Steelers LB embraces villain role ahead of Week 16 Ravens matchup

Patrick Queen welcomes the villain role as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for a crucial Week 16 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers-Ravens rivalry is heating up early, as Week 16’s battle for the AFC North promises to be nothing short of spectacular. While fans of the Black and Gold were disappointed by the team’s Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the stakes for Week 16 are even higher.

One Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker who understands the significance of this second meeting with the Baltimore Ravens is Patrick Queen, who is eager to embrace the villain role in front of his former team’s fans.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Queen anticipated the atmosphere awaiting him in his return to Baltimore. While he acknowledged the hostility of Ravens fans, he welcomed the negativity.

Queen made it clear to the NFL world that he has a chip on his shoulder when it comes to playing Baltimore, as according to the Steelers linebacker, his former team showed little interest in re-signing him.

Fans can witness Queen’s revenge tour as the 10-4 Pittsburgh Steelers head to Baltimore to take on the 9-5 Ravens in Week 16 on December 21 at 4:30 PM EST.

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Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 17-13 lead over Steelers

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 17-13 lead over Steelers

Philadelphia established its passing game and was dominant on defense, but the scoreboard tells a different story as the Eagles hold just a 17-13 lead over Pittsburgh after one half.

Vic Fangio’s defense held the Steelers to just 80 yards of offense on 30 plays in the first half, but two costly Eagles turnovers and two Chris Boswell field goals have Mike Tomlin’s team within four.

With the second half set to begin, we’re looking at sights and sounds from the first half.

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Steelers insider believes injured linebacker could soon return in 2024

Cole Holcomb’s recovery progress sparks hope for his return to bolster the Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker unit.

In what has been a turbulent buildup to the Week 15 contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, injuries have plagued both sides of the ball for the Black and Gold. However, one Steelers insider believes that do-it-all linebacker Cole Holcomb may be returning from injury very soon.

In his well-known Steelers Chat on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, insider Gerry Dulac shared an update on Holcomb’s recovery process after being asked to check in. He stated, “Well, I can at least tell you his recovery has been outstanding, and, to me, from what I’ve seen, I wouldn’t be surprised if they add him back to the roster soon.”

Holcomb has been sidelined since suffering a season-ending left knee injury on November 2, 2023, during the Steelers’ Week 9 contest against the Tennessee Titans.

His return would help solidify the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ linebacker corps as arguably the best in the NFL, with LBs Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, and rookie Payton Wilson all playing at an exceptional level.

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Steelers defender was second best LB over past two weeks, per PFF

Payton Wilson has emerged as a standout in the Steelers’ linebacker room, offering hope for the future of the team’s strong defense.

In a stacked Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker room that features the impressive run-thumping talents of Elandon Roberts and the do-it-all, well-rounded Patrick Queen, rookie Payton Wilson has shined the brightest over the past two weeks.

On 21 defensive snaps in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens and 32 snaps in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, Wilson has performed as the second-best linebacker in the entire NFL, according to PFF.

Wilson’s speed, agility, and play recognition make him an imposing force in run defense, but his true talents appear to lie in pass defense. Over the past two weeks, he allowed just three receptions for seven yards, and NFL QBs had a dismal average passer rating of 36.5 when targeting him.

The linebacker position has been an area of concern for the Pittsburgh Steelers ever since LB Ryan Shazier suffered h is career-ending spinal cord injury in 2017, and it is exciting to know the future of this strong Steelers defense can rely on the impressive LB room led by Roberts, Queen, and the emerging Wilson.

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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on former Ravens ILB Patrick Queen: ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin weighed in on former Baltimore Ravens ILB Patrick Queen

The Baltimore Ravens saw inside linebacker Patrick Queen move on to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2024 offseason. A lot has been made about Queen’s departure, especially by the inside linebacker himself.

Mike Tomlin spoke about Queen and his performance after Pittsburgh’s 18-16 win over Baltimore. He said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and expressed his joy that Queen is now on his side.

Queen made multiple splash plays against his former team, which helped the Steelers secure a much-needed victory. The Ravens will see Queen again before the regular season ends, giving them an opportunity for revenge.

Patrick Queen wants prosperity not pity, Ravens flock or Ravens fluke?

It’s seeming as if Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen made the right decision to leave the Baltimore Ravens.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen wants to win, not continuously come up short in the biggest games of his NFL career.

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Queen and his Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 Sunday, but the countless mistakes made by his former team hints towards a lack of discipline Queen experienced long before his departure.  

Queen accepted a very bitter defeat versus the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship this past January. Sure, Queen did begin taking jabs at the city of Baltimore earlier this spring. Still, his underlying grief after a 13-4  regular season record and No. 1 AFC seed could not be tastefully conveyed.

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Queen was emphatic for the Baltimore Ravens last season, playing under defensive coordinator Zachary Orr and alongside all-pro Roquan Smith in a situation that appeared to be the best thing that could have ever happened to him. However, Ravens’ fans continue to see mediocrity emerge, especially within the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens’ offense.

