The Baltimore Ravens have seen improved play out of their inside linebacker unit over the past few weeks. A lot of that has to do with the insertion of Josh Bynes into the starting lineup at the MIKE linebacker position, while fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen was moved to more of a WILL linebacker role. Both players have been able to play off of each other, and for Queen, the presence of Bynes has seemingly made the game easier for him.
When Baltimore defensive coordinator Don Martindale was asked about what he’s seen from Queen over the past few weeks, the coach said that the first thing that jumps out at him is that the second-year linebacker is practicing a lot better.
“The first thing that jumps out when you ask that question is he’s practicing better. He’s had some really good [practices]. Like, I’m excited for this game for him. And we move him around. He’s not going to be locked-in just at WILL and everything else. There are things that we do in our defense where we move guys around. But he’s really come a long way just practicing football, and in the game, you’re starting to see some of the success. I’m really looking forward to seeing him play Sunday.”
It’s a good sign that Queen looks better in practice. With that being said, it’s one thing to practice well and another to play well in a live game setting. If the last few weeks have been any indication, Queen should continue to improve, but he has to keep learning and honing in on his craft, something he seems to be doing in practice.
Queen is still a very young player with plenty of room to grow. It was expected that he would go through some growing pains, but he has struggled overall in his second season after having a strong preseason. Hopefully his improved play is a sign of things to come.