If there was ever a historic moment in a preseason game, Buccaneers outside linebacker Jose Ramirez’s three sacks against the Jaguars on Saturday night might have been it. A sixth-round pick by Tampa Bay last year, Ramirez had a big game with a hat trick of sacks, paving the way for a night in which the Buccaneers recorded five sacks on opposing teams.
Jose Ramirez after a great game He shared his thoughts on his best game as a Buccaneer.
José Ramirez reflects on Saturday night’s hat-trick
“First of all, I’m thankful that God gave me the day to get out on the field and play the sport I love,” Jose Ramirez said. “I felt good. The DBs were doing their jobs. Everybody was doing their jobs compressing the pocket. And I got the sack. Everybody was getting there. I was the one that got there. It’s a race with the quarterback.”
Buccaneers OLB Jose Ramirez – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Reaching the quarterback was the only way to get to the ball on a night when the Bucs struggled in pass coverage, allowing conversions on third-and-17 and third-and-15. Bright Spots By the defender.
“That’s the only thing that showed up defensively,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “Obviously, we had a lot of missed tackles in the run game, which is unfortunate. We also had five sacks on third down, which is unfortunate. It doesn’t affect the loss, but our young guys have made progress.”
Every sack Jose Ramirez has recorded tells a story of its own. On his first, he came out of the gate and was instantly in the backfield. On his second, his charge sent Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones careening out, but Jones slipped and fell, and Ramirez was able to reach Jones on the ground.
Ramirez’s third sack was just a good old-fashioned hard pass rush as he pushed back a tackle, spun out and chased down C.J. Beatard for his third straight win.
His game plan was unique: simple, attack, and it’s fair to say Ramirez accomplished what he set out to do.
“I’m not gonna lie,” Ramirez said, “I had a few conversations with Yaya after I took it too far in practice and just went too far. [OLB Yaya Diaby]”I talked to the other guys, they were like, ‘Hey, just get off the ball.’ The first thing I do is just get off the ball. Whatever the tackle gives me, I’ll take it. So if he sends me inside, whatever it is, sometimes I go to the sideline and I don’t even remember what I did. It’s a game within a game. Just go out there and play.”
Jose Ramirez makes the most of his opportunity
Jose Ramirez may not be the biggest outside linebacker at 6’2″ and 252 pounds, but he is one of the Buccaneers’ fastest players, especially among those competing for a roster spot. When asked what he’s been working on this training camp, Ramirez noted that his preparations for this season began immediately after Tampa Bay’s season ended last year.
Buccaneers OLB Jose Ramirez – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Ramirez felt much better during the offseason and credits Tampa Bay’s training staff for helping him lose weight and gain more speed.
“Just working with Tristan from the end of the season through last year [Wirfs]Luke [Goedeke]”They just teach me what I can use,” Ramirez said. “They see things from the other side and I see it from my side, so they teach me how to beat them and this and that and I worked with the AP. [Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Anthony Piroli]Dre [Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Deandre Ward Sr.]Coach Wade [Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Chad Wade]and we’re all in the weight room. Just getting my body where it needs to be and training with G. [Outside Linebackers Coach George Edwards] And them.
“I just do what I have to do, 100 percent, for the whole of Tampa Bay. I feel like my confidence comes from all the work I’ve put in throughout the offseason. When game time comes, I’m not nervous, I’m not excited. Before the game, I might feel like I’m going to play football, but it doesn’t mean I can’t do my job, because I’ve already put in the work. So, I’m grateful for the guys. AP, every time we get in the weight room, we put in the work. I’m going to put in the work tomorrow. I know he’ll have my back.”
The Buccaneers currently have several injuries at outside linebacker, with Yaya Diaby out for the start of the regular season with a sprained ankle, Joe Traion Soyinka not practicing yet with a neck injury, and Randy Gregory out. He is officially off the Tampa Bay roster. This has given Ramirez more practice and opportunities, and he’s making the most of them.
“Yeah, I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity,” Ramirez said. “They’re good players. They’re healthy. They’re both like machines, so I’m not worried about injuries. They’ll be in good shape before the season starts. Like you said, take advantage of the opportunity. Two starters who play well aren’t playing right now, so everybody else has to step up. I’m just trying to take this opportunity that God has given me to try to play more. I’m just like, ‘Oh man, I need to work harder or I’m not going to be able to do this.’ I’m just thinking about the opportunity to play more.”
