OTA Blog: Getting Comfortable Fast

The Steelers concluded their OTAs on Thursday, marking the end of three weeks of voluntary workouts ahead of next week’s mandatory three-day minicamp.

Linebacker Patrick Queen, who joined the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent after spending four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, expressed confidence in his grasp of the team’s defense at this point in the process.

“I feel pretty comfortable right now,” Queen said. “I haven’t made any mental errors in the last few days, which is my goal. It feels good to go home with that confidence.”

Queen noted that the OTAs have been beneficial for him as he adjusts to his new environment, teammates, and coaches before the intensity ramps up during training camp later this summer.

“I’m getting to know my teammates now,” Queen explained. “The more I get to know them, the more comfortable I become. We all talk and work through things together. That’s crucial on the football field, having each other’s backs.”

Currently, Queen is focused on learning his teammates’ playing styles and how they interact with each other, whether they are jokers or serious. He likened it to building a relationship, understanding their nuances.

A key focus for the defense recently has been improving communication, and it appears they are making significant progress.

“Communication is very strong. Everyone is comfortable and getting it down,” Queen said. “That’s the biggest thing. Our defense is playing fast because everyone is talking and communicating. Even when we make mistakes, we check our egos at the door, address the situation, and learn from it.”

Queen emphasized the importance of communication, highlighting that with the team they have, their ability to communicate effectively, fly to the ball, and incorporate the coaches’ details on the field, they know they have a special group.