Jalen Ramsey Energized by New Safety Role with Steelers
Jalen Ramsey is entering a new chapter with the Pittsburgh Steelers after an offseason trade from the Miami Dolphins. His move to the Steelers, which also involved safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, has provided the team with a versatile defender capable of fulfilling multiple roles in the secondary.
Transition to Safety Role
Due to injuries in the Steelers’ lineup, including DeShon Elliott and Jabrill Peppers, Ramsey has been tasked with assuming a more prominent position at free safety. Despite his extensive career primarily as a cornerback, Ramsey has embraced this new challenge. He had previously played only 47 snaps at free safety before his latest game against the Colts, where he logged an additional 55 snaps.
Performance Against the Colts
- Logged five tackles in the game.
- Steelers defense, previously struggling, held strong against a high-powered Colts offense.
- Team managed to secure five takeaways — a significant improvement after failing to do so since Week 4.
Ramsey reflects on the difficulties of transitioning back to safety, admitting that it has been a long time since he played the position in a competitive setting. “Before last week, the last time I played safety for a full game was my freshman year in college,” he noted. This marks a hiatus of approximately 13 years.
Future Challenges
Looking ahead, Ramsey faces a tough test against Justin Herbert and the Chargers. The Chargers have effectively developed a pass-first offense, featuring playmakers such as Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, and Oronde Gadsden II. As the Steelers prepare, Ramsey acknowledges the ongoing process of adapting to his new role.
- Expectations are high for improvement as he becomes more comfortable.
- Game time is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday against the Chargers.
Ramsey is determined to continue working hard to ensure the Steelers’ defense strengthens. “I won’t say one game will change everything, all of that. But we’ll just continue working,” he stated. His adaptability and experience will be crucial as Pittsburgh seeks to stabilize its defense in the coming weeks.
