Detroit Lions Dropped The Ball by Not Adding Jalen Ramsey

Something seemed a bit fishy when the L.A. Rams traded corner Marcus Peters to the Baltimore Ravens. They were clearing space for a big splash, and that they made. Did the Detroit Lions drop the ball by not making a move?

The Rams decided to clear out a player in Marcus Peters who, by all accounts, isn’t the best locker room guy. Remember, Peters was regarded as one of the better corners in football when the K.C Chiefs shipped him to Rams. In return, the Rams received linebacker Kenny Young and an undisclosed 2020 draft pick. If it’s undisclosed, it’s likely a mid-to-late round choice. Marcus Peters wouldn’t be a fit with the Detroit Lions despite his talent. There is no need to bring in a player that’s been traded twice, with an attitude problem this early in his career.

The 26-year old corner has recorded 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown, 4 passes defended, a fumble recovery and 14 tackles thus far in 2019 through the first 6 games. Not bad. With veteran Aquib Talib injured, sending Peters to Baltimore seemed foolish.

Well, the Rams were bringing Jalen Ramsey to Hollywood. A massive upgrade for the Rams secondary despite the gigantic return to Jacksonville to acquire the best corner in football. Yes, in today’s passing league Ramsey is undoubtedly the best corner in the league. The Jaguars received two 1st round picks along with a 4th round choice from the Rams. So much for Jacksonville, not trading Ramsey. They were simply waiting for the right offer and got it.

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Ramsey expressed his desire to be traded after a slow start to the season in Jacksonville with losses to the Chiefs and Texans. Ramsey seemed to butt heads with head coach Doug Marrone who remains kind of an old school guy. Whether it’s right or, wrong Marrone won’t be pushed around by his players. It’s likely wrong because Marrone seems like one of the coaches that will be receiving a pink slip at seasons’ end. Just a guess. Tom Coughlin is also an old school guy, and he’s currently the Jags Vice President of football operations.

The Detroit Lions should have made the deal to add Ramsey. Imagine a secondary of Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Justin Coleman, Quandre Diggs, & Tracy Walker. The price of two 1st round picks is steep, but for a defense that continues to give up a plethora of yards, he’d force quarterbacks to throw towards Slay, and that’s a recipe for failure. Also, I’m convinced the Lions wouldn’t be able to draft a player of this talent in the draft. Again, he’s the best player at his position in all of football.

The Detroit Lions haven’t had any success this season, rushing the passer. Adding Ramsey would provide the defensive line more time to get after the quarterback because he has no problem blanketing a receiver for five seconds.

Over the last two Detroit Lions losses, the team led late in the fourth quarter. Understanding Detroit didn’t have Darius Slay against Kansas City. The defense was unable to hold the lead, in turn, losing both games.

Monday night, the Green Bay Packers matched up a big wide receiver in Allen Lazard (who?) on Justin Coleman late. Lazard is 6’5, 225-pounds, too much for the 5’11 Coleman to handle. Don’t get me wrong, Justin Coleman is a much better football player than Lazard, but he was able to use his large frame late to beat Coleman for the game-winning touchdown. Plus Lazard, who made his first appearance of the season Monday caught 4 balls, all late for 65 yards and a score.

Remember, Darius Slay struggled against Keenan Allen in week two, as well. Allen not as big in stature as Lazard, but 6’2 isn’t a small receiver. Allen is one of the best receivers in football too. Ramsey at 6’2 has the ability to match-up against the big WR’s throughout the league. He can cover Davante Adams, Adam Thielen, Allen Robinson, & Julio Jones.

Ramsey recently had a laundry list of issues, excuses to miss practice, and a few games. The most recent was a bad back. I bet his back is miraculously feeling better. On the season, he’s played 3 games, forced 1 fumble, made 17 tackles, and defended 1 pass. Teams merely don’t throw his way. As you can see by his tackling numbers, he’s tremendous against the run. Unlike many corners, he enjoys sticking a running back galloping to his side of the football field.

I believe that Darius Slay is one of the best corners in football; Justin Coleman has been a tremendous off-season addition. Imagine adding the best corner in the league to that group! The Detroit Lions would have been able to make a run at the NFC North, despite the lopsided officials. It’s an uphill battle now, plus the division could be out of reach.

Next. Lions struggle with running game early in the season. dark

The Lions need to focus on winning the Wild Card right now. It all starts on Sunday against Minnesota. It’s a must-win game for Detroit.

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