Beat Writer Wonders If Communication Issues Stem From Patrick Queen

The Pittsburgh Steelers were supposed to have a defense that was top of the league this year. While they have played to that level at times, the last three weeks have been disastrous. They allowed 27 points twice and 29 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.

Injuries have contributed to the defense’s poor play, but a bigger issue is repeated communication breakdowns. The Steelers have allowed receivers to run wide-open with no defender nearby. When it’s not a receiver running past, it’s tight ends like Travis Kelce working his way over the middle and nobody picking him up.

Pittsburgh has had communication issues in years past, but it has never been this bad. Steelers beat writer Ray…