The Pittsburgh Steelers played in an intense Week 10 contest against the Washington Commanders. The game was close nearly the entire time, but Pittsburgh managed to escape with a 28-27 victory. With the win, the Steelers hang on to first place in the AFC North before they take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Things certainly got a little chippy with Washington, which was bound to happen considering it is two of the better teams in the NFL clashing.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Patrick Queen celebrates as he runs off of the field against the Washington Commanders in 2024.
There were many times when some extra pushing and shoving broke out after the play between Washington and Pittsburgh, but only one instance resulted in the referees throwing flags. What caused the laundry to come on the field was Patrick Queen getting into it with Washington tight end John Bates at the end of a play during the second quarter. Austin Ekeler ran the ball for about 10 yards, and Bates was blocking Queen. They took each other to the ground and Bates called out Queen when speaking to the media on Monday. He labeled him dirty and Queen promptly responded on social media.
Tried to dump me so I dumped him. If he still mad I ain’t hard to find https://t.co/dJwWNu4z7f
— 🦈 (@Patrickqueen_) November 12, 2024
Based on the replay, it certainly seems like Bates is the one that continues to try and push Queen into the ground after the play is over. If anyone is a dirty player in that scenario it is him, but both players drew a penalty for unnecessary roughness. It actually worked out for the Steelers because the penalties offset and required Washington to replay the down, so the whole situation wiped away a 10-yard gain for the Commanders. Washington would never get the first down and they had to settle for a field goal.
As of now, Washington and Pittsburgh are slated to play each other every four years, but the next time these two players meet up, it will certainly be something to keep an eye on.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Patrick Queen stands during mandatory minicamp in 2024.
Queen played what was probably his best game of the season against Washington on Sunday. He had been slandered some early on in the year, which was a bit unfair considering the fact that he was adjusting to a new system and a new team. Things take time, and the linebacker seems to finally be hitting his stride.
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
This is the perfect time for Queen to be heating up on defense. He will be taking on his former team for the first time in Week 11, and the stakes are heightened for this game as the winner will take the number one spot in the AFC North for now. The game could have a lot to do with seeding at the end of the regular season, which makes a strong rivalry even more intense. It certainly looks like either Baltimore or Pittsburgh will end the season as the champions of the AFC North, and this game will be a big factor in deciding that.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Patrick Queen disrupts a pass from Joe Flacco in 2024.
Steelers' Patrick Queen Will Look To Build On Success From Week 10
There is no doubt that Queen had his best game of the season in Week 10, but now he must build on it against a team that loves to run the football. There will certainly be extra emotions for Queen going into the game against Baltimore, which should help him play even better. Pittsburgh will need Queen to step up during the last half of the season as they take on a gauntlet of good offenses with great quarterback play.
What do you think about Queen's response to Bates? Let us know in the comments below!
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