Former FSU football defensive back Jalen Ramsey has been the best cornerback in the NFL for much of the past few years.
A lot of chatter happened, leading into Super Bowl LVI with folks clamoring to see him matched up against Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
It was a mixed bag for Jalen Ramsey. Ja’Marr Chase beat him for a 46-yard reception near the end of the first quarter that set up a Bengal’s field goal.
Chase beat him on another play for a 17-yard reception.
Absolutely RIDICULOUS to be doing this in the Super Bowl as a rookie. @Real10Jayy__
— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2022
📺: #SBLVI on NBC
📱: https://t.co/K02y40b5Nu pic.twitter.com/eWToObhl2E
Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Jalen Ramsey has now allowed 126 yards as the nearest defender in coverage on 3 receptions today.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 14, 2022
That's the most he's allowed in a single game in his career, regular season or playoffs. pic.twitter.com/bRcXXDN918
However, it was the 75-yard touchdown Tee Higgins had after grabbing Ramsey’s facemask that got the most attention. The reception gave the Bengals their first lead of the game, but it should have been offensive pass interference.
Bengals’ Tee Higgins gets away with a clear facemask on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2022
Refs miss it, and Cincinnati takes the lead in #SuperBowlpic.twitter.com/EyNIzc4yAf
Ramsey also missed a tackle on Cincinnati’s final drive as he hesitated when looking to jump a route and allowed the receiver to gain about 17 extra yards. Chase finished the game with five receptions for 89 yards on eight targets.
Higgins finished the game with four receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. However, if we wipe away the 75-yard touchdown that should have been OPI, it’s a pedestrian night. Tyler Boyd had five receptions for 48 yards on six targets.
❗️NEW EPISODE ALERT❗️ Context on why advanced metrics like FSU in 2022. Major 2023 recruiting needs. FSU basketball and finishing with some NIL talk. Subscribe and Tell A #FSU fan 🍢 Powered by @BleavPodcasts https://t.co/wXBHg4veRP
— Built For Playmakers Podcast (@Built4Playmaker) February 11, 2022
Ramsey didn’t guard one particular guy all night but finished the game with four tackles, and one pass defended. However, refs could have called defensive pass interference that defended pass. I’m a huge FSU fan, but I have to call it how I see it.
Ramsey didn’t have a great game, but the Bengal’s wide receivers didn’t exactly light it up either. The two receptions Chase had over Ramsey were nearly perfect throws by Joe Burrow.
Bengal wide receivers might even say they won the battle, but ultimately Jalen Ramsey is a Super Bowl champion and won the war.