After a few weeks where some things appeared to be fixed, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense faltered in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Behind free agent signings such as linebacker Patrick Queen and mammoth extensions for home grown players like T.J. Watt, the unit is the most expensive in the league.
But the unit’s problems aren’t likely just underperforming players. Pundits have criticized the Steelers coaching staff often this season for failing to put defenders in better positions to succeed.
That was essentially one of the messages Queen delivered to reporters after Sunday’s 31-28 loss.
“I think sometimes it was schematic issues that we had,” Queen said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, to a question on how the Bears had receivers so wide open. “It’s kind of hard for two guys that are underneath defenders to try and guard two routes. That’s overhanging off the hashes and stuff.
“As much as you try to get to a bang or whatever it is, it’s hard to do that. It’s kind of a bad spot to be in. But at the end of the day, we just gotta be better.”
Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark had a strong response to that answer.
“It’s pretty telling for Queen to blame some of the issues on schematics,” Clark wrote. “He fired a direct shot toward the play-calling and what the Steelers are trying to do defensively.
Did Patrick Queen Criticize the Steelers Defensive Scheme?
It’s important to note the linebacker started and ended that answer by noting players, particularly the linebackers, needing to be better.
But the center of the answer is what pundits, such as Clark, are going to focus on. Rightfully so, as listeners could interpret it as significant criticism at the Steelers scheme.
“It’s not the first time the Steelers have had issues in coverage, as it’s been a recurring theme this season,” Clark wrote. “The linebackers have had issues communicating and doing their job in coverage. When they struggle, so does the defense as a whole.”
Clark also argued Queen’s facial expression told a story about the linebacker’s feelings on the team’s defensive scheme.
“Queen seemed to hold back a laugh, cover his face, and suck in his breath before actually answering the question,” Clark wrote. “It seemed as if he was choosing his words carefully, and he wanted to say more about the scheme than he actually did.”
Based on his answer and expressions, Clark concluded that Queen is not a fan of the team’s defensive play-calling.
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