Steelers' Teryl Austin Sends Warning To NFL About Jalen Ramsey

The Pittsburgh Steelers were excited about pulling off a big trade right before the 2025 season to acquire veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey. It didn’t take Ramsey long to make an immediate impact, showcasing his physical, hard-hitting style that the Steelers hoped would elevate their defense. In Week 1 against the New York Jets, Ramsey delivered a bone-crushing hit on Garrett Wilson that essentially won the game for Pittsburgh, immediately signaling that the team had added a game-changing presence in the secondary.

Ramsey continued to assert his dominance in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts, where he lined up at safety and unleashed a series of punishing hits. One particularly fierce tackle on Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. drew a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty, highlighting just how aggressive Ramsey plays. While the penalty was costly, it also underscored the fear and respect he commands from opposing receivers, making them think twice before running routes over the middle of the field.

Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin praised Ramsey’s physical approach while speaking with the Pittsburgh media on Thursday, sending a clear message to the rest of the NFL. Austin sees Ramsey’s hard hits as a strategic advantage that could help Pittsburgh control games and set the tone for a dominant defense throughout the season. His style of play has already made an immediate impact, showing that Ramsey is capable of changing the dynamic of the game with his presence alone.

"I loved (the hits)," Austin said while speaking to members of the Pittsburgh media on Thursday. "I mean, it’s football. It’s a violent game, and I like the way that he does that. I think the hits were clean."

Austin made it clear that he felt Ramsey should not have even been flagged for the hit on Pittman. He praised Ramsey’s physical style and the way it impacts opposing offenses. 

Austin is a big fan of having a player in the secondary who can intimidate receivers. He believes that type of presence gives the Steelers a clear advantage on the field.

"I know he got flagged for one, but when you look at it, he led with his shoulder," Austin said. "He wasn’t doing anything dirty, so we like a physical brand of ball. And I think what happens when you play that type of ball, receivers take note of that, that if you’re gonna be running across the middle of the field, there’s gonna be somebody that might tag you. So it helps us."

Through the first half of the 2025 NFL season, Ramsey’s arrival in Pittsburgh has already shifted the tone of the Steelers’ defense. His combination of speed, instincts, and willingness to deliver hard hits forces opposing quarterbacks and receivers to rethink every play over the middle. While his aggression occasionally draws penalties, the long-term effect on the field is undeniable. 

Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Making A Big Difference In The Secondary

Teams now have to account for a physical enforcer who can change the momentum of a game with a single play. Beyond the individual highlights, Ramsey’s presence elevates the entire secondary, allowing teammates to play more confidently and aggressively. For a Steelers defense aiming to reclaim dominance, having a player who sets a tone both physically and mentally is priceless. 

As the season progresses, Ramsey’s style could dictate how offenses approach Pittsburgh, creating opportunities for turnovers and big stops. The blend of skill and intimidation makes him an invaluable weapon in the team’s pursuit of victories. Now this Steelers defense will look to follow up their six turnover game with another good outing.

Do you have confidence in this Steelers defense after they forced six turnovers against the Colts? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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