The Jaguars failed to end their five-game losing streak on Sunday, but don’t put that on Jalen Ramsey. Even though he got beat by Antonio Brown late in the game, Ramsey reminded the world why he’s one of the best defensive players in the league.
Jalen Ramsey deserves better than what the Jaguars are this year
The Jaguars cornerback picked off the Steelers twice and had Antonio Brown’s number all day, but the offense couldn’t do anything to help the cause.
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Ramsey had two interceptions as he dominated his third matchup against Roethlisberger in the Jaguars’ 20-16 last second loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The timing for Ramsey’s big day was perfect considering the report from Adam Schefter that said the Jaguars were going to consider trading Ramsey in the offseason — and some cryptic tweets that made it look like he was beefing with the Jaguars.
The team refuted Schefter’s report moments after it was shared. After watching his game against the Steelers, the Jaguars would’ve looked really dumb to even think about trading him.
Jalen Ramsey hit the nitro for his first interception
The Jaguars are sitting back in Cover 3 and Jalen Ramsey gave Ben Roethlisberger enough of a window to make him feel like he could pull the trigger and hit Antonio Brown for a big gain. As Brown breaks towards the middle of the field, Ramsey explodes downhill to make a play on the ball.
Ramsey’s catch was initially ruled incomplete, but Doug Marrone threw a challenge flag and the interception ended up counting. The Jaguars were already up 6-0 at this point and were able to get another field goal after Ramsey’s interception set them up at the Steelers’ 47-yard line.
Ramsey’s second interception was more impressive than his first
Ramsey made Ben Roethlisberger pay for testing him in the end zone. Ramsey jumped out of the gym to contest Antonio Brown at the catch point and came down with the ball.
Look at how Ramsey brings this ball in. He bats the ball towards himself from an awkward position, then pins the ball to his chest after falling down in the end zone. He tried returning the ball, but was ruled down by contact after review.
Jalen Ramsey finished the day with two interceptions and was responsible for three more incompletions.
As a whole, the Jaguars defense help up their end of the bargain. They forced three turnovers and the Jaguars were only able to score 16 points on the day, but ...
Blake Bortles and the Jacksonville offense turned those three turnovers into 10 points — that’s terrible, since two of those interceptions gave the Jaguars the ball on the Steelers’ side of the field.
The Jaguars’ season is just about over now. They sit at 3-7 and would essentially need to win out in order to secure the AFC South crown. It’s hard to imagine that happening when they lose after a relatively strong day from the defense like this.
Jalen Ramsey deserves better. Hopefully that better can come during the 2019 season.
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