A lot of players have to perform well for an NFL team to earn a two-touchdown victory. That was the case for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cleveland Browns during Week 6. But based on the responses from coaches and players alike in postgame interviews, veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey stood out among a plethora of strong Steelers performances Sunday.
Head coach Mike Tomlin raved about Ramsey’s versatility. But it was quarterback Aaron Rodgers, going went out of his way to discuss the cornerback, who had the most significant response to Ramsey’s strong play in Pittsburgh’s 23-9 victory against the Browns.
“I do want to make a point and talk about Ramsey. What he did this week getting ready to play, I’ve been around the game a long time. I’ve seen a lot of guys when you have the situation of [games] Sunday, Thursday, skip both games. Where, maybe they are 80%, 85%, but they want to be 100%,” Rodgers told reporters. “I think there’s a fear of failure almost that can paralyze them … ‘If I don’t play my best game, what does that say about me if I’m not 100%.’ I think some guys are scared to go out there and play.
“But for Jalen to go out there with everything that he has accomplished in this league. I just can’t say enough about the level of respect for him,” Rodgers continued. “Then he had, what, two sacks, pass breakups and tackles.
“If there was any question about the type of person that he is, take away the incredible player, but person and teammate. I think he just showed all of us the kind of guy he is by going out and playing today.”
The veteran defensive back entered Week 6 questionable because of a hamstring injury. But the cornerback appeared to be his normal dominant self.
Ramsey recorded his first two sacks with the Steelers on Sunday. His official stat line also included two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and six total tackles.
“That guy is a dawg,” edge rusher Nick Herbig said of Ramsey. “I grew up watching him when he was at Florida State. He’s been doing it since I’ve been watching football.
“Just seeing that in person. Seeing how he goes about his business day in and day out, on and off the field. That guy is a true professional, a true vet. He’s a leader, inspiration to a lot of guys. He’s great for us.”
Jalen Ramsey’s Versatility as Good as Advertised for Steelers
On June 30, the Steelers acquired Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins while giving up former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade. The deal hurt Pittsburgh’s safety depth, but it gave the defense a Swiss-Army knife.
The expectation was that in Pittsburgh, Ramsey would play all over the Steelers defense.
After Sunday’s win, Tomlin raved about how Ramsey has delivered on that expectation.
“I cannot say enough about Jalen Ramsey, guys. This guy plays outside corner, he plays nickel, he plays free safety,” Tomlin said. “He is exactly what we hoped he would play. Certainly, he was significant today.”
Ramsey posted two of Pittsburgh’s six sacks versus Cleveland. With the versatility defensive back leading the way, the Steelers held the Browns to 3.2 yards per pass.
Ramsey Playing Through Hamstring Injury
When Ramsey initially suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac referred to the ailment as significant. A stint on injured reserve was very possible.
That would have sidelined Ramsey for four games. Instead, the cornerback got extra rest during the bye week and played two weeks after sustaining the injury.
While speaking to reporters Friday, Ramsey implied that the Steelers playing Thursday mattered to him whether or not to dress in Week 6. But the cornerback never suggested publicly that he was considering what Rodgers said players do regularly — sit when not 100%.
How much Ramsey plays Thursday just four days after an incredible game against the Browns will be a storyline entering Week 7. But Sunday, Ramsey’s unselfishness appeared to be a key in Pittsburgh’s best defensive performance of the young season.
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