McVay: Ramsey's debut 'big boost' for Rams

Jalen Ramsey made his Los Angeles Rams debut Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, and his new head coach was impressed with the early returns.

"To be able to come in on such short notice, with such short practice time and to be able to play the way that he did, it was a big boost to our team for sure," Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters postgame, according to ESPN's Lindsey Thiry.

Though Ramsey didn't start, he did shadow All-Pro wideout Julio Jones for most of the game, affording him just three grabs for 69 yards when the two were matched up. The Florida State product contributed four tackles and a forced fumble in L.A.'s 37-10 win.

"I don't think you can say enough about his ability to digest the game plan," added McVay. "He's kept himself in good shape. I know he had the back thing, but (he) ended up feeling pretty good."

Ramsey, who had just two days of practice with the Rams before playing, was far less effusive when asked to evaluate his performance.

"I feel like I played OK," the 24-year-old said. "I got to get in my groove a little bit more, it's just maybe one, maybe two plays that I wanted to have back or play a little bit different, but I thought it was good."

He added: "Honestly, the defense was a little dumbed down for me, just because I only had a couple days to prepare."

The Rams' new cornerback played five days after L.A. acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Los Angeles sent the Jaguars first-round picks in 2020 and 2021 and a fourth-rounder in 2021 in exchange for the perennial Pro Bowler.

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