The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a critical game in Week 13, aiming to solidify their position in the AFC North. The team was coming off a boost, as the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Cincinnati Bengals, allowing the Steelers a chance to extend their lead in the division with a victory against the Buffalo Bills.
Patrick Queen’s Injury
The matchup turned into a challenging affair for the Steelers when middle linebacker Patrick Queen suffered a hip injury in the second quarter. The injury occurred during a routine play, where Queen fell to the ground after a rushing attempt by the Bills. Medical personnel promptly attended to him.
Queen managed to leave the field on his own but was later evaluated under the medical blue tent. The Steelers’ Senior Director of Communications, Burt Lauten, confirmed through social media that the injury was indeed a hip issue and deemed him questionable for a return.
Defensive Challenges
With Queen sidelined, veteran linebacker Malik Harrison took over as the middle linebacker. This switch raised concerns about the team’s defensive communication. Queen usually wore the green dot on his helmet, receiving play calls from the sidelines and directing his teammates accordingly.
In Queen’s absence, the Steelers often relied on safety DeShon Elliott for play-calling. Unfortunately, Elliott has been out since Week 8 due to a knee injury, further weakening the defense’s coordination and adjustments before the snap.
Impact on Run Defense
- Queen’s absence also impacted the run defense significantly.
- The Bills boast one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks, led by running back James Cook.
- Without Queen, the Steelers faced increased challenges against an already struggling run defense.
- Malik Harrison and Payton Wilson, while capable, are not ideal replacements for a star linebacker in terms of effective run-stuffing.
This combination of setbacks raised concerns about the Steelers’ ability to hold their ground against the Bills and maintain their position in the division. The team faced an uphill battle as they continued the game without one of their most vital defensive players.
