Pittsburgh Steelers Secure Victory Over Baltimore Ravens With Standout Performance by Patrick Queen

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a decisive victory against their traditional AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, during a fiercely contested game at Acrisure Stadium. Despite the Ravens’ status as one of the league’s top offensive units, they struggled to consistently score against the Steelers’ resolute defense.

An instrumental figure in the Steelers’ defensive success was inside linebacker Patrick Queen. Queen, a former first-round pick for the Ravens in 2020, transitioned to the Steelers following an impressive Pro Bowl season in 2023, which saw him rack up 133 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. His exemplary performance in that season earned him the best Pro Football Focus grade of his career. Despite his achievements, the Ravens opted not to extend his contract, allowing him to enter the free-agent market in 2024, where he secured a three-year deal with the Steelers.

Queen’s impact was palpable during the game against his former team, as he aggressively showcased his defensive prowess. Notable contributions included forcing a fumble from Ravens’ tight end Isaiah Likely and recovering it himself just before halftime. His performance was met with high praise from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who was not shy about expressing his satisfaction with Queen’s acquisition, saying, «One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, man. I’m glad he is on our team.»

The decision by the Ravens not to re-sign Queen was influenced by their earlier investment in All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, who commanded a significant portion of the team’s salary cap. Nevertheless, the sight of Queen thriving with their divisional rivals is likely a bitter pill for Baltimore to swallow. In this pivotal matchup, Queen registered a game-high 10 tackles, a tackle for a loss, as well as the aforementioned forced fumble and recovery, all while disrupting the passing lanes for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Coach Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office recognized the strategic advantage of bringing Queen into their fold, and his impact on the team’s defensive capabilities has already justified his acquisition. At just 25 years old, Queen’s continued development promises to be a significant asset to the Steelers as they advance through the season.