The Steelers linebacker is clearly as frustrated as the fans
The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their second consecutive game in Week 16, a 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The loss marks just the second time the Steelers have lost to Lamar Jackson, and the first since 2019. That said, it wasn’t Jackson that was the biggest issue, it was the defense’s lack of ability to slow down Derrick Henry, who ran for 162 yards. The Steelers’ defense has struggled over the last two weeks, allowing 27 or more points in both contests. Linebacker Patrick Queen says the struggles are inexcusable.
“We’ve got to take a long look in the mirror and get better,” Queen said. “There’s no excuse for us to not be doing our job with the guys on this team.”
Queen added that this close to the playoffs is a bad time for these issues to become a problem.
“Games this late in the year, you’ve got to be on one stream,” Queen said. “On one accord. Everyone’s got to be doing their jobs at a high level. If we don’t do our jobs at a high level, then sh*t’s gonna be getting ugly real quick with the teams [that are] coming up.”
Patrick Queen opens up on the #Steelers defensive struggles:
“We’ve got to take a long look in the mirror and get better. … If you’re supposed to be in a certain position, you’ve got to be in a certain position. It’s that simple. There’s no excuse for us to not be doing our… pic.twitter.com/yo5wmS5H7n
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) December 22, 2024
The final stretch doesn’t get easier for the Steelers. They host the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas and then play their second of two games against the Cincinnati Bengals, who could very well be playing for the final wild card spot in the AFC playoffs to close out the season.
Even with a playoff spot clinched, the Steelers won’t last long if they can’t slow down opposing offenses come playoff time.