Frustrated And Vocal Steelers Defenders Maybe "Had A Different Thought Of What This Defense Was Going To Be Like"

The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped three games during their challenging 10-day compressed schedule. The teams they played - the Kansas City Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Baltimore Ravens - are widely considered among the league's best teams. Pittsburgh was battling injuries and was missing several key players, especially for the Ravens and Eagles games. However, that hasn't stopped the fan base from complaining loudly about everything they think is wrong with the team. More concerning than the fans complaining is the players complaining, and a few defenders have been very vocal. 

Former Ravens turned Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen has been quite open about his frustrations with his squad. He said this is the time of the season they should be taking off, and instead, they are struggling. He expressed that he doesn't feel there is enough of a sense of urgency on the defense. The leaders keep pointing out the issues, and no one is doing anything about it. 

Queen wasn't the only one. DeShon Elliott (originally drafted by the Ravens), came to Pittsburgh via the Miami Dolphins, also put his teammates on blast. He complained that they allowed offensive players to get wide open and said they weren't doing their jobs. 

Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show joined The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan and was asked about the comments made by the players. Jeff Hawthorn, who was guest hosting the show, said it seemed like the communication issues the defense keeps referencing really bubbled up while Elliott was out. Kaboly said he didn't think it was much better when Elliott was back against the Chiefs, but he could not do it alone. While Kaboly didn't name any names, he found it interesting what players were being most vocal. 

"I still find it very interesting that the majority of people bickering are new to the organization," said Kaboly. "Maybe they thought certain people, or I don't know, maybe they had a different thought of what this defense was going to be like and what some of the stars would be like. I'm just reading into it. Unless they just don't know the culture of, 'Shut your mouth,' right? 'Cause those are two very vocal guys, too."

Elliott has been a breakout star for the Steelers this season. Despite being out with a hamstring injury for the Ravens and Eagles games, he is the team's second leading tackler (total tackles). His presence was missed. The defense that had once been considered one of the best had become one of the worst. 

Kaboly said that these players who are so frustrated have to be careful they don't become part of the problem. Hawthorn pointed out that Elliott could be seen throwing his hands up in frustration in the end zone in the loss to the Chiefs. According to Kaboly, those kinds of behaviors, as well as the calling out of teammates, have to be stopped.

Steelers Suffering Breakdown In Communication

Queen, who wears the green dot on defense, has said that communication, or a lack thereof, has been a component of what's wrong with the defense. With the league's highest-paid unit, everyone expects more from them than they have shown. While Queen has been pointing fingers out at his teammates, some fingers are pointing back at him. 

While the coaches send in the play call, Queen is responsible for getting that play out to the players. Recently Ray Fittipaldo speculated that the communication breakdown might be stemming from Queen himself. He said the players can be seen still talking to each other while the offense is getting ready to snap the ball. 

What do you think of Queen and Elliott being the most vocal defenders? Click to comment below. 

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