The Steelers have found one bright spot in the early going: their middle linebackers are actually playing like a strength.
Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson both opened the season on solid footing, which matters after both had rough stretches in 2025. Wilson drew the attention in the opener, but Queen took over in Week 2 despite Pittsburgh’s 20-3 loss. Through two games, he has 10 tackles, one pass defended, and an interception - his first as a Steeler after picking off New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
What stands out most is the work he’s done in coverage. That’s been the area that followed him around for much of his career.
Queen is in his seventh NFL season, and over his first six years, the criticism was consistent: tight ends and receivers gave him trouble. That reputation stuck in Pittsburgh, too, after he allowed catches on more than 75% of the passes thrown his way in 2024 and then 69% in 2025.
This season has looked different. Through two games in 2026, Queen has allowed just one reception on six targets in coverage, while also adding a pass defended and that interception. According to Pro Football Reference data shared by Pro Football Hall of Fame international ambassador Steve Flack, that works out to a 16.7% completion rate, the lowest among all qualifying NFL defenders over the first two weeks.
The timing makes sense, too. Queen is in the final year of the three-year deal he signed with Pittsburgh before the 2024 season, and he’s watched a wave of players at his position cash in during free agency. Another strong year would put him in line to match or beat the $13 million salary from his last Steelers contract.
There’s also a bigger defensive backdrop here. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has already squeezed more out of an expensive defense that had been stuck in place. Queen’s early jump is a big part of that story.
Now comes the real stress test.
The Steelers are set to face AFC North rival Cincinnati, and that matchup brings a particularly tricky assignment for Queen in tight end Mike Gesicki. Gesicki is one of those weekly boom-or-bust weapons. He opened with 75 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, then disappeared completely in Week 2 with no catches and no yards.
The Bengals may need him more now, too. Their third receiver, Andrei Iosivas, is out after thumb surgery, which could push more work toward fourth-round rookie Colbie Young and undrafted former Steelers receiver Ke’Shawn Williams.
If Gesicki gets featured, Queen could be the one dealing with him most often in space. At 6’6” and nearly 250 pounds, the Bengals tight end is a tough cover for anybody. Queen’s first two games suggest he’s up for the challenge, but this matchup will tell a lot more about how real that early-season surge actually is.
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Still, the bigger concern sits on the other side of the ball. Pittsburghs defense showed some vulnerabilities in the 30-27 win, and the absence of Joey Porter Jr. was hard to miss as Cincinnati found enough success to keep the game tight throughout. The Steelers can take comfort in finally seeing signs of life on offense, but they also know the next stretch will tell a lot about whether that improvement is sustainable if the defense remains a little less sure of itself. [Read more 🡒]