The Pittsburgh Steelers needed to make a lot of changes after their epic collapse to end the 2024 NFL season. Nothing about the five-game losing streak could be considered acceptable, and the team knew that. They made all kinds of roster moves to try and ensure that that would not happen again. Many parts of the defense have been completely overhauled, and the offense has a new quarterback, along with a few extra weapons. One of the biggest upgrades of the 2025 offseason however, was one that was made in-house, and it was not a particular decision.
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Tuesday May 27, 2025 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
During an interview on the Steelers' official YouTube channel, linebacker Patrick Queen was asked about how he felt about being the defensive quarterback for the second year in a row for Pittsburgh. He spoke about the biggest difference between the previous season and the upcoming one in that regard.
"It’s way more simple now," Queen said. "I got a feeling on what the coaches want to call, especially in certain situations. I’m more familiar with the guys around me. Me and Payton [Wilson] got a real good connection on who’s making what call and when, and why we're doing it. I’m definitely more comfortable, and now it's time to go out there and make more plays."
One of the biggest issues with the Steelers throughout the entire 2024 season was communication on defense. There was a lot of finger-pointing going around on who's fault it was. In the end, it seemed like everyone deserved some blame, from coaches to Queen to everyone else on that unit. There were quite a few changes made to help with communication for 2025.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Patrick Queen speak on the sidelines during a 2024 home game in Pittsburgh, PA.
For starters, Queen now has more experience in the defense. As he said, he is a lot more familiar with all aspects of the unit. Now, Queen knows the playbook a lot more than he did in 2024, so calling out plays and potential audibles is so much easier than it was in the previous season. He can identify everyone's assignments easily, which means all parties can focus more on making plays, as opposed to just hoping good things happen while they stand confused in the middle of the field.
Even Head Coach Mike Tomlin is reportedly doing his part in helping to fix the communication by adding a new "quarters" defense that will make audibles easier to do, among other supposed benefits. We will see for sure once Week 1 kicks off.
Steelers Hope For More Production From Patrick Queen
It's no secret that Queen had a down year in 2024. He recorded career-lows in tackles for loss, quarterback hits, and interceptions in his first year in Pittsburgh. Some of that could have stemmed from the fact that he was too busy trying to get everyone on the same page to be able to be the explosive, hard-hitting player that the Steelers signed him to be.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) runs a drill while working on a sled during the team's 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
With communication issues hopefully being out of the way, Queen should have a bounce-back year. He should be able to be better as a run stopper and a coverage linebacker. Everyone around him should be able to improve as well, including Payton Wilson and the new and improved, revamped secondary. If the defense has another monumental breakdown, a lot of people will likely lose their job, and Queen might be one of those guys. There will be no excuses this year for this unit, barring any significant injuries.
What do you think about Queen talking about how he feels much more comfortable as the defensive quarterback? Will we see a jump in play from him in 2025? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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