Behind the Steel Curtain
The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a potential season-ending loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, and frustrations are boiling over for fans and players.
On Saturday night, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Green Bay Packers, forcing Pittsburgh to win in Cleveland to clinch a playoff berth. Unfortunately, the black and gold were unable to beat the now 4-12 Browns, falling 13-6.
The Steelers’ defense got off to a shaky start, allowing Shedeur Sanders and Cleveland to earn points on each of its first two drives. Following the early surrender of 10 points, Pittsburgh tightened things up, allowing only three more points for the remainder of the game.
Despite the fairly impressive performance from Teryl Austin’s unit, one Steelers playmaker appears frustrated with how things unfolded.
Following the loss on Sunday, Pittsburgh linebacker Patrick Queen reposted a social media quote that has quite ironic timing behind it. Behind the Steel Curtain writer, Austin Bechtold, took notice and questioned the’ linebacker’s thoughts in an X post.
The two-time Pro Bowler’s repost comes from an X user who said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”
Although Austin’s unit received criticism early this season, the defense has cleaned things up as of late, allowing 25 or fewer points in four straight contests. Regardless of their uptick in performance, Queen’s social media antics may be hinting at frustration with Austin’s decision-making.
The Steelers’ loss now sets the stage for a Week 18 winner-take-all showdown with their arch-nemesis, Baltimore. At 8-8, the Ravens have dug themselves out of a previous 1-6 start and are now staring down the AFC North title once again.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s unpredictable availability headlines an injury-ridden season for John Harbaugh’s side. With the two-time MVP sidelined against Green Bay, backup Tyler Huntley got the start and performed well in the Ravens’ critical victory. Now, Queen and the Steelers’ defense must be prepared to face either Baltimore QB, with Jackson’s health remaining in question.
With one last breath, can Austin, Queen, and the Steelers defense come together and help earn Pittsburgh a ticket to the 2026 postseason?
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