Steelers' Patrick Queen Explains Exactly How Pittsburgh Shut Down The Saints

The Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Paris, France, and walked away from Stade de France with a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Mike McCarthy's team delivered an impressive defensive performance, particularly against a New Orleans rushing attack that struggled to establish any consistency. The Steelers held the Saints to just 18 rushing yards, an accomplishment that played an important role in securing the victory. Following the game, linebacker Patrick Queen revealed exactly how Pittsburgh prepared to eliminate that part of New Orleans' offense.

Pittsburgh entered the matchup understanding that Saints quarterback Tyler Shough could create problems if his offense established balance. The young quarterback had demonstrated his ability to move the football through the air, making it important for the Steelers to prevent New Orleans from developing a complementary rushing attack. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham needed his players to remain disciplined and recognize what the Saints were attempting to accomplish. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the defense appeared well-prepared for the challenge.

According to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Chris Adamski, Queen discussed the defensive mentality that helped Pittsburgh control the game. The veteran linebacker explained that the Steelers studied New Orleans' formations and understood the importance of identifying tendencies before the snap. His comments offered an interesting look at how Pittsburgh approached the matchup and why the Saints struggled to generate rushing production.

"We just understood formation tendencies, and we just had a mindset of stopping the run," Queen said. "Tyler Shough has been lighting it up throwing the ball, and we knew that coming into the game that if they had a run game, it would be tough to beat those guys. We knew we had to stop the run for sure."

That explanation provides some valuable insight into Pittsburgh's defensive preparation. The Steelers did not simply arrive in Paris hoping their defensive front would overpower New Orleans. Instead, they identified a specific concern and developed an approach designed to prevent the Saints from becoming a balanced offensive team.

Queen's reference to formation tendencies is particularly interesting because it suggests Pittsburgh recognized certain offensive indicators before plays developed. Defensive players spend considerable time studying opponents throughout the week, looking for patterns that might reveal what is coming. Understanding those tendencies can help linebackers anticipate rushing lanes and position themselves to make tackles.

However, recognizing formations is only part of the challenge. Defenders must still execute their assignments, maintain proper positioning, and avoid allowing running backs to escape through open lanes. Pittsburgh's performance demonstrated how effective that preparation can become when players remain disciplined throughout a game. 

The Steelers also understood the danger of allowing Shough to operate with a dependable rushing attack. When an offense can consistently gain yards on the ground, opposing defenses must account for additional possibilities on every snap. That creates opportunities for play-action passes and can make life considerably easier for a quarterback.

By eliminating the rushing threat, Pittsburgh placed additional pressure on Shough to generate offense through the passing game. The Saints were forced to operate without the balance they would have preferred, allowing the Steelers to concentrate more heavily on defending their aerial attack.

Steelers Defense Provide An Encouraging Example In Paris

For Graham, Sunday's performance represented an encouraging example of his defense executing a clearly defined plan. The Steelers have talented players throughout their defensive lineup, but individual ability alone does not guarantee consistent results. Preparation and understanding how opponents want to attack are equally important.

Queen played an important role in establishing that mentality. As one of Pittsburgh's experienced linebackers, he is responsible for helping the defense remain organized and reacting quickly to offensive movement. His explanation suggests the Steelers understood what New Orleans wanted to accomplish and were determined not to let it happen. The hope is that this momentum can carry into the next contest against the Cleveland Browns.

Can the Pittsburgh Steelers continue dominating opposing rushing attacks like they did against the Saints? Let me know on X @anthonyghalkias. 

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