Rams' Bold Jalen Ramsey-Marcus Peters Swap Could Save Their Season
By Scott Rogust
The Los Angeles Rams were on the top of the world after winning their first three games of the season.
In the last three weeks, however, every flaw that could reveal itself did. When Jared Goff had his A-Game, the defense dissolved against Tampa Bay. When Goff struggled, the secondary couldn't cover for him and make a play.
So, how do the Rams possibly bounce back? Swapping their weakest link for an All-Pro seems like a start.
Jalen Ramsey got exactly what he wanted, a few weeks too late.
— 12up (@12upSport) October 15, 2019
Rams make a monster upgrade, shedding the Not Good Marcus Peters for an All-Pro.
Niners, you nervous?
On Tuesday, Los Angeles was extremely busy on the trade block. First, they sent starting cornerback Marcus Peters to the Baltimore Ravens in a rather head-scratching move, following the injury to Aqib Talib, at least.
Their answer? Acquiring former 2016 fifth overall pick Jalen Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars, which could very well save their season.
Breaking: Jalen Ramsey is being traded to the Rams for two first-round picks in 2020 and 2021, and a fourth-round pick in 2021, source tells @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/NM2mqQe1Oc
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 15, 2019
The Rams secondary has struggled this season, especially compared to that of their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners hold the best passing defense in the NFL in terms of yards allowed per game (150.2), and the Rams got a taste of that first hand, as Jared Goff was limited to 78 yards in the air this past Sunday.
Los Angeles has allowed 241.3 passing yards per game (14th in NFL), and struggled against the likes of the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent weeks.
Adding Ramsey is an immediate upgrade. Peters hasn't played up to snuff, and Aqib Talib likely will not return. Ramsey is arguably the best corner in the game right now.
Through three-plus seasons in the NFL, Ramsey has recorded 210 tackles, 45 passes defensed, and nine interceptions.
Ramsey has graded above 70.0 in each of his three full seasons in the league — with one of those seasons surpassing the 90.0 mark.
— PFF (@PFF) October 15, 2019
He’s also one of only three players at the position who has allowed a sub-80.0 passer rating in each year since 2016. pic.twitter.com/L0RW1zYuop
After making it to Super Bowl LIII last season, the Rams are very much in win-now mode. With Goff's colossal contract kicking in next season, this is the year to make a push before they become cap strapped in the coming years.
The Rams gave up a lot for Jalen Ramsey, but they were already in win-now mode. This is a logical next step. Last year before Jared Goff's extension kicks in and their cap flexibility shrinks. You make this move (and the corresponding Marcus Peters trade) before that happens. https://t.co/NiKHvakgDz
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) October 15, 2019
While the success of the Los Angeles Rams hinges on Jared Goff, adding Jalen Ramsey to a stacked defense will help them immensely. You'd best believe the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks' eyes widened for the first time in a while once this trade was announced.