Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey got off to a strong start to the season in the 34-32 win over the New York Jets, playing sound coverage all game and delivering a bone-crushing hit on Garrett Wilson to seal the victory.
The Steelers' defense largely disappointed, however, and fans were hoping to see a bounce-back performance this week against the Seattle Seahawks. Things got off to a rough start, with the defense giving up multiple long third-down conversions before Sam Darnold found rookie receiver Tory Horton for a touchdown.
After the Steelers' offense drove down and scored on a Chris Boswell field goal, the defense desperately needed to get a stop to gather itself. On the first play of Seattle's next drive, Ramsey made an elite read on a route from Cooper Kupp to undercut him and come away with a huge interception.
Jalen Ramsey wasted no time making an impact in Pittsburgh Steelers' home debut
Ramsey's impact on the Steelers' defense has been a huge topic ever since the trade was made, but it's been obvious from the start that he would be one of their biggest playmakers. His role as the primary slot corner allows him to play closer to the line of scrimmage, jumping routes and delivering big hits like the one against the Jets a week ago.
The Steelers' defense has had issues covering slot receivers for years now, especially after Mike Hilton departed in free agency back in 2021. Adding Ramsey may have weakened their safety spot by giving up Minkah Fitzpatrick, but they gained a valuable chess piece that can even play some safety in their base defense.
He already has as many interceptions as Fitzpatrick had a year ago after less than two games, and he is a far more versatile a cover player than the former Steelers star is at this point.
Time will tell if the All-Pro defensive back can keep playing at the level he has early in his Steelers career, but so far, he has more than earned his money after the controversial trade.