Patrick Queen Defense September 8
Patrick Queen Defense September 8
No matter if the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive players are all right or all wrong, above all, they all need to be on the same page. That comes through crisp communication so that one, or more, players aren’t running astray from the play call. A new coaching staff and revamped scheme only heightens the need for the unit to get on the same page, but this system is requiring the defense to talk more than ever before. Linebacker Patrick Queen, the green-dot wearer and hub of communication, can attest to that.
“There’s a lot of communication,” Queen told reporters Monday via the team’s YouTube channel. “Probably the most communication I ever had, but I think that’s gonna brew to a great defense.”
Miscommunication or flat-out lack of communication plagued Pittsburgh’s recent defenses. The Steelers got off to a poor start last year because of it, struggling to contain New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields amid coverage busts that carried over in a Week 2 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Pittsburgh’s special teams gaffe dominated the headlines that day, but the Steelers also let WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba run rampant on the way to 103 yards and a breezy day.
Queen felt those issues more than anyone else. Pittsburgh’s defensive quarterback, his frustration throughout the season was evident and he suggested the issue was with the coaching staff and DC Teryl Austin. Queen has sung the praises of new coordinator Patrick Graham and the tightened-up chatter that’s come with his hiring.
“I’m just listening to both sides,” Queen said. “Making calls to the front, listening to Payton [Wilson]. Payton’s echoing what that side is saying. Then I’m listening to my side, talking to the nickel or safety, and getting a call from that side and just echoing it to each other based off formation.”
Communication will especially be critical in the secondary for a unit that hasn’t shared many snaps together. Graham himself even admitted he’s “leaning” on the front as the strength of the unit.
Pittsburgh’s Week 1 mission will be to contain the Atlanta Falcons’ trio of potent players: RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, and TE Kyle Pitts Sr. New head coach Kevin Stefanski is familiar with Pittsburgh’s personality from his Cleveland Browns tenure, though he’ll have to adjust to the Steelers’ new schematic wrinkles.
If the Steelers can communicate and do their job, they should walk away with a win. If those issues reemerge, it could be an ominous sign for the rest of the season.