The Pittsburgh Steelers got an impassioned speech from DB Jalen Ramsey ahead of their Week 9 win over the Indianapolis Colts, and Ramsey’s play moving to safety on Sunday was a big reason why the Steelers were able to win. Speaking to the media on Friday, T.J. Watt had a lot of praise for Ramsey, who’s in his first year with the Pittsburgh, and how his mentality fits the team’s culture.
“He’s hungry, man. A guy that’s done everything in the National Football League that you possibly can do, and he’s still so hungry. A guy that’s playing phenomenal football, he brings just a tenacious outlook on football and how he plays the game. And that speaks volumes to the culture, getting hats to the ball, playing with swag, all the stuff Jalen does,” Watt said via Steelers.com.
Mike Tomlin asked Ramsey to give the speech to the team, and there’s likely a reason he turned to the first-year Steeler. Ramsey has won a Super Bowl, and by all accounts, he’s as hungry as anyone to win. The team’s two-game slide prior to the win over Indianapolis likely didn’t sit well with Ramsey, and it’s telling that someone like Watt, who has been with Pittsburgh for nearly a decade, is praising Ramsey’s fit with the culture.
While he might not be a top-flight defensive back anymore, he’s still steady and brings the right mentality to the team. The Steelers’ defense is full of players who have been elite but haven’t experienced playoff success. Ramsey has, and he can help bring the perspective of what it truly takes to win to the team.
With Ramsey transitioning to safety, it also shows that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the Steelers win. He’s never been a full-time safety in his career, but with the Steelers having a need at the position, he’s adapting and doing what’s best for the team, even if it might hurt his individual numbers.
The Steelers finally got back to their brand of defense the day after Ramsey’s speech, getting after the quarterback and forcing turnovers. If that continues, the Steelers will be a contender and have a chance to finally win a playoff game, allowing players like Watt and Heyward taste postseason success.
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