For better or for worse, Queen has taken on a leadership role with the Steelers, and he’s been leaning into that role in recent weeks. Veteran beat reporter Mark Kaboly (Pat McAfee Show) even revealed that Queen talked with quarterback Russell Wilson after Week 17.

“A handful of players were having one-on-one private talks after the game,” Kaboly relayed on X. “It’s something that usually doesn’t happen. Queen was talking to Russell Wilson. [Linebacker] Elandon Roberts after that. Queen said it was a personal conversation and didn’t elaborate but the nature of the talk was out of the norm.”

Kaboly also noted that “Queen’s frustration was visibly percolating in the locker room even though he was deliberate – unlike others – in leaving the locker room.”

The overall message from Queen, among others: “We just have to do our jobs.” Something Kaboly elaborated on.

“Players saying ‘Do your job’ isn’t something new following a loss,” the Steelers insider wrote. “It’s pretty much part of their vernacular when they lose. But this one sure feels different. It’s been said over and over again over the past few weeks, and it has the feel that the outspoken leaders are mostly referring to one player.”

Although Kaboly never went as far as to name a culprit — and neither did Queen or anyone on the Steelers defense — he did highlight safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, cornerback Donte Jackson, defensive back Damontae Kazee and cornerback Cameron Sutton as players that have been involved in clear defensive breakdowns in recent games.