A former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman aimed some pointed criticism at Patrick Queen.
with former Pittsburgh quarterback and teammate Charlie Batch, took to X during the team's Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills and didn't mince words while disapproving of Queen's performance. "He’s hurt, but I’m over the Patrick Queen experiment," Essex wrote.
"Simply put, he’s not a Steelers LB. He’s not Farrior. He’s not Timmons. He’s not Shazier. He doesn’t play with that disposition. We missed on that signing. And for our main rival to let him leave, shoulda been a sign." He’s hurt, but I’m over the Patrick Queen experiment. Simply put, he’s not a Steelers LB. He’s not Farrior. He’s not Timmons. He’s not Shazier. He doesn’t play with that disposition. We missed on that signing. And for our main rival to let him leave, shoulda been a sign.A staple of the Baltimore Ravens' defense for four years after being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, recording 454 tackles and 13.5 sacks over that span, Queen switched allegiances in the AFC North and inked a three-year deal worth $41 million with Queen, who was a second-team All-Pro in 2023, served as the main communicator right off the bat for the Steelers upon being handed the green dot duties in his first season with the team. The 26-year-old, who played 100 percent of Pittsburgh's defensive snaps in 2024, oversaw a unit that crumbled towards the end of the year as communication issues became a point of contention amidst a five-game losing streak. Queen led Pittsburgh with 129 total tackles, which was the second-most in any season of his career, but he was credited with missing 21 tackles, which was tied for the fourth-highest total in the league among linebackers, per He has once again worn the green dot on his helmet when healthy while having been on the field for 99 percent of the Steelers' defensive snaps entering Week 13. The issue, however, is that Queen had already tied his missed tackle total of 21 from a season ago in just 11 games while essentially quarterbacking one of the league's worst defensive units., per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It's kind of hard for two guys that are underneath defenders to try to guard two routes that's overhanging off the hashes and stuff. As much as you know it, you're trying to play the run. You try to get back to a bang or whatever it is. It's hard to do that. It's kind of a bad spot to be in, but at the end of the day we just have to be better." Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal carries the ball defended by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen during the second quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesIf the Steelers don't turn things around quickly, the Steelers could be heading towards some widespread changes once the season ends. Once standing at 4-1 following a Week 6 victory over the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh is now 6-6 after allowing the Bills to run for * yards against it this week. The responsibility for the Steelers' discouraging campaign falls on any number of players, coaches and personnel within the organization, and Queen is certainly among that contingent. He simply hasn't been the difference-maker in the middle of the defense that Pittsburgh had hoped he would be, but he does have a lot on his plate. It's not like it's easy to find a true replacement for Queen in-season either, but perhaps the team would consider some sort of change and up Payton Wilson's role while mixing in the likes of Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison more often. Should the Steelers opt to move on from Queen in the offseason, they could save $13.33 million in cap space while taking on $3.868 million in dead money if they were to either cut or trade him. There's a long way to go before that becomes a reality, but it has to be in consideration if Queen can't step up his play.Jack is a New Jersey native who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh as a Media & Professional Communications major in 2024 who is now covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Yankees for On SI.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bills vs. Steelers Preview: Prediction, storylines, odds, injuries, player to watchThe banged-up Bills are in search of a rebound win to remain in the thick of the playoff hunt.
Read more »
Steelers Offense Will Be Missing Key Aaron Rodgers ComponentPittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still limited in what he can do despite his impending return against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.
Read more »
Where to watch Steelers vs. Bills NFL Week 13 game today on free streams, TVThe Pittsburgh Steelers look to stay in the AFC playoff hunt with a return to Acrisure Stadium against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
Read more »
Steelers Make Shocking Roster Decision vs. BillsA former starter will not be active for the Pittsburgh Steelers' matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
Read more »
Bills scratch key pass-catchers again in Week 13 vs. SteelersThe Buffalo Bills scratched seven players in Week 13, including a tight end and wide receiver
Read more »
Pittsburgh Steelers rule out five players against Bills, including standout rookie pass rusherThe Steelers will be without multiple players against the Bills.
Read more »