The Los Angeles Rams’ NFC West showdown with the Arizona Cardinals will feature one of the most intriguing matchups in Week 13 between cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
The Rams are coming off one of their more disappointing losses of the 2020 NFL season. Although the Rams defense continues to play at an elite level, they will have their work cut out trying to contain this talented Cardinals’ offense.
Ramsey may be regarded as a premier shutdown corner, however, Hopkins’ status as arguably the best wideout in the NFL certainly carries some weight into this matchup. Regardless, both sides are well aware of what the other brings to the table given their time as former AFC South rivals.
While there may be a sense of mutual respect between Ramsey and Hopkins, the former admits that all goes out the window on Sundays, per Sarina Morales of the team’s official website:
Jalen Ramsey on his relationship with DeAndre Hopkins, "We cool, but on Sunday we won't be."
He laughed and added "There is a mutual respect" for each other.
— Sarina (@sarina) December 4, 2020
Ramsey added that he was admittedly taken back by the Houston Texans’ decision to trade Hopkins away, via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry:
When asked for his reaction when DeAndre Hopkins was traded to AZ, Jalen Ramsey says, “I felt bad for Deshaun Watson, and I had to get my mind right again.”
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) December 4, 2020
It is safe to say that Ramsey is not alone when it comes to gauging the trade that sent Hopkins to Arizona in one of the most lopsided deals in recent history. As surprising as it was, the pair of stars now find themselves once again competing in the same division.
The two became well-acquainted during their days in the AFC South since it was only natural that they match up on the outside. When guarded by Ramsey, Hopkins has caught 32 of 59 targets for 396 yards and two touchdowns up to this point.
The Cardinals’ offense as a whole has become accustomed to creating matchup problems for opposing defenses thanks to the skill set of quarterback Kyler Murray. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and safety John Johnson III already acknowledged the challenges that come with keeping Murray contained.
Fortunately, the Rams’ defense has proven to be well-equipped to deal with such offenses. Not only do they have defensive tackle Aaron Donald creating problems up front, but the secondary behind Ramsey has become one of the deepest in the NFL.
Of course, all eyes will be fixed on transpires in the heavyweight showdown between Ramsey and Hopkins.
