight ends, he’s never one to shy away from physical play.
Trib Live
Steelers' Najee Harris and Patrick Queen talking some trash to each other during camp.
Bates insisted he was simply playing through the whistle as he always does, though he hinted that Queen’s approach felt intentional, suggesting that Queen might have been taking cheap shots. Despite brushing off the incident, Bates made it clear he believed Queen was trying to get under his skin.
Steelers' Patrick Queen Loves Playing The Villain role
Queen, on the other hand, has openly embraced his role as a villain in the Steel City, and he’s living up to it. During the 2024 offseason, he even got into heated exchanges with Steelers teammates Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris. These clashes stemmed from the intense energy Queen brought to practice, setting the tone for the competitive atmosphere that Pittsburgh coaches value.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen tackles Steelers RB Jaylen Warren.
Queen has shown he won’t back down from a challenge. Despite facing criticism after signing a three-year, $41 million deal with Pittsburgh, he displayed his potential against the Commanders. Queen was everywhere on the field, shutting down the shifty Jayden Daniels and bottling up Austin Ekeler, showing he’s starting to settle into his role on the Steelers’ loaded defense.
People owe Patrick Queen an apology man... Look at the way he gets skinny between the down block from 87 and the pulling RG. Forces Cosmi to miss, which allows PQ to blow the play up for -2 yards. Huge play for the Steelers early on. pic.twitter.com/V3HfdAtK2h
— Brogan Noey (@BroganNoey) November 11, 2024
Queen is beginning to settle in and look increasingly comfortable within the Steelers' defense. His presence is becoming undeniable, and with the toughest part of the schedule ahead, having Queen playing at this level is exactly what Pittsburgh needs.
Steeler Nation is eagerly watching as Queen continues to find his rhythm, bringing chaos to opposing offenses and proving he’s a key piece of the team’s defensive strength. Queen's next game is set to be even more tense as he faces his former team the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
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