"It P**sed Me Off": Steelers' Patrick Queen Takes Fans Behind The Scenes Of Embarrassing Defensive Moment

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an up and down season in 2025. The team's record is 5-3, but at one point, the franchise was being labeled a Super Bowl contender as the rest of the AFC North was struggling. The Steelers then went on a two-game losing streak as the defense struggled immensely and got embarrassed during primetime in both scenarios. Expectations were sky high for the defense coming into the 2025 season, so it was shocking to see that side of the ball get destroyed in the way that it was, although there were signs earlier in the year.

Pittsburgh's first loss of the season came in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. It was the home opener for the Steelers, and the group failed to play well in the second half. Pittsburgh lost the game by a score of 31-17. The biggest talking point after the contest was Kaleb Johnson's special teams gaffe, which led to a touchdown for Seattle. That play overshadowed what was a horrific defensive performance. 

Inside linebacker Patrick Queen was recently on The Christian Kuntz Podcast, and he spoke about a specific play during that game and his defensive effort.

"It was that one play when we played the Seahawks, coach told us we needed a stop, then they ran a toss and they scored," Queen explained. "I just remember Payton [Wilson] going and trying to cut it off, because I'm always telling him at practice, 'Hey I'm coming, just send it back to me.' I kind of left him out to dry. I didn't get there. My effort was piss poor. It stuck with me, and it p**sed me off."

Queen is referring to the final touchdown of the game, which came while Seattle was up 24-17. Pittsburgh still had a chance while only being down one score as there was still nearly eight minutes left on the game clock when that drive started. The Steelers just needed to get a stop, which Queen stated was something Head Coach Mike Tomlin was echoing to his defense.

Pittsburgh's defense crumbled, and it allowed Seattle to march down the field and find the end zone. The Seahawks scored on the toss play that Queen described, as Kenneth Walker took the ball down the left sideline and all but put the game out of reach for Pittsburgh.

To make matters worse, the Steelers had forced the Seahawks into a difficult third and goal scenario from the 20-yard line. The Seahawks were running the ball just to keep the clock moving, and the Steelers could not find a way to stop them and it is a big reason Pittsburgh started the season 1-1. As the quarterback of the defense, Queen took full responsibility, and he even blamed his own effort. The inside linebacker has used that instance as a learning experience, which could be a reason his play has improved.

Steelers Inside Linebackers Have Stepped Up Throughout The 2025 Season

Both Queen and Payton Wilson were catching some heat to start the year for the Pittsburgh defense, and the two have shown steady improvement as the season has moved along. Wilson is coming off of his best game as a professional where he recorded 14 total tackles, an interception, and he tipped another ball that led to an interception. 

Queen also made plays in the win as he broke up a pass and flew around the field getting to the ball. If this duo can continue to improve, it will only continue to raise the ceiling of this defense.

What do you think about Queen's recollection of his poor defensive effort from Week 2? Let us know in the comments below!

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