Ex-Steelers Defensive Lineman Blasts Patrick Queen: ‘I See Him Getting Knocked Back too Much’

Former Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Chris Hoke unleashed on linebacker Patrick Queen during the KDKA’s Steelers Extra Point on Sunday. Hoke feels like Queen has been a non-factor in the Steelers’ two wins this year and has not been living up to his massive contract.

“I just don’t think he’s playing good football right now,” Hoke said. “He’s having a tough time engaging offensive linemen and getting off those linemen. I see him getting knocked back too much and getting locked up, and that’s not his game. His game is more of a speed game where he’s got to get over the top.”

Queen must of caught wind of Hoke’s statement, as he wrote on X, “Idk what you watching 😂.”

Idk what you watching 😂

— 🦈 (@Patrickqueen_) September 16, 2024

Queen had a quiet Steelers debut in Sunday’s 18-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons, but he attributed that to how well the defensive line played.

“It was kinda boring,” Queen said, ”I missed two tackles I wish I could have back, but when you’ve got a D-line like that, it’s kinda hard to make plays.”

Queen allowed two receptions for 36 yards and earned a 49.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Overall, PFF gave Queen a dreadful 28.8 grade for his performance against Atlanta.

Queen had a pass breakup on fourth-and-6 against Denver, but other than that, it was a pretty quiet afternoon. He just hasn’t made the splash plays yet. But there really hasn’t been anything egregious with his play. The Steelers are paying him a lot of money, however. So I can see the argument that he’s not living up to the expectations.

The Steelers gave Queen the largest free-agent deal in franchise history by almost $5 million annually this offseason. The previous record was held by right guard James Daniels, who averages $8.83 million per year. Queen will average $13.66 million on his three-year, $41 million deal.

In 2023, Queen played in all 17 games with the Baltimore Ravens, racking up 133 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, six passes defended, one interception and one forced fumble. He was named a second-team All-Pro and was selected to the AFC Pro Bowl squad, his first career honor in each category.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin raved about Queen during his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show two weeks ago.

“Man, I love Patrick Queen. I can’t believe Patrick Queen plays for us,” Tomlin told Eisen. “I smile every time I hear his name because I’ve seen just firsthand what he’s capable of as a young, talented player. He’s got the combination of youth and experience.”