Just as Aaron Rodgers could find more traction even while another year older, Jalen Ramsey might do the same defensively. In his second year with the Steelers and finding more comfort in his role, Pittsburgh’s new coaching staff that is led defensively by coordinator Patrick Graham could bring the best out in everyone.
Joe Haden likes he what hears.
“I think this is a great sign…I think when he’s saying that to his coach, he’s being able to say, I’m a DB, obviously, I know exactly what’s going on there,'” Haden said of Ramsey’s recent comments about Graham on Monday’s episode of Deebo and Joe. “So now when I’m talking to my coordinator, we’re coordinating how everything works together.
“When we’re speaking the same language, we’re talking to the linebackers, we’re talking about how the defensive line sees it. We’re all on the same page.”
Haden’s referring to what Ramsey said last week about Graham and their first interactions together.
“I think he’s cool,” Ramsey told reporters via a team-issued transcript. “Just the conversations we have, we’re able to talk ball at any given time about anything, different positions, he can talk it all. He can talk about the d-line, the linebacker, the secondary. He’s been impressive to me so far.”
Ramsey hardly said anything groundbreaking, but his comments are still worth dissecting. Graham is an experienced coordinator with a diverse background. A defensive lineman in college, he cut his teeth in the NFL coaching linebackers and coordinated three different teams before arriving in Pittsburgh this offseason. Known for his scheme versatility, his focus is on adapting to the strengths of his personnel. He’ll preserve Pittsburgh’s base 3-4 with more changes felt in the secondary than up front.
Traded for to be a shutdown corner last June, Jalen Ramsey finished the year mostly playing safety. Under Graham, he could have a multi-faceted role and has already earned comparisons to Charles Woodson from the coaching staff. Woodson had career years in his 30s, intercepting seven passes at age 32, nine at age 33, and seven at age 35. Ramsey ended last year with a lone interception in Week 2, his lowest output since 2020.
“I’m happy for Jalen. I think this could be a very, very breakout year for him,” Haden said.
Harrison and Haden praised Graham for getting the defense on the same page, a recurring issue that plagued past units. It all sounds good in the spring and Graham appears to be a quality hire.
The true test of Graham’s tenure will start when the regular season kicks off. If all goes according to plan, Jalen Ramsey and the defense could turn back the clock and become a strong unit once again.
Recommended for you