Patrick Queen Seems to be ‘A Lot Extra Snug’ In 12 months Two With Steelers, Coaches Say

A second lap across the observe is likely to be what linebacker Patrick Queen wanted to jump-start his Pittsburgh Steelers profession. After a 2024 season that always went quiet and resulted in a multitude of communication chaos, DC Teryl Austin sees Queen in a greater place heading into 2025.

“I believe he’s much more snug,” Austin advised reporters Thursday in audio supplied by the group. “I do know it appears straightforward, hey you’re simply listening to the man discuss to you. However generally you don’t wanna hear my voice And I’m speaking to them and generally you’re giving guys, ‘Hey, right here’s the decision. However hey, alert for this, be sure you relay this, do that.’

“There’s loads of issues which can be actually occurring on that mic. At first, it might be unsettling. You’re speaking a few man in a brand new metropolis, studying new stuff, all type of studying as teammates. Now, there’s a consolation degree there.”

Queen wore and can proceed to put on the “inexperienced dot,” the defensive helmet with a headset the place the coach’s play name is distributed with Queen relaying the message to the remainder of his teammates. As Austin notes, the decision can include further notes, particularly when dealing with the NFL’s high quarterbacks and most advanced offenses.

The priority with Queen is his potential to stroll and chew gum on the similar time. To play properly individually whereas serving as quarterback of the protection. In Baltimore, he struggled and solely bounced again as soon as LB Roquan Smith was traded for and assumed these duties. In Pittsburgh, he didn’t quiet these issues. Now, he enters a second 12 months in Pittsburgh the place there needs to be no excuses. Even because the schematics obtain a facelift, Queen has the identical coordinator and head coach and the identical framework of a defensive scheme. He should be capable of do each. Austin thinks he’ll shine.

“I believe he may take that info in much more easily than he did final 12 months and get it out much more easily,” Austin stated of Queen. “So I believe he’s been actually, actually good when it comes to that this 12 months. How we talk is lots simpler and higher this 12 months. ”

Queen’s first problem comes Sunday in opposition to the New York Jets. However the actual check would possibly happen within the dwelling opener. Although Steeler Nation will make life powerful on the Seattle Seahawks’ offense, the decibels don’t get any decrease for the Steelers’ protection. There are massive expectations for Queen and Pittsburgh’s unit to be among the many NFL’s finest and to his credit score, Queen hasn’t shied away from them. But when he can’t shine this season, it’s honest to marvel if he’s the fitting man for the job.