The Pittsburgh Steelers are beginning to see encouraging developments from their defense, particularly at the inside linebacker position. Following Pittsburgh's 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, Head Coach Mike McCarthy offered some interesting insight into the growth of Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson. Both linebackers played important roles in helping the Steelers improve to 5-2, but McCarthy revealed that the coaching staff has made a specific adjustment to help Queen become more effective. It is a development that could have significant implications for Pittsburgh's defense moving forward.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) celebrates with Patrick Queen (6) after a big play during the Week 7 game against the Saints in Paris, France.
Queen arrived in Pittsburgh with considerable expectations, and the Steelers have continued searching for ways to maximize his abilities. The veteran linebacker possesses the athleticism and physicality to make an impact in multiple areas, particularly when attacking opposing offenses. However, finding the right balance between his responsibilities and opportunities to play aggressively remains important. McCarthy believes the Steelers are making progress in that department.
During his latest comments about Pittsburgh's defensive performance, McCarthy explained how the coaching staff has adjusted Queen's involvement. The Steelers have not simply asked him to execute assignments on the field. They have also increased his participation in discussions surrounding the defensive game plan, giving him additional ownership of what Pittsburgh is attempting to accomplish.
"I thought PQ had an excellent week, and frankly, we cut him loose on some pressures early," McCarthy said. "Activated him and gave him a little more ownership in what exactly we're doing, in the play-caller meetings and the things that are going on."
That is an important admission from Pittsburgh's head coach. Queen is being given more opportunities to influence the defense, both through his responsibilities on the field and his involvement behind the scenes. Rather than simply expecting the veteran to perform within a predetermined structure, the Steelers are allowing him to become more involved in the process.
The decision to unleash Queen as a pass rusher is particularly interesting. Inside linebackers are often required to balance several responsibilities, including defending the run, covering receivers, and communicating adjustments. However, Queen's athleticism gives Pittsburgh another potential weapon when attempting to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (8) and Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrate a big play in Paris, France against the Saints in October of 2026.
Allowing him to attack more frequently can create additional problems for opposing offenses. Quarterbacks must account for pressure arriving from different positions, while offensive linemen are forced to identify potential blitzers before the snap. That uncertainty can make Pittsburgh's defensive approach more difficult to predict.
McCarthy's comments also suggest that Queen's improvement extends beyond physical execution. Giving a player more ownership of the defensive game plan requires trust, communication, and an understanding of how different responsibilities fit together. The Steelers appear interested in helping Queen become more involved in those conversations.
That approach could prove especially valuable as Pittsburgh continues developing its defensive identity. Experienced linebackers often play an important role in keeping everyone organized, particularly when opposing offenses attempt to create confusion before the snap. Having Queen more involved in the planning process could strengthen that communication.
McCarthy also made sure to recognize Wilson, whose performance against New Orleans provided another encouraging development. The young linebacker delivered one of Pittsburgh's most important defensive moments during the victory. His third-quarter interception helped demonstrate the impact Pittsburgh's inside linebackers can have when opportunities arise.
"Yeah, you definitely see growth, and Payton Wilson's play was one of the biggest plays in the game," McCarthy said.
Steelers' Patrick Queen And Payton Wilson Taking Important Steps Together
Perhaps the most encouraging part of McCarthy's assessment was his emphasis on the entire linebacker group. Pittsburgh's defense has talented individual contributors, but the challenge has been getting those players to consistently operate together. McCarthy believes that process is beginning to produce noticeable results.
"Those guys are stepping forward, and you're just seeing us get connected," McCarthy said. "I think the uptick in pressure has benefited us too. I think we all recognize that."
That final observation reveals another important element of Pittsburgh's defensive progress. Increasing pressure on opposing quarterbacks can benefit everyone, including linebackers responsible for coverage assignments. When quarterbacks have less time to make decisions, defenders have additional opportunities to capitalize on mistakes. For Steeler Nation, hearing these comments from their head coach regarding Queen and Wilson is very telling.
Do you believe Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are becoming one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest defensive strengths? Let me know on X @anthonyghalkias.
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