Jacksonville Jaguars rookie cornerback Jalen Ramsey will face two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in his first career NFL game Sunday, but the No. 5 overall pick isn’t at all scared of taking on the Green Bay Packers quarterback.
In fact, Ramsey all but dared Rodgers to come after him.
“I’m not scared,” Ramsey said, via ESPN. “Throw my way if you want to.”
Be careful what you wish for.
Ramsey is expected to start opposite Davon House, a former Packers cornerback, on Sunday at EverBank Field. That should mean plenty of Pro Bowl receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb for the rookie defender to cover during his regular season debut.
Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley isn’t worried about Ramsey fading away from the moment.
“He is a good football player,” Bradley said. “Jalen, I know, will stand up to the competition.”
The Jaguars will need Ramsey to be at his very best on Sunday. With Nelson returning from a torn ACL that cost him the 2015 season, Rodgers and the Packers offense will be back at full strength to start 2016. And Rodgers, the league’s MVP in 2011 and 2014, is undoubtedly looking to rebound from arguably his worst statistical season since taking over as the Packers starting quarterback.
Expect Green Bay to test the rookie early and often on Sunday.
Jacksonville gave up the fourth most passing yards a year ago, which was a big reason why Bradley and the Jaguars used the fifth pick on Ramsey. Early returns—especially after daring the MVP to throw his way—would be more than welcomed on Sunday.
In fact, there’d be no better time for the rookie cornerback to show exactly why he’s a favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year than Sunday, when the most talented quarterback in the NFL comes to Jacksonville for an important Week 1 visit.
