PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – While the Steelers have a pair of players who were with the Dolphins as of early June, neither seem to approach this game against Miami Monday night as any type of revenge game.
“You always want to go and show up and show out and win, as a professional you have to treat every game with a clear mind and no matter who is in front of you, the goal is to win,” said tight end Jonnu Smith. “Sometimes we let our emotions get the best of us, that’s not the mindset you want to go in with.”
“I attack the week as I would attack any other week honestly,” said Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey. “I’m sure they self-scout and they scout us. It’s a different year. We can’t always go off of things in the past.”
The two combined to only play three seasons with the Dolphins. Ramsey made a Pro Bowl playing in only 10 games his first season, overall 27 games, five interceptions, 82 tackles, six tackles for loss. Smith had a career season in 2024, his 88 catches were 47 more than his previous high, he finished with 884 yards and eight touchdowns catching 79% of the targets his way.
It’s been a struggle at times for Smith to find his place, only four starts and 30 receptions for 190 yards. His 2025 season-high for yards in a game is 28. Last year he had 12 games with more yards, including a pair of 100-yard games.
“Obviously as a competitor, you want as many opportunities as possible,” Smith said. “I’m completely trusting the plan and everything we have moving forward. I’m just excited to continue to contribute.”
Ramsey originally started in the slot, the coaches were excited to use his versatility and thought it would give them an advantage. But an injury to safety DeShon Elliott caused an eventual move to start exclusively at safety. He had nine tackles each against the Bears and Bills and with rotating players at the other safety position and at corner, Ramsey has been a stabilizing force for the defensive backs as a group and the defense overall.
Each know at 7-6 with a one-game lead in the division what this game means.
“Big-time game, big-time confidence game, a lot to be playing for right now,” Smith said. “I'm going into this game like any other. I expect to go in there and get a win.”
College ties
With James Pierre ruled out, Asante Samuel, Junior will likely make his first start with the Steelers. He’s played sparingly in two games with three tackles.
“I think he fits in great, always on it,” Ramsey said. “Very attentive on the field, in meetings, trying to get his groove back after not playing for a little while. His demeanor, his energy, his mentality, it’s all something we welcome in the DB room. Excited for him to keep growing in his role with our secondary and our team.”
“I’ve been enjoying it, obviously I’m biased too, he’s a Seminole.”
Stop the chants
“I have a ton of respect for him,” Ramsey said. “I think he is a Hall of Fame coach. Obviously, one of the best coaches in the league if not the best. I could go on-and-on about Coach Tomlin, he’s not only a great guy, but he’s truly a great coach, great motivator.”
Asked about the last game at home when Steelers fans chanted ‘Fire Tomlin’ in the second half?
“I can’t speak on everything that went on here in the past,” Ramsey said. “It’s my 10th year in the league, it’s tough. It’s the NFL, any type of success you get you cling onto it.”
“Me personally, I thought the chants were bull----. That’s comical in my mind, that’s all I will say about that.”