Steelers' Ramsey thriving at safety amid injuries, Coach Tomlin hints at more trades
The Pittsburgh Steelers are adapting to injuries in their secondary by deploying Jalen Ramsey as a safety, demonstrating their commitment to fielding a competitive team despite significant roster challenges.
Why it matters: This strategic shift underscores the Steelers' urgency to stabilize their defensive lineup amid a spate of injuries among key players.
- With starting safety DeShon Elliott on injured reserve and Chuck Clark and Jabrill Peppers also sidelined, Ramsey's experience is crucial for maintaining defensive integrity.
- Coach Mike Tomlin has characterized the team's approach as that of "buyers" ahead of the trade deadline, suggesting a proactive stance towards improving their roster.
What’s new: Jalen Ramsey, acquired from the Miami Dolphins earlier this season, will continue to play exclusively at safety for at least another week.
- In his last game against the Colts, Ramsey recorded five solo tackles and was on the field for 98.6% of defensive snaps, highlighting his adaptability and work ethic.
- Kyle Dugger, recently traded to the Steelers, contributed with one solo tackle and three combined tackles, indicating the immediate impact of recent acquisitions.
Yes, but: While Ramsey's positional flexibility is an asset, the Steelers face ongoing concerns about depth in their secondary.
- Tomlin commented, “We value his play, his positional flexibility. It's an asset to us,” reinforcing how vital Ramsey is to their game plan.
- However, with multiple safeties injured, the long-term sustainability of this strategy remains in question.
What to watch: The Steelers’ upcoming games will be critical in assessing the effectiveness of their revamped secondary.
- As Ramsey continues to settle into his new role, observers should monitor how well he adapts to the safety position, particularly in terms of coverage skills against high-octane offenses.
- Additionally, the performance of young players like Brandin Echols, who has been stepping up in nickel packages, will be key to the Steelers' defensive success.
Between the lines: The Steelers ability to make productive trades and adapt to injuries illustrates a broader trend in the NFL where teams aggressively seek to fortify their rosters mid-season.
- Coach Tomlin’s lighthearted remark, “I like shopping,” suggests that the team may not be done making moves, keeping fans and analysts curious about potential future acquisitions.
The bottom line: The Steelers are navigating a challenging period with injuries in their secondary but are leveraging experienced players like Ramsey to maintain competitive performance.
- Their willingness to adapt strategies and explore further trades speaks to a determined focus on contention as the season progresses.
