Things got a little chippy in the Jets’ 34-32 loss to the Steelers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, and Pittsburgh defensive back Jalen Ramsey was at the center of the scuffles.
On fourth and three with 18 seconds of play remaining in the game and Pittsburgh leading 34-32, Ramsey brutally leveled Jets receiver Garrett Wilson to the ground at New York’s 38 yard line. As Ramsey danced down the field to the endzone celebrating the now-certain win for the Steelers, Wilson laid face-down on the turf, his team 0-1.
Wilson and Ramsey had been jawing at each other throughout the game, and it seemed like a storybook ending to Ramsey’s debut with the Steelers. But the drama appeared to be strictly on the field as the two stars hugged after the game.
The on-field scuffles on Sunday appeared to stem from frustration over some tough hits on Jets quarterback Justin Fields. That included one in the final seconds of the first half when Ramsey hit Fields late, igniting some response from Jets guard John Simpson.
Simpson charged over and pushed Ramsey, which caused a little skirmish and a 15-yard penalty on the Jets. On the next play, Wilson and Ramsey appeared to get into a heated argument, and both players were pulled away from each other.
“They didn’t like my aggression, but that’s football,” Ramsey said. “It wasn’t a flag, it’s clean. I saw their lineman running my way, and I knew I was about to get that 15. That was easy bait. But it’s football, I respect they gotta stand up for their quarterback.”
Simpson said after the game that he was trying to protect Fields, but that that penalty “can’t happen.” But had a right to be annoyed with Ramsey after the hit. It was late and could have been a roughing the passer call. Had that penalty been called, the Jets potentially could have been moved into field goal position at the end of the half. Instead, Ramsey (who said after the game that he was “for sure” selling the fall a little bit) drew the penalty.
“Wait till you see that on film,” Ramsey said with a smile.
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Bridget Hyland may be reached atbhyland@njadvancemedia.com.
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