The NFL is not just a business — it’s a risky business. Every offseason, front offices make bold decisions hoping they’ll pay off when the lights are brightest. Some gambles fade quietly. Others reshape entire seasons. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, General Manager Omar Khan’s decision to build around a haul of All-Pros is finally paying off — and perhaps none more than Jalen Ramsey.
In a game that few gave them a real chance to win, Pittsburgh stunned the Indianapolis Colts, 27-20, in a Week 9 upset that sent shockwaves across the league. It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement.
Against the NFL’s top-ranked offense, riddled with injuries and facing a quarterback in rhythm, Teryl Austin’s defense found a way to reassert its identity. And it all began with one player’s versatility.
When the news broke that DeShon Elliott would miss the game with a hyperextended knee, it was a gut punch. Elliott’s presence has been a stabilizing force in the secondary — a tone-setter and emotional leader. But the hits didn’t stop there. Veteran Jabrill Peppers was also ruled out with a hamstring injury, forcing Austin to reshuffle his secondary just hours before kickoff.
That left Pittsburgh with recently acquired Kyle Dugger, who was still learning the playbook, and Ramsey — who once again reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dynamic defensive players of his generation.
On paper, it didn’t look promising. Two safeties, neither fully comfortable in their new roles, asked to stop the league’s most explosive offense? It sounded like a disaster waiting to happen. But what unfolded on the field was a masterclass in adaptability.
The Pittsburgh Steelers found the recipe for using Jalen Ramsey effectively against the Colts
Pittsburgh rolled out a single-high safety look on 50% of its defensive snaps, trusting Ramsey to play multiple roles. His impact was everywhere. He racked up eight tackles, a sack, and several key stops in coverage that disrupted Daniel Jones’ rhythm and limited his options downfield.
It was classic Jalen Ramsey — confident, physical, and calculated.
The beauty of Ramsey’s game is his positional flexibility. He’s not just a corner or a safety — he’s a defensive chess piece. On Sunday, that versatility saved the Steelers from what could have been a defensive collapse. His ability to communicate pre-snap adjustments and execute in different alignments gave Teryl Austin the freedom to get creative without compromising coverage integrity.
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It’s exactly what Omar Khan envisioned when he brought Ramsey to Pittsburgh. The All-Pro’s experience allows him to mask weaknesses and elevate those around him — something that cannot be taught or schemed.
Watching him on Sunday reminded me of why the Steelers’ defensive tradition still holds weight. He finished the game with eight tackles and a sack. For years, this franchise has thrived on adaptability and toughness. Ramsey fits that mold perfectly.
He didn’t just fill a hole — he became the solution. And in a season filled with uncertainty, that’s priceless.
With Jalen Ramsey leading a revitalized secondary, Pittsburgh’s defense looks alive again. One week doesn’t define a season, but it sure can reignite one — and right now, the Steelers look like a team ready to fight their way back into the contender conversation.