The performance of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense in 2021 is one that many would like to forget. Multiple injuries hurt the team at the beginning of the year, and they kept on coming throughout the season. However, with players returning and many focused on the future, last year becomes just a blip on the radar.
Following organized team activities on Wednesday, inside linebackers coach Zach Orr spoke to the media. During his interaction with the press, one player he told the media he saw improving and could become one of the best linebackers in the league was inside linebacker Patrick Queen.
“I honestly believe that as @Patrickqueen_ … continues to grow he could become one of the best LBs in the NFL.” pic.twitter.com/xgXIES6BS8
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 8, 2022
“Man, I mean, when I first got back up here, I cut on the film, watched every game, watched every play, [and I saw that] ‘PQ’ [Patrick Queen] got a lot better. He got a lot better from his rookie year to now, as far as understanding offenses, understanding defenses, understanding the NFL game. He became a way better run defender. He wasn’t bad as a rookie, but you could see he took a step in that area, [and] even in pass defense. We always knew how explosive he was as a blitzer. So, he got better in all aspects, and he’s continued to get better. I mean, the sky is the limit for him. That’s the thing – God touched ‘PQ’ [with] natural ability, and he works hard at it. Obviously, you see he’s out here every single day, and we just continue to try to work and get him better and better, because I honestly believe that [if] he continues to get better, continues to grow, continues to work on the little details, he can be one of the best linebackers in the National Football League.”
Orr has a strong point. Queen has been considered by many to have immense potential as an NFL linebacker, and he’s been able to show flashes throughout his two years at the professional level so far. If he can put it all together in year three, he could have a true breakout season in 2022, which would benefit the Baltimore defense tremendously.
Through his first two years in the NFL, Queen has notched 204 combined tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a touchdown.