Steelers' Patrick Queen Calls Out Defense After Heartbreaking Loss To The Ravens: "You're Supposed To Be Taking Off"

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense could not hold off the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16 and lost 34-17. The Ravens pulled away in the fourth quarter, but the defense put up an inconsistent performance all four quarters. After the game was over, Head Coach Mike Tomlin expressed his frustrations. Tomlin wasn't the only member of the black and gold who was unhappy either. The players have also shared concerns about the way the game played out. 

Tomlin told the media that he feels the team should be better this time of year. He said the defense should have made a stand against the red zone touchdowns and not allowed their tight ends to be as open. Tomlin said the players have a lot of work to do to prepare for the remainder of the season. 

Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen echoed Tomlin's sentiments when he spoke with the media. The defense needs to perform more consistently this late in the season, especially considering the Steelers have secured a playoff berth. 

"Got to have a sense of urgency, especially with this type of game," said Queen. "All the stuff that's riding on this game and then just getting into the back half of the season, postseason, this is when you're supposed to be taking off as a defense, not falling back."

It is fair for frustrations to exist, especially considering they are the highest-paid unit in the league. However, they haven't looked like the defense everyone expected, particularly the past two weeks against the Philadelphia Eagles and, most recently, against the Ravens. 

The Steelers' defense was banged up and missing DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, and Larry Ogunjobi heading into the game. In addition, Joey Porter Jr. was injured during the game, and that knee injury prohibited him from finishing the contest. Their absences were sorely missed, but they should have been able to rise to the challenge in a team with so much talent and depth. 

Porter went down early in the game, and while he attempted to return in the second half, he could not. While there has not been an exact diagnosis given, it appears to be some kind of knee injury, according to Tomlin. There has not been a definitive answer on whether he can play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.   

The game was not all bad; Minkah Fitzpatrick finally had an interception after a drought of nearly two years. Alex Highsmith managed a sack against Lamar Jackson, and the team had three tackles for a loss. Pittsburgh has secured a spot in the playoffs and is now playing for seeding. However, the defense must step up and play how they have shown they can. 

Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Has Been In A Rut

While the remainder of Porter's season is hanging in the balance, there were concerns about his performance before the Ravens game. There is no doubt that Porter has talent and a promising future in the league. However, he has been inconsistent, struggling with tackling, separation, and reeling in interceptions. 

He has always been a bit "handsy" and has drawn penalties throughout his football career. Porter drew six penalties in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, even though only four were accepted. While some may feel the officials are picking on Porter, and he feels that the penalties result from his long arms, they are still happening. 

Porter is a critical part of this defense, and having him injured and out of the game simultaneously as Jackson was having a negative impact. Pittsburgh needs to win their final two games against the Chiefs and the Bengals to win the AFC North, and having the defense working as a cohesive unit is critical to them winning out and getting back to success in the playoffs. 

What do you believe is the issue with the Steelers' defense? Click below to comment. 

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