Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered the first loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. And now, the Steel City has an update on the incident that unfolded during the 33-17 loss.
Patrick Queen delivered one of the game’s most controversial moments with a punishing hit on the opposing quarterback, Sam Darnold, drawing immediate attention from officials and analysts alike. The strike, which made direct contact with the head and neck area, underscored the razor-thin margin defenders walk between aggressive play and violation of player safety rules.
While Queen has built his reputation as a fast, instinctive tackler, this particular play quickly shifted the focus to league policies protecting quarterbacks. The NFL has tightened enforcement on head and neck contact in recent years, recognizing the long-term health risks. Even as fans praised Queen’s intensity, the penalty highlighted the cost of mistimed aggression.
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For Baltimore, the incident raises both tactical and disciplinary questions. A costly flag can flip momentum, and further league review could invite fines or potential suspension, keeping player discipline in the spotlight during a critical stretch of the season.