Of course, Queen was prepared to school his teammates on the Steelers’ defense about the play tendencies of Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Moreover, not only did Queen help the Steelers hold the Ravens to just two touchdowns, but he forced a huge fumble in the second quarter to stall a Ravens late first-half drive.

For Queen, things could’ve been so simple. Had the Ravens focused in last season, they may have retained Queen, won the Super Bowl, and taken a ride into glory. Instead, they’ll recalibrate and have to sober into the reality that they may have to clinch a playoff berth as a wild-card team this season. That is unless the Steelers tumble backward.

Mike Tomlin ecstatic Baltimore let Patrick Queen hit free agency

Mike Tomlin shares his thoughts on Patrick Queen following the Steelers’ Week 11 win, highlighting his value to the team.

In the post-game press conference following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 11 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked his opinion on former Raven and current Steelers LB Patrick Queen. Tomlin kept it short and sweet, explaining: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Man, I am glad he is on our team.”

Queen, who left Baltimore after the team allowed him to hit free agency in the 2024 offseason, had a fantastic outing against the Ravens, providing much-needed run support against the one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL.

Heading into Week 11, much discussion surrounded Queen’s potential in the revenge game against his former team, and the Steelers LB did not disappoint.

While Queen had his ups and downs to start the season, no one can deny the consecutive elite performances he delivered in Weeks 10 and 11.

Queen will look to keep his red-hot momentum rolling as his team faces a short week due to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12’s Thursday Night Football game.

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Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Lamar Jackson will have to wait a few weeks to get that much-needed win over the Steelers after the Ravens sputtered in neutral for most of the afternoon in an 18-16 loss to Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium.

The NFL’s No. 1 ranked quarterback in QBR, Jackson was 16-33 passing for 207 yards (6.3 avg), one touchdown, one interception, and a 66.1 rating, the lowest of this season.

Jackson had four carries for 46 yards, while Derrick Henry was held to 65 yards (5.0 avg) on 13 carries and one rushing touchdown, tying the single-season franchise record for touchdowns.

Zach Orr’s maligned defense held Pittsburgh to 4-16 on third downs and 303 total yards, but Pittsburgh held the football for 36:22, compared to Baltimore’s 23:38.

The Steelers held the Ravens ‘ top-ranked offense to 329 yards and just 124 yards rushing. Justin Tucker’s two missed field goals will further magnify the two-point loss. On the day, Tucker was 1-3 on field goal attempts, while Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was a perfect 6-6, including a 57-yard field goal.

Baltimore will quickly regroup before a massive Monday night matchup against Jim Harbaugh and the 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers.

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Steelers sending a ‘motivated’ Patrick Queen out for coin toss vs. Ravens

Patrick Queen will be one of the Pittsburgh captains for Sunday game vs. the Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens and Steelers are set for the first of two highly intense matchups, and Patrick Queen has already declared this contest a must-see TV event.

Speaking to reporters about Sunday’s matchup and reflecting on free agency, Queen said that Baltimore didn’t offer him a new contract before he signed a three-year deal with Pittsburgh.

“I wasn’t wanted back. I didn’t get an offer back. It’s definitely kind of upsetting, being there for four years, the bond that you grow with your teammates. At the end of the day, the first few months, you definitely go through those feelings.”

Looking to add his own spice to the contention, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is planning to make Queen a captain for the game, and he’ll be out front for the coin toss.

The running mate for Roquan Smith, Queen made his first Pro Bowl this season after logging 125 tackles (78 solos) and matching a career-high with six passes defended. He also added 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for the best defense in the league.

Queen is the only NFL defender to have produced at least 400 tackles (with 445), double-digit sacks (13.5), and double-digit takeaways (four interceptions and six fumble recoveries) since 2020.

This season in Pittsburgh, Queen has 62 tackles, no sacks, and a 101 passer rating allowed on 324 coverage snaps.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh weighs in on Steelers Patrick Queen, DeShon Elliott

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh weighed in on Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen and safety DeShon Elliott

The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have seen many of their players cross sides in their rivalry. From stars to role players and everything in between, plenty have changed allegiances and tried their hand at being the enemy.

A few former Ravens players who are now current Steelers include inside linebacker Patrick Queen and safety DeShon Elliott. When asked about the duo, head coach John Harbaugh said that they’re playing at a high level in roles they’ve always been good in.

“I just think they’re defense is playing really well. They have roles for their guys [and] every piece fits in a way that they want it to fit. Those two guys, specifically, are playing at a high level [and] doing the roles that they’ve always been good at. You see ‘Pat’ [Patrick Queen] play, and you see DeShon [Elliott] play – that’s the type of stuff that they’ve always done well. They did it well here as well, so they’re playing well.”

Queen and Elliott will be looking to get the better of their former team for as long as they’re in Steelers uniforms. However, the Ravens won’t allow that to happen so easily, especially when they have to go up against a historic offense.