Steelers' DeShon Elliott Reacts To Patrick Queen 'Growing Pains'

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a strong start through 14 weeks in the 2024 season. They entered the final quarter of the regular season with a 10-3 record and firmly in the mix to win the AFC North and host a playoff game. 

But the wheels sputtered off in their final four contests, resulting in a four-game losing streak where the defense gave up 27 or more points in three of those games, trend that continued into their AFC Wildcard loss to the Baltimore Ravens. 

Clearly that spelled a significantly challenging period for the Steelers defense. A team built on the backbone of a talented defense could not rely on that identity through the most important month of their campaign. 

In the months following that collapse there has been plenty of time to assess the damage and strategize for a better path forward. It also also provided some reflection for players and their teammates. 

Safety DeShon Elliott recently spoke out, sharing a brutally honest assessment of his teammate Patrick Queen who struggled in his role as a primary communicator for this unit. Instead of issuing blame, Elliott focused on his belief in Queen improving next season. 

"The player that he’s capable of being; he didn’t play up to his standards," he told Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Being one of my really good friends, both in our first year in the defense — it’s not something I’m trying to blame it on, but throughout the season, you grow, and there are growing pains… 

"I know he’ll be better this year, for sure. There’s nothing really negative you can say about it."

Queen shared his own take on his performance, falling in line with what his friend and teammate of three seasons (deriving from their time with the Ravens) found. 

“I’m always going to be searching and looking for more that I can do, trying to be the best player I can be for my team and for myself. I didn't do that last year. That’s what really aggravated me this whole offseason.”

Queen was a major get for the Steelers last offseason. But his production dipped across the board, finishing with only one sack and 65 solo tackles after posting 84 a year ago. 

Pittsburgh needs him to find the right gear for this season in order for this defense to get back on track. Perhaps some extra motivation after last year's lackluster results will be just what he needs to accomplish that.