PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Jaquan Brisker said he knew the Steelers were going to win in Tampa Bay on Sunday before they even left for Florida last week. He knew that because of leadership from Jalen Ramsey.
Brisker said he, Ramsey and corner Jamel Dean, the former Tampa Bay defensive back, had been talking during the week. Then those words were turned into actions during practice.
“He had a great week of practice and it was just that energy we felt,” Brisker said of Ramsey. “We knew as a secondary that we had to step up this game, which we did and we won.”
Then he added ‘Ramsey did amazing’.
It was, along with the game-ending sack his final numbers
- 2 sacks (for minus 26 yards), 4 tackles for loss, 10 tackles (9 solo)
“We just kept fighting, kept going throughout the game, trusting each other playing fast and physical and with a lot of energy,” Ramsey said after the game.
A lot of that from him, playing through a broken hand.
“It’s what I grew up watching,” said linebacker Payton Wilson. “I’ve seen him do it for however many years he’s been in the league now. It’s exceptional to see week-in and week-out. I’ve been seeing it for a long time, but it still wows you every time you see it.”
“He’s all over the field,” said linebacker Jack Sawyer. “He brings that intensity every day to practice. He practices like it’s a game. It’s one thing I respect about him being a rookie last year, a player who has been All-Pro, a bunch of big contracts and he still goes out there and plays so hard every practice, every snap. It’s was motivating for us young guys.”
“It’s nothing new having him fly around and make the hits, the sacks, the pass breakups. He’s a one-of-one type of player. He means a lot to this team.”
How is it the 31-year-old is able to still make an impact like this?
“I think it's a lot — the physical attributes, the willingness to do it, and also just the intelligence,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He's a smart football player. He understands ball when you talk to him. He understands how he can manipulate the offenses and some of their calls. So, it's fun to have that. We have a few guys like that, and it's fun to use those guys.”
A couple of weeks ago, Ramsey spoke of a disconnect on defense, last Friday he clarified those comments to say they have honest communication. Pregame Sunday he was talking ‘very loud’ in the locker room according to Brisker. The words complemented the actions, which maybe why there was so much buy-in.
“He's a great teammate, great person,” Brisker said. “You know, obviously when he's talking to us, I know we would have a great week.”
Steelers defensive coordinator, teammates discuss his impact
Steelers defensive coordinator, teammates discuss his impact
