Seven days after being named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, Jalen Ramsey was the least of our worries for the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 7 Paris game against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, he wound up being the biggest problem of all.
Thankfully, the Steelers' run defense was spectacular in Week 7—holding New Orleans to just 18 yards on 17 carries. Pittsburgh mostly kept the Saints out of the end zone, and by the end of the game, the Steelers secured a 16-10 victory.
But Patrick Graham's defense may only be as good as the version of Jalen Ramsey who shows up on Sundays.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need more consistency from Jalen Ramsey
Let's be clear: Ramsey has been fantastic at times this season. The veteran defensive back often shows why he is an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro. This was on display in back-to-back games against the Colts and Buccaneers in Weeks 5 and 6.
But Ramsey laid an egg in Week 7... and performances like the one we just witnessed could cost the team dearly if this continues.
When I watched the game live, it was apparent that Saints quarterback Tyler Shough found a matchup he liked against Ramsey and exploited it. It got so ugly, in fact, that at one point in the second half, I posted that it might actually be time to bench Ramsey (at least for the remainder of the contest).
Just how bad was it? About as bad as it gets.
On 35 coverage snaps, Ramsey was targeted 11 times, allowing 10 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown, per Pro Football Focus premium stats [$]. This equated to a despicable 145.1 passer rating allowed.
As a result of his performance, Ramsey earned a dismal 28.0 overall PFF grade, along with his cringeworthy 27.1 coverage grade. Even though the veteran had another strong performance in run support, it wasn't nearly enough to make up for his shortcomings in pass coverage.
Now 32 years old, Ramsey doesn't have the same speed or quickness he possessed in his younger days. This was evident in Week 7. The reaction time and recovery speed simply aren't there anymore.
This is never good when you're playing the slot. Saints receivers created effortless separation against Ramsey and routinely found themselves wide open. This simply can't continue if the Steelers want to be a successful defense—particularly against good offenses.
And that will be the true test. As bad as Ramsey was exploited against Tyler Shough and a 2-5 Saints team, his weaknesses in coverage could get even uglier when the Steelers face a legitimate offensive threat.
Thankfully, Ramsey's egregious performance in coverage didn't cost the Steelers a victory across the pond, but his inability to stick with his man kept the chains moving for the Saints and kept the game a one-score contest throughout.
We know Jalen Ramsey is capable of playing better than he did in Week 7—we've seen it. Unfortunately, this Steelers defense may only prove to be as good as the version of the aging defensive back who shows up on Sundays.
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