The Baltimore Ravens are entering the biggest game of their 2025 campaign in Week 14. They take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, with first place in the AFC North on the line. Baltimore currently sits atop the division due to a tiebreaker, but Sunday’s matchup could be the deciding factor down the stretch.
While the Ravens are facing turmoil after a horrendous loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving, so are the Steelers. Pittsburgh fumbled a golden opportunity to jump into a one-game lead in Week 13, and also had an ugly showing in their loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Former Raven and current Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen is among those who disappointed on Sunday, and his Pittsburgh tenure up to this point has been extremely underwhelming. One Steelers voice has been none too pleased with his efforts in the past two seasons.
Andrew Fillipponi suggests Ravens dodged a bullet with Patrick Queen
Andrew Fillipponi, the co-host of Poni and Mueller on 93.7 The Fan, took notice of Queen’s poor play following the team’s loss to the Bills. He made it clear that he thinks Baltimore linebacker Roquan Smith helped him earn the three-year $31 million contract with the Steelers. Now, it appears Queen is floundering in the middle of a struggling defense.
You wanna talk about being carried. The only reason why Patrick Queen got $41 million is because he played next to Roquan Smith. Why do you think Ravens declined his 5th year option? He was a bust before Smith got there. Queen all hat. No cattle. Ravens pray he plays Sunday.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 1, 2025
The Ravens did not have a whole lot of money in the 2024 offseason. Contracts given out to running back Derrick Henry and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike played a role in the departures of Queen and safety Geno Stone. Ultimately, Queen has struggled to catch on without Smith. As for the Ravens, it appears they have found their linebacker of the future to play alongside Smith.
While the selection of Trenton Simpson in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft has not played out as the team planned it, Baltimore may have struck gold in the 2025 NFL Draft with fourth-round pick Teddye Buchanan.
Buchanan has had his fair share of struggles this year, especially in coverage. But he has certainly found his home next to Smith. He has been a strong tackler and has found a rhythm in run defense.
He earned Defensive Rookie of the Month in October and is continuing to take off. The 23-year-old is currently second on the team in tackles with 87, trailing Smith by just three tackles. He also ranks tied for fourth in tackles for loss with four.
As for Queen, he is failing to live up to his price tag in Pittsburgh. His 46.6 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, is 75th-best among 86 qualifying linebackers. For a team whose identity is usually defense, he is being tasked with leading the charge. At 6-6, they are once again turning in an average season.