NFL punishes Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey for a hit that has the rest of the Pittsburgh locker room singing his praises
It’s hard to play defense in the modern NFL.
If there is one thing that is impossible to do in the modern NFL, it’s play defense, especially along the back seven of the defense, where the Steelers employ more than a few players who are capable of knocking a few chinstraps loose.
One of those players is star defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who has been a revelation in the Steelers’ secondary.
Well, he found out during the game and again today that making big hits at safety will cost him.
Jalen Ramsey fined $17,389 for hit on Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr.
“It’s a violent game, and I like the way that he does that,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin when asked about the penalty from Ramsey (via Brendan Howe on Twitter-X). “[I] think what happens when you play that type of ball, receivers take note of that, that if you’re gonna be running across the middle of the field, there’s gonna be somebody that might tag you.”
The Steelers’ defense looked the best it has all season against the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday. That wasn’t a coincidence. Pittsburgh played the most split safety coverage it had all year, and Jalen Ramsey played over 80% of his snaps at free safety.
Next thing you know, Watt and Highsmith are recording strip sacks, Joey Porter Jr., and Payton Wilson are catching interceptions, and everything looks back to normal in Pittsburgh. Don’t expect that coverage to change this week against the Chargers, with Ramsey willing to do whatever benefits the defense the most.
“It was mutual to be honest, just feeling like that’s what the team needed,” said Ramsey via Steelers.com “That’s what the secondary needs. Just working to prepare and be a solid safety for the guys. When I say mutual, we all saw opportunity that presented itself. We saw an area that we could maybe get better in.
“And knowing that I’m a versatile guy, knowing I can do the things. And I have other guys that can hold it down on the outside or even in the slot. I felt like it wasn’t a back and forth about that at all. We were all on the same page about what was needed for now anyway. Like I told y’all from the very first time I ever spoke to y’all, I’m willing to do whatever it takes for this team to be better and win games.”
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The Steelers have a clear path towards victory on Sunday night.
