The Pittsburgh Steelers made a big signing this offseason, bringing in former rival Patrick Queen, who played the last four years with the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore opened the season on Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing 27-20 after Isaiah Likely was ruled out of bounds on a potential touchdown at the end of regulation time.
The Ravens started Trenton Simpson alongside Roquan Smith at inside linebacker, and former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky did not consider Simpson an adequate replacement for Queen.
“Baltimore missed Queen – see what happens alongside Smith as the season progresses,” Orlovsky wrote.
Simpson recorded five tackles, 0.5 sacks and a pass deflection, but the Ravens’ lack of quickness at the linebacker position was evident, as the Chiefs were able to attack the middle of the field with their passing game. Queen’s quickness was an advantage for the Steelers, as TJ Watt noted that the defense is “noticeably” faster thanks in part to Queen, and that quickness is something the Ravens lack.
They also missed his coverage ability and it will be interesting to see how Simpson looks next to Smith for the rest of the year. There was some thinking that Queen might deteriorate if he doesn’t play next to Smith, but last night showed that Queen is a key part of Baltimore’s defense. The Ravens could have a hard time replacing him even with an All-Pro in Smith still playing at linebacker.
That’s one of the reasons why signing Queen was such a good move. Not only did it improve the Steelers’ linebacker corps, but it also weakened a division rival they will face twice a year. The Steelers have played mixed positions at inside linebacker over the past few seasons, and although the team started strong last year, injuries to Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander forced the Steelers to sign Myles Jack off the street to fill out the roster late in the season.
Queen was an All-Pro last season and will be a key piece in the middle of the field for the Steelers. He is a big reason why the Steelers defense should be one of the best in the league this season. The Steelers already have two of the best pass rushers in the league in Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt, and now they’re adding a run stopper who can also take the pressure off Minkah Fitzpatrick when it comes to covering tight ends. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers use him this season, and it’s even better for them that his signing could weaken their biggest rival.
