Linebacker Patrick Queen of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens have been involved in one of the most strange offseason rivalries in recent memory. Queen has never shied away from telling us he doesn’t give a damn about the Ravens, which is not typically the sign of a person who is genuinely unconcerned.
Queen, a former LSU standout, not only stated that he accepted a three-year, $41 million contract in the summer with the intention of winning more, but he also stated that he did so to take less money. This is after he left a team that finished last season with the best regular-season record in the league and is a reliable postseason power.
Ravens supporters, who are naturally angry that a fantastic player departed to join a bitter rival, have been squabbling with Queen on social media. Queen has stepped into unknown area by disparaging Baltimore’s environment and cuisine, on top of the numerous confirmations that he made the right decision—which could very well be the case both on and off the field.
“I’m not bothered… Queen stated via The Athletic that it is the reality. “I’m not criticizing them in any way. I am merely expressing the reality.I think the vibe here is better. The gamers are cool, the people are cool, everyone is cool, and the food places are better.”
As is the case with any significant free agent leaving for a rival team, there is a hint of jealousy among Ravens supporters. In addition to leaving the Ravens following an All-Pro season, Queen also left Trenton Simpson, a highly inexperienced player, in position to start behind Roquan Smith.
The Steelers are a well-managed team that has a winning record, but Ravens supporters are hopeful Queen understands how fortunate he was in Baltimore and the obstacles Pittsburgh must overcome in order to contend.
Perhaps the worst of all his transgressions was going after the food. Pierogis are delicious, but Baltimore has the best seafood and Southern flavors combined in one delicious dish. Even Pittsburgh locals will tell you that their city is not among the nation’s gastronomic hotspots.
Fortunately, Queen and the Ravens will have two opportunities this season to meet and work things out. These games are typically devastating carnage, but the level of intensity has increased as Queen keeps adding fuel to the flames and expressing his distaste for properly cooked steamed crab.
It is commonly known that former linebacker Patrick Queen of the Baltimore Ravens defected to the Pittsburgh Steelers in order to win immediately, allegedly for less money. Not only did Baltimore lose Queen, but they also recently lost young pass rusher Jeremiah Moon to their division’s bitter enemies.
Due to the return of Mark Andrews during the postseason push and the league-best pass rush of Baltimore, Moon’s playing time opportunities were limited. As a result, he was let go by John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta, and Mike Tomlin quickly replaced him.
Although Moon’s job at Pittsburgh may have been similar to that of his time with the Ravens, it is more likely that he will make the final 53-man roster as a backup speed rusher and special teams player after his outstanding performance at OTAs.
Moon has allegedly shown the speed and strength that made him a sought-after recruit at Florida, making him one of the more outstanding players at Steelers OTAs. Moon’s breakout performance in Pittsburgh might have the Ravens, who desperately need pass rush talent, kicking themselves.
Moon, a former four-star recruit, was unable to complete his college career at Florida. Moon only recorded eight total sacks and fourteen tackles for loss in his six seasons with the Gators. He was not selected as a result, but the Ravens were attracted to his physical attributes.
Baltimore’s lack of interest in Moon’s development was evident when he was cut before the AFC Championship game. He’s not only been performing well for Pittsburgh, but he’s been so good in this area that there’s a chance he ends up as a backup in the pass rush rotation.
Two players that are expected to start without a doubt are TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, with 2023 fourth-round pick Nick Herbig supporting one of them. A number of undrafted free agent castoffs are vying for the fourth edge rusher berth, and Moon may have the advantage in this one.
Lamar Jackson often has more issues with the Steelers than any other team in the AFC, and this year’s team will be far superior to the one from last year. With Queen and Moon at their disposal, watching them win games would be like adding salt to Baltimore’s wound.
