Arizona Cardinals center Rodney Hudson is currently on injured reserve with a rib injury and must miss at least two more games. However, his impact is still being felt.
Coaches and teammates have raved about his leadership and how his presence has changed the offensive line and has helped the Cardinals be one of the best offenses in the entire NFL. He has been great on the field, in the locker room and in the classroom.
In his absence, though, he is still making an impact. Offensive line coach/run-game coordinator Sean Kugler revealed that when he spoke with the media on Thursday.
Hudson traveled with the team to Cleveland and was another coach for the linemen.
“He sensed the team at the point needed him,” Kugler said. “The thought process was to have him heal up and not travel with his rib injury, but he decided to be a part of the process. After each series, he would visit with lineman and give them his view of what he saw – and it was very beneficial. He’s been outstanding.”
Kugler considers Hudson the best center in the NFL.
In his absence, though, the offense didn’t miss a beat. The Cardinals scored 37 points against the Browns and and put points on the board in their first five possessions.
Centers don’t get a lot of attention but it is clear that his presence has made a difference and that, even if he isn’t on the field, the Cardinals can weather the next games simply with his leadership.
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