Chances are, communication isn’t the first thing you think of when you think about great linebacker play. That’s more of a quarterback focus. But that’s the reality for inside linebackers in today’s NFL. And Pittsburgh Steelers rookie LB Payton Wilson is learning all about that.
Wilson isn’t shouldering all that responsibility as a rookie, though. That falls on prized free agent signing Patrick Queen. Queen is the one wearing the green dot to be in contact with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin before each play. But what would happen if Queen was unable to play? Would that then fall on Wilson?