When the Dallas Cowboys play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, they'll be facing one of the very best cornerbacks in the NFL: Jalen Ramsey.
In just seven games played following his preseason injury, Ramsey has quickly re-established himself as one of the best defenders in the game, leading the league in several key coverage stats like passer rating and reception rate allowed.
Naturally, one of the biggest questions surrounding the upcoming matchup between the two contenders was whether or not Ramsey would shadow star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Earlier this week, I wrote about how the potential matchup was worthy of being called a heavyweight showdown worthy of being fought in Madison Square Garden.
However, it seems like the Dolphins are planning something different, even if they likely wanted to keep that to themselves. A very annoyed-looking Ramsey sabotaged Miami's secrecy by going on record claiming that's not the gameplan for the upcoming Week 16 matchup.
"I don't think that's the gameplan," Ramsey told reporters via Omar Kelly from Sports Illustrated. "I don't think that's my role on this defense."
I’m just going to put this here and you can analyze it for yourself.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) December 22, 2023
Let me know what you think. pic.twitter.com/WcI4fuqPl9
Although we can always be guilty of overinterpreting things, it sure seems like Ramsey isn't exactly happy with the supposed decision from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Really, it shouldn't be a surprise to Ramsey, as Fangio isn't the kind of coach to play man coverage with his top CB. Instead, he trusts his scheme with two high safeties and match principles.
However, guys like Ramsey that you can easily describe as "dawgs" are likely to be upset when they don't get this kind of shots. Based on the cornerback's attitude during the locker room interview, it's only fair to assume he isn't a fan of not getting to fight Lamb throughout the game when he believes he could shut him down.
"Next question," Ramsey replied to a reporter asking about the gameplan not being him shadowing him a top receiver in general. "Y’all know who I am. What’s up? You know what I’ve done in my career."
The Cowboys are likely to benefit from having some early intel courtesy of the Dolphins superstar. Even if that's what they expected, it's always tough to know for sure and offenses must be ready for a surprise at all times. This interview gives them a head-start going into Sunday.
Last weekend, Ramsey shadowed Jets WR Garrett Wilson for a large portion of the game. Some believe it mostly had to do with Xavien Howard's injury, who is questionable on the Dolphins' final injury report.
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