PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Last Friday what safety Jalen Ramsey said about a disconnect with the defense drew a lot of response. As the Steelers prepare for Sunday at Tampa, Ramsey talked again really explaining that statement and how much better it was to have defensive coordinator Patrick Graham on the field with them during the game.
To best understand what Ramsey was saying, let’s start with the premise that this defense is still trying to get its communication where they want it to be. Although there have been improvements, even with so many different players rotating through the secondary.
“We have been taking steps each week to all make sure we are on the same page,” Ramsey said after walk-through Friday. “Last week, I said there was a disconnect, I felt like I cleared it up. But if I didn’t, me and my father, we have disconnects sometimes, that’s my best friend, and I love him to death, and he loves me. We are only after the same goal. We want success for each other and our family. It’s kind of the same when you are here. This is your family when you are here in an NFL locker room.”
Ramsey believes in having blunt, honest talks with his teammates and coaches. It’s why after every game he will meet at his locker with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and assistant head coach Joe Whitt. They give immediate, raw thoughts about what just happened before they review a tape or break it down.
“It’s a super-open line of communication, that’s great because you can’t shy away from those type of things especially if you are trying to reach a goal, that is a tough goal to reach, but that’s what we do this for,” Ramsey said. “You got to have that open line of communication. You got to have hard conversations sometimes. You got to go through the ups and the downs to get to where you want to get to.”
Ramsey said he respects the coaches and the hours and work they put in. That’s why he said he was frustrated because he said last week’s comments were taken as if he wants the players to do what they want to do. Ramsey reiterated it’s not about that.
“We want to help them be successful while they help us be successful,” is the phrase Ramsey used a couple of times about his relationship with the coaching staff.
The 31-year-old said they will continue to have open conversations, no matter how hard they might be. They also still have work to do to get on the same page. There are things they need to improve.
“It’s all exciting stuff and we’ll keep building,” Ramsey said.
It’s test number six, will they take another step or will it be more tough conversations?
Steelers safety explains how relationship works between players & coaching staff
Steelers safety explains how relationship works between players & coaching staff
