Roquan Smith’s Playful Jabs at Former Teammate Patrick Queen After Ravens’ Playoff Victory
In the world of professional football, rivalries are as much a part of the game as touchdowns and tackles. And when it comes to the AFC North, few rivalries are as intense as the one between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. This past weekend, the Ravens not only secured a spot in the AFC divisional round but also ended the Steelers’ season with a decisive 28-14 victory. But the game wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was also about the playful banter between former teammates Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen.
Roquan Smith, a key player for the Ravens, didn’t miss the opportunity to engage in some friendly trash talk with his former teammate, Patrick Queen. Despite Queen’s move to the Steelers last year, Smith insists that their friendship remains intact. However, after the Ravens’ victory, Smith couldn’t resist a little dig at Queen, suggesting that his former teammate would soon be “in Cabo, or somewhere.”
This comment was a playful reference to a remark Queen made before the two teams faced off in Week 16. At that time, the Steelers had a chance to clinch the division title, and Queen had called the game a “chance to get T-shirts and hats.” Unfortunately for Queen and the Steelers, they fell short of that goal, both in Week 16 and in their playoff rematch with the Ravens.
Smith’s postgame comments were lighthearted, but they highlighted the competitive spirit that defines the Ravens-Steelers rivalry. “I think I remember my guy PQ saying the last time we played them was [for] a hat and T-shirt,” Smith said. “But I guess he [got] the T-shirt he got on and he’ll be in Cabo or somewhere.”
While Queen wasn’t asked about Smith’s comments, his performance on the field was notable. The five-year veteran recorded 10 tackles during the game, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Ravens’ offensive onslaught. The Steelers’ defense struggled, yielding 464 yards of total offense, including a staggering 299 yards on the ground.
The Journey of Patrick Queen
Patrick Queen’s journey from the Ravens to the Steelers has been a significant storyline in this rivalry. After spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with Baltimore, Queen signed a three-year deal with Pittsburgh last summer. The 2020 first-round draft pick expressed his feelings in November, stating that he “wasn’t wanted back” by the Ravens, who declined his fifth-year option.
Despite the change in teams, Smith has maintained a positive relationship with Queen. In November, Smith expressed his happiness for Queen, saying he was “happy for [Queen] as a brother.” Even after the playoff victory, Smith reiterated that Queen “is still my guy, much love.”
What’s Next for the Ravens and Steelers?
With their victory over the Steelers, the Ravens are now looking ahead to their next challenge. Depending on the outcome of Sunday’s AFC wild-card matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos, the Ravens will either play the Bills in Buffalo or host the Houston Texans next weekend.
For the Steelers, the end of the season came as a disappointment. After a promising start with a 10-3 record entering Week 15 and a two-game division lead over Baltimore, the team faltered down the stretch. Reflecting on the season, Queen admitted, “I think we just got too comfortable. We started chasing too many things. I think we just let off the pedal.”
Key Takeaways
- Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen maintain a friendly rivalry despite being on opposing teams.
- The Ravens’ victory over the Steelers secured their spot in the AFC divisional round.
- Patrick Queen’s transition from the Ravens to the Steelers has been a focal point of the rivalry.
- The Steelers’ season ended in disappointment after a strong start.
As the Ravens prepare for their next playoff challenge, fans can only anticipate more thrilling moments and perhaps a few more playful jabs between friends turned rivals.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
