Dolphins need Jalen Ramsey to bounce back vs. Nico Collins and the Texans

Miami’s shutdown cornerback had his worst game in years in Week 14 vs. Garrett Wilson and the New York Jets — how he bounces back vs. the Texans on Sunday is critical.

Last Sunday, in a thrilling 32-26 overtime win over the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey ‘‘wasn’t himself”, allowing 97 yards on four receptions — the most yards he’s allowed in a game (*as the nearest defender) dating back to at least 2017, according to Next Gen stats.

If you ask Jalen Ramsey (I don’t think anyone has yet), he’ll tell you — it wasn’t close to his best game last Sunday. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told a similar story. “I think one thing that can happen when you have an asset such as Jalen Ramsey is you can lean on his talents in very aggressive ways and sometimes kind of give all help to all others – not just safeties, but body position of underneath coverage.

Miami’s head coach continued:

“There are certain times that I think he believes, and we believe, that the defense is best served when he’s on an island. And then within that, I think sometimes with those bold approaches, a play here or there can happen.”

According to Next Gen Stats, Ramsey faced Wilson on 36 of his 42 routes (85.7%) and aligned in press coverage on 24 of those 36 routes. The Film shows Ramsey looking a step slower than Wilson, but there’s still some good to take away from his performance. #AdversityIsOpportunity

This week, Ramsey will face another #elite wide receiver in Houston’s Nico Collins.

Collins, like Wilson, can beat you in a variety of ways. However, the size at which he does it can cause the most problems for opposing secondaries. Thankfully, McDaniel doesn’t see a player looking to back down any time soon at the challenge.

“As a head coach, I couldn’t be happier that one of our top competitors on this team was challenged because I just know how he responds. I thought he had some of his best technique within that game. He’s a very prideful dude that is one of those guys that takes everything personal on the football field in a good way. So I know we’re going to get the best version of Jalen Ramsey versus the Texans which is mostly what my brain is on right now.”

A conversation will be had later down the road as to whether Ramsey would benefit from a move to safety — especially with Miami’s future at the position in limbo. Still, Ramsey, one of the league’s top cornerbacks, wants to do only one thing on Sunday.

Shut down Nico Collins and the rest of the Texan’s high-octane passing attack. If Miami can do that, they have as good of a chance as any to upset Houston and get back to .500. But none of that can happen without CB1 being at the top of his game. A bet I’d be willing to take…

What are your thoughts on Jalen Ramsey’s performance vs. Garrett Wilson and the Jets? Do you think he’ll bounce back on Sunday vs. Nico Collins and the Texans? How confident are you heading into a must-win game vs. Houston? Let us know in the comments section below!