Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin might be more prophetic than anyone realized. In 2020, when linebacker Patrick Queen was a rookie with the Baltimore Ravens, Tomlin yelled at him from the sideline, "You're not a Raven!" Now, Queen really isn't a Raven; he's a Steeler.
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Steelers' Patrick Queen during his time with the Ravens.
It's like he was meant to be here—he announced that Primanti Brothers is superior and that the Strip District is better than the Inner Harbor. Pittsburgh was so alluring that he took a pay cut to join the Steelers.
Fans would be seriously hot under the collar if a player so once loved, went to the competition and was happy about it—the nerve. The rivalry with Baltimore is incredible because there's so much in common. Geographically close, they are both blue-collar towns on rivers, and they love their sports teams with a rabidity you don't find elsewhere. That's why it was no surprise that the Baltimore media was seriously peeved about Queen's comments.
The Ravens Flock vented all their fury, and the hosts of The Big Bad Morning Show, Jeremy Conn, Ed Norris, and Rob Long, were no exception. The show airs on Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan Baltimore, and they recently discussed Queen's comments.
"Not good, not good at all. He's embraced Pittsburgh already," said Conn. "He's kind of turned into a villain already with some of his comments. I think he's got that chip on his shoulder. Part of coming to Pittsburgh is about here and showing the Ravens he should've have been paid here."
Queen wasn't offered the kind of contract he wanted in Baltimore because the team had just committed to Roquan Smith. While Smith is a great linebacker, that doesn't minimize the talent that Queen possesses.
93.7 The Fan
Steelers' Patrick Queen speaks to the media.
As for being a "villain," Queen has already admitted that. Shortly after being signed by Pittsburgh, he told the media that he hopes to be that guy. Queen is ready to get even by partnering with this stalwart defense to show the Ravens who runs the AFC North. Conn and the rest of his team weren't impressed by Queen's embracing of Yinzer culture.
"Some of the comments just seem kind of silly to me. I know he talked about restaurants and he's not a seafood person. You don't have to eat seafood to find great food in Baltimore. If you want French fries on your sandwich, go ahead and take your sorry a** to Pittsburgh," ranted Conn.
Conn should save that salt to sprinkle on top of a Pitts-Burger. As for Queen, the one legitimate criticism that Conn made is that we will see him play without Smith for the first time. Is Queen really as good as he seemed in Baltimore, or is that a result of being partnered with Smith? Queen did improve once Smith joined the team during the 2022 season. Conn said that Queen is "solid, not spectacular," and only time will tell.
Rich Schultz / ap photo
Former Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen chases down the ball during a game.
Queen is the feather in General Manager Omar Khan's 2024 free agency cap. The three-year, $41 million deal was the biggest one the team made in franchise history for a free agency acquisition.
Steelers Need Patrick Queen To Step Up In The Middle
The Steelers are counting on Queen to be a difference-maker. They need his talent in the middle of the defense. During his four seasons in Baltimore, Queen had four interceptions, five forced fumbles, 13.5 sacks, and 454 combined tackles.
Ever since Ryan Shazier's tragic spinal cord injury in 2017, the Steelers have struggled to find this missing piece. Injuries seem to have plagued this position. After investing in Devin Bush, he suffered an ACL tear that he never fully recovered from in terms of gameplay. In 2023, things looked better with the addition of Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb, but again, season-ending injuries took them out.
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Linebacker Cole Holcomb being carted off with a season-ending injury during the 2023 campaign.
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