The Pittsburgh Steelers already have a two-game lead in the AFC North over the Baltimore Ravens and linebacker Patrick Queen has to be feeling good.
The Steelers are undefeated in 2024 with a defense ranking No. 2 in the NFL in points allowed per game. Queen might not like Baltimore’s seafood that much, but him, linebacker Roquan Smith, and defensive coordinator Zach Orr had a very close bond before he left.
Queen was there inside the Ravens’ locker room in 2023 as he watched what seemed to be a perfect season and potential Super Bowl get hindered by the stubbornness of the teams’ offensive coordinator.
Angered and frustrated with a lack of team accountability, Queen joined the Steelers this off-season for an opportunity to play under head coach Mike Tomlin and next to all-pro linebacker T.J Watt.
Queen’s decision to leave was initially questionable, but incentives, including a pay raise and an a opportunity to covertly get revenge by playing against the team that ruined his dreams in 2024, are extremely valid.
Patrick Queen has been very inconsistent (and even disappointing) so far… but his aggressiveness flashes. We need to see plays like this more often. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/rxZE32snWR
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) September 18, 2024
The Ravens defense hasn’t been terrible this season, but they do rank last in the NFL in opponent pass yards allowed per game. Queen definitely play as a factor versus those underneath passes as Raven last season, hurrying running backs on flat routes, and disturbing tight-ends inside the hash marks.
Sure, it’s only week three in the NFL, but after a 0-2 Ravens’ start, Queen has to feel good about his decision to leave Baltimore.
.@Patrickqueen_ is ready for Renegade on Sunday 🙌 pic.twitter.com/sBqeo48Rwq
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 19, 2024
