Ramsey came to Pittsburgh in an offseason trade with the Dolphins that included another versatile cover man, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Steelers similarly valued Ramsey’s ability to line up anywhere in the secondary, though he noted this week that he’s never played an entire NFL game other than cornerback.
Thanks to injuries to players like DeShon Elliott and Jabrill Peppers, Ramsey became essential for Pittsburgh to roam the back end full-time.
Before last week’s contest, Ramsey had played 47 snaps at free safety for the Steelers, per PFF. Against the Colts, he had 55. His stat line wasn’t eye-popping by any means – he recorded five tackles – but the overall results were much needed.
A defense that seemed to have fallen apart in two straight losses to the Packers and Bengals held its own against an offense that had been lighting up the league. After failing to force a sack since Week 4, the Steelers collected five defenses (with another on special teams to boot).
Given another week to get used to playing free safety after a 13-year gap since he primarily lined up there, it’s also reasonable to expect the Ramsey pro to improve in the next sprint to manning the position.
“It’s definitely new. Before last week, the last time I played safety for a whole game was my freshman year in college,” Ramsey said. “So however many years it was, 13 or something. So it’s been a while.
“It’s definitely not like riding a bike. Hard but fun. I love football. I enjoy everything and try to embrace it.”
And there won’t be any training wheels available for a pitcher of Justin Herbert’s caliber.
The Chargers have turned into a premier offense in 2025, with countless options to wear on defense in Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston and Oronde Gadsden II.
It is by no means certain that the Steelers defense is back after one good ride and one passing test with Ramsey at safety.
However, should Pittsburgh slow down for a second straight offensive power play, the pendulum will certainly swing in that direction.
“We will continue to work,” Ramsey said. “I’m not going to say that one game is going to change everything, all of this. But we just keep working.”
The Steelers host the Chargers at 8:20 PM ET on Sunday.