The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to take down the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football in Week 15 as the team improved to 8-6 on the 2025 season. It was a dominant win as the group won 28-15, although most of the game was not as close as that final score indicates. The Steelers had a lead of 28-3 at one point as the offense was able to score a touchdown on four straight possessions, while the defense kept Miami's offense bottled up for most of the contest.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin walks out of the tunnel ahead of a road game against the New England Patriots during the 2025 season.
Many were worried about Pittsburgh's defense coming into this contest. That is partially due to TJ Watt being out, but it is also because of the dangerous rushing attack that the Dolphins possess. The Steelers' defense was up to the challenge however, as the defensive front played great, as did the linebackers filling in to make tackles. That included star middle linebacker Patrick Queen.
Queen finished the night with 10 tackles, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about his performance after the win during his postgame press conference.
"He's going to tell you he could have played better," Tomlin said. "I agree with him. He and I just had a brief conversation. He's got a big week next week. We gotta go to Detroit, and you know what they're capable of, particularly with their backs and so forth. So, stay tuned, keep watching."
Pittsburgh signed Queen to a lucrative, three-year contract during the 2024 offseason. His play has been diminished by some as he has been inconsistent at times and he hasn't quite lived up to the All-Pro status that he had when signing his free agent deal. However, his play has improved in 2025, and he has had great games for the team. He was a big part of the win on Monday night, even if he and Tomlin agree that he could have performed better.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Patrick Queen celebrates with Payton Wilson during a win over the Miami Dolphins at home during the 2025 season.
As mentioned, Queen played great against Miami thanks to his double-digit tackle game. Two of those tackles came behind the line of scrimmage, and the inside linebacker didn't have any noticeable lapses in coverage either. He was a force that had a nose for the football in this game, and there is no doubt that he was a major part of the win. His coach believes he can play better, which should be exciting for fans as there seems to be a whole other level that Queen can get to while with the Steelers.
The veteran linebacker is in for a challenge in Week 16 as the Steelers will travel to take on the Detroit Lions. This is a pivotal game for the Steelers as every game matters while the team is in a tight race at the top of the AFC North, and the Lions have one of the most potent offenses in the league. Detroit has the top-ranked scoring offense and is top five in total yards. A lot of that production comes from the backfield. It will be crucial that Queen ups his play once again in order to contain that offensive group.
Steelers' Patrick Queen Has Bounced Back From Rocky Start With The Team
Queen was an All-Pro back in 2023, which was his final season with the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh signed him to an expensive contract, so the expectations were sky-high as soon as Queen landed in Pittsburgh. He didn't play great out of the gate, and the collapse at the end of the 2024 season for the defense was partially blamed on him.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Patrick Queen celebrates after creating a turnover against the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
He has bounced back nicely in 2025 as he has shown that his All-Pro self is still there, and he is going to be one of Pittsburgh's most important players down the stretch.
What do you think about Tomlin's thoughts on Queen's play? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
