Offensive linemen tend to be overlooked, particularly along the interior. Only those who study the film — coaches and scouts — truly appreciate the work from an interior offensive lineman.
Count Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans among the small number that has appreciation for guard and center play in the NFL. After former starting center Scott Quessenberry went down in early August with a torn ACL and MCL, the interior has been a problematic area for the Texans. However, there may be help from within.
Second-round center Juice Scruggs filled the void, and according to Ryans, who met with reporters Monday, the Penn State product is establishing himself as a starter in his own right.
“I thought Juice did a really nice job of communicating, first and foremost,” Ryans said. “At that center position, we ask a lot of him in communicating, and you see a young guy as a rookie in him handle the communication that he has to handle up front. It’s very impressive with how far along he is to be such a young player, so very encouraged with where Juice is and knowing how much better he’s going to be as he continues to get reps and continues to play with the same guys around him. So, it’s impressive to see.”
Scruggs remains atop the depth chart as the Texans gear up for their preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints. Aug. 20 at the Caesars Superdome. Michael Deiter and Jimmy Morrissey are reserves behind Scruggs.
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