Week 10 Blog: Plenty of respect

Nov 04, 2024 at 04:37 PM

Teresa Varley

Steelers.com

Monday, November 4

Plenty of respect: Linebacker Patrick Queen did exactly what was required during the Steelers bye weekend.

He relaxed.

"It was a chance to reset, refocus," said Queen. "Just to be able to get your body right, your mind right, have a little time off to yourself.

"For me personally, all I it was just chill and watch football all weekend. So, it was a nice reset for me."

It was a smart move on Queen's part, because now that the Steelers are back on the field preparing for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders, there is no time left for relaxation.

The Steelers have a tough second half of the season, starting with the Commanders and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels this week. Daniels, who like Queen went to LSU, has led the Commanders to a 7-2 record this season, including winning the last three games.

"I think he just has confidence," said Queen. "I think they are doing the right things with him, letting him be able to take control of the offense and take what he sees. I think he does a great job of getting the ball out to the guys and letting the guys make plays. When he has the ball in his hands, and it's his turn to make plays, he's making plays.

"I've got the utmost respect for that guy. He's been taking some shots, but he's getting back up and playing football and going after them again. So, he's playing some great football and it's just like I said, I have the utmost respect for him."

Daniels has completed 163 of 228 pass attempts for 1,945 yards and nine touchdowns, with just two interceptions, so far this season and he's brought new energy to their offense.

"I know the type of guy that he is and that's leading to his success and his belief," said Queen. "And he's just doing everything right now. He's seeing the field, he's getting the ball to his playmakers, letting them make plays. And he got the ball in his hands. He's making plays as well. He's got the utmost confidence right now and you got to have respect for that."

Ready to roll: Cornerback Cameron Sutton has returned to the active roster and while he said it was tough missing the first eight games of the season, he is ready to go.

"It's difficult being out, not doing what you love to do," said Sutton. "It's difficult.

"I am ready to roll. Whatever it is, just be ready to roll. I'm feeling good. I'm ready to roll. So just whatever it looks like today, I don't know what tomorrow looks like. I don't know what all that looks like. I'm just living in the moment right now."

Sutton had been on the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner List and hasn't been active yet this season.

He said he doesn't know yet how he will be worked back into the defense, but all he wants to do is play the game he loves, with a secondary that he loves and has been enjoying watching.

"I play football, I don't care what position it is," said Sutton. "I can be on the offensive line. I really don't care. I play football.

"It's very exciting. I love our group. I love the continuity of our guys. I've spent a lot of time with our guys. It's a group that is hungry, love playing together with each other, and it's exciting to be around."

In his absence, undrafted rookie free agent Beanie Bishop has held down the starting nickel spot, stepping up big with three interceptions so far. Sutton likes what he has seen from him.

"He's doing really well," said Sutton. "He's a guy that's just learning each and every day, learning the small things about the game. He's been learning how to take care of his body. He's with (Terrell Edmunds) over there. He's just another guy who's about his work, a great energy.

"He's really just enjoying ball right now. He's taking every day one day at a time. Good things are happening for him. He's playing really well."

Sutton was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Tennessee and was with the team through the 2022 season, before joining the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2023. He was signed by the Steelers in June to a one-year contract, and said the defense is pretty similar to what it was when he was here before.

"Obviously, different complexities, different changes, different nuances," said Sutton. "Obviously the league and the game changes week in and week out. You have to be schematically flexible and obviously player flexibility as well. We're doing a great job of giving teams different looks, getting after quarterbacks how we should. And then, obviously, win the field position game, get off the field and causing turnovers and getting the ball back for our offense."

Sutton has been in meetings and staying on top of things during his suspension, making his return to the field smooth.

"I've been in the building for a while," said Sutton. "I've been in meetings. I've been working and doing everything I need to do to stay ready."

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)