The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get a dominating win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but the victory wasn't discussed too much in the media as there were several other interesting stories that came from the game. The first being a pair of injuries for the Steelers as both Aaron Rodgers and Jaylen Warren wound up leaving contest, however Warren was available to play if needed. The other situation was Ja'Marr Chase and Jalen Ramsey getting into a couple of fights, which ended with Ramsey getting ejected from the game after throwing a punch at Chase.
Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey ahead of a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 season.
At first, it looked like the altercation between Ramsey and Chase was just a typical fight in between plays, but Ramsey immediately claimed that Chase had spit on him after the game while speaking with the media. The wide receiver denied those allegations during his time with the media, but a video was released shortly after the fact that clearly shows Chase spitting on Ramsey. Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the situation during his press conference on Tuesday, and whether or not he had anything to say to his star defensive back.
"I have no message if someone spits in your face," Tomlin said. "Do what comes natural."
Tomlin was initially critical of Ramsey after the game against the Bengals as the coach did not know the full story of what had happened out on the field, but it is clear he is on the side of Ramsey after seeing what Chase did. The punch Ramsey threw was completely warranted, and that is backed up by the fact that the NFL suspended Chase for one game and Ramsey received no additional punishments from the league.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey breaks up a pass that was intended for Ja'Marr Chase during the 2025 season.
Tomlin backed up his player, and he made sure to state that there is no place for actions like that from Chase in the game of football. The Bengals and Steelers do not play again during the 2025 season, and a playoff matchup is unlikely due to Cincinnati's current standings in the AFC, but all of these fireworks should make for a great pair of games during the 2026 season.
"You know, I was aware, I certainly talked to Jalen in-game," Tomlin said of the spit. "It's an unfortunate incident. It's not an act that is common to the game of football. It's nothing to do with football. So, I'm not going to comment on it. The NFL office rendered their judgement, and so we're moving on."
The coach didn't want to discuss the issue any further, but it is safe to say that Ramsey is going to have a little extra motivation when going against Chase and the Bengals during the 2026 season. It will probably be a chippy battle as the games usually are, but there is a pretty good chance that Ramsey and Chase will be getting into more fights in the future. The AFC North is always intense, but things are going to go up another level when Pittsburgh and Cincinnati square off in the future.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey during a practice outside of Dublin, Ireland, during the 2025 season.
Steelers' Defense Turned It On After Ramsey's Altercation
Ramsey was ejected from the game at the start of the fourth quarterback while Cincinnati was facing an 11-point deficit and had the ball on Pittsburgh side of the field. Ramsey exited the game, and Pittsburgh then held Cincinnati to a field goal. On the Bengals' next possession, the Steelers forced a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. The group seemed extra motivated as it did not let the Bengals have anything. On Cincinnati's final possession of the game, the defense forced a turnover on downs, which cemented the 34-12 victory. Pittsburgh got revenge for Ramsey, and also avenged its loss to Cincinnati earlier in the year.
What do you think about Tomlin's comments on the situation between Ramsey and Chase? Let us know in the comments below!
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