Will the Steelers deploy Jalen Ramsey at cornerback in the rematch against the Bengals?
While the Steelers like what they’re seeing from Jalen Ramsey at safety, they also have the Bengals on deck. They literally acquired him to match up against guys like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, so how will they approach this week? Even during his press conference, HC Mike Tomlin admitted they were still formulating a plan.
Of course, the Steelers had Ramsey out at cornerback against the Bengals a few weeks ago, and it didn’t go well. Among other things, he gave up the game-sealing catch to Tee Higgins, who would have had a walk-in touchdown had it not been more prudent for him to slide down to run the clock down and have Cincinnati kick a field goal instead.
Just because the Steelers traded for Jalen Ramsey to match with the Bengals’ receivers doesn’t mean that’s the wisest strategy. If he is too much of a liability to leave him on an island with Chase, then don’t do it. If he is a strength at safety, cameoing at cornerback here and there with help over the top, do that. Safeties can still play outside when it’s prudent for them to do so.
Another variable is Asante Samuel Jr., whom the team just signed, currently on the practice squad. While he obviously has starter-level talent, he hasn’t played football in over a year. And he is just opening the playbook now. Even Kyle Dugger is in just his third week of learning what he’s doing. And the Steelers have Jalen Ramsey learning a new position, so that’s a lot of change in the secondary facing the Bengals’ lethal duo.
To some degree, it’s fair to say that Ramsey’s demise as a cornerback has been greatly exaggerated. He hasn’t fallen off a cliff, and he can still line up. It’s another thing to ask him to cover Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins all game without any help or protection.
So how will the Steelers formulate a plan for deploying Ramsey against the Bengals? This should be the toughest challenge the secondary has for the remainder of the season. If they don’t put him at cornerback this week, he probably isn’t playing there for the rest of the year. Barring injury, of course.
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
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