Steelers' Patrick Queen Reveals Profound Frustration Practicing Against Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers will expect key contributions from multiple veteran players on both sides of the ball in 2025.  The Steelers signed former New York Jets' quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal with the hopes of changing the organization's playoff-win drought. Rodgers will more than likely retire following this year, but the 41-year-old quarterback may prove to still have enough firepower left in the tank this season.

The Steelers are expecting a number of defensive veterans to play at a high level, as linebacker Patrick Queen will look to shine throughout his second year in Pittsburgh. Queen had an underwhelming first year with the Steelers, but the veteran could easily find himself playing some of his best football this season. Queen recently commented on his experience practicing against Rodgers as well, where the former Baltimore Raven claims Rodgers' football IQ is off the charts.

Queen spoke about how it can get frustrating practicing against a quarterback of Rodgers' caliber as well.

"It's different, bro." Queen stated. "High, high IQ guy. The no-looks are starting to piss me off a little bit, but he's smart. He's calling out our plays. He's talking about our plays as he's doing the play calls for the o-line, for the receivers."

Queen then continued to talk about how Rodgers challenges the entire Steelers' defense, as the veteran claimed that Rodgers loves testing out opposing defenders' drops and their coverages.

"It's just a whole bunch of stuff that goes on, but you definitely get a good look. He's gonna test your drops, he's gonna test your man coverage."

Queen signed a three-year, $41 million deal with the Steelers during the 2024 offseason. Queen will play a major role in 2025, as the veteran will look to get back to playing at an elite level. The former Raven was a crucial piece on Baltimore's defense during his entire tenure and could very well emerge as an X factor on Pittsburgh's defensive unit this year.

Queen is a five year veteran who spent his first four years in Baltimore. Queen was credited with a sack and 129 combined tackles while appearing in all 17 games for the Steelers last season. The veteran could play a sizable off field role this season as well, with Queen being an excellent mentor towards younger members on Pittsburgh's defensive unit.

Steelers' Rodgers And Queen Could Be Pittsburgh's X-Factors in Week 1

The Steelers play the Jets at MetLife Stadium come Week 1. Rodgers will face off against his former team, and the Steelers will go up against a familiar face in Justin Fields. Queen will play a major role as well as the veteran will look to make a statement on defense to open up the year.

Rodgers will have a lot to prove throughout 2025. The veteran is two seasons removed from a torn Achillies, and is expected to be the healthiest he has been in years. The former Jet will look to start fast against his former team and could use his time in New York as an advantage throughout the matchup. Both Queen and Rodgers will be slated with huge roles to begin the season, and the Steelers could find themselves starting the year as one of the more underrated teams in the entire NFL.

Rodgers and Queen will both make key contributions this year. Rodgers will play a massive role as the starting quarterback while Queen will look to make his presence known on defense. The Steelers head to New Jersey next weekend where Rodgers will look to start the year with a win against his former team.

Are you excited to watch Rodgers and Queen play throughout 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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