Who could have guessed Marcus Peters would be fired up and eager to trash-talk the team that traded him last month so it could replace him with a different cornerback?
The feisty, 26-year-old Ravens CB was understandably vocal throughout his team's 45-6 thrashing of the Rams on Monday night. He was seen jawing at Los Angeles' sideline during the game, with the chatter rising to a crescendo after Peters intercepted Jared Goff early in the fourth quarter. Peters' primary target appeared to be Jalen Ramsey, the player for whom the Rams traded hours after they dealt Peters to the Ravens in October.
bruh ... marcus peters hilarious 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/rTbdAXdO6K
— Alex Glaze (@Alex_Glaze) November 26, 2019
The context: On Oct. 16, the Rams in a surprising move traded Peters to the Ravens in exchange for linebacker Kenny Young and a 2020 fifth-round pick. The deal made more sense to observers a few hours later, when the Jaguars traded Ramsey to the Rams in exchange for a 2020 first-round pick, a 2021 first-round pick and a 2021 fourth-round pick.
The moves were viewed as Los Angeles attempting to upgrade at cornerback, and Peters, a California native, was sent to Baltimore. The Rams reportedly had no interest in extending Peters, an All-Pro selection three seasons ago, and instead hope to pay Ramsey a long-term contract.
"Everything, man," Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon said after Monday night's game (via ESPN) when asked what it meant to Peters. "He wanted to come in and get this win. You always do when you go back home."
In a development that surprised nobody, the confrontation did not end when the game clock hit zero. As the teams met on the field for post-game handshakes and hugs, Ramsey appeared to approach Peters, who had no intentions of ceasing with the trash talk. ESPN's cameras caught the exchange as the network was ending its broadcast.
Marcus Peters gave Jalen Ramsey the BUSINESS after the game 😳#BALvsLA pic.twitter.com/nZsHYPScgc
— SportsLine (@SportsLine) November 26, 2019
According to The Athletic, Peters "had a loud, lengthy string of expletives as he ran up the Coliseum tunnel among former Rams teammates." Added CBS: "Peters came into the tunnel talking copious amounts of s—."
ESPN's account: "After his exchange with Ramsey, Peters eventually retreated to the visitors locker room while delivering a profanity-laced rant to no one in particular. Rams cornerbacks coach Aubrey Pleasant attempted to greet him, but Peters brushed him aside."
Which is why Ramsey had to be restrained by two Rams staffers in the tunnel.
After the game, Rams CB Jalen Ramsey was being restrained by Rams personnel in the tunnel while shouting at Ravens players and staff going into their locker room. @NBCLA pic.twitter.com/UD7j9R1ycF
— Kenny Holmes (@KHOLMESlive) November 26, 2019
"If you've got questions about the game, I'll answer that," Ramsey told reporters when asked about his exchange with Peters. "Other than that, I ain't going to answer no B.S."
Peters did not speak with media after the game, but many in the tunnel heard him yell: "Kicking the Rams' ass out of the playoffs."
Enough said. LA's loss dropped it to 6-5, and based on the current NFC playoff picture, the Rams' postseason chances are slim. Peters' new team, on the other hand, may or may not be the best in the NFL.
Peters, who recorded two interceptions in six games with the Rams this season, already has three picks in five games with the Ravens.
He didn't need to speak with media after the game for us to know his latest was the sweetest.