Through just three weeks, Lions backup center Juice Scruggs has been an absolute force, rocking a 71.5 PFF grade that puts him fourth among all NFL centers. The guy is a beast in the run game, with his 78.7 run defense grade sitting second-best across the league.
Scruggs Stepped Up Big Time
Remember how Scruggs ended up as the starting center? Cade Mays went down with a broken wrist early in training camp, pulling Scruggs from a reserve role at both center and guard right into the starting gig. And man, has he delivered! His dominance in the trenches is a huge reason the Lions have regained some of that rushing efficiency they lost last season. They’re sitting pretty at sixth in rushing success rate, hitting a solid 48.2%, and averaging a sweet 2.06 yards before contact per carry. Coach Dan Campbell himself is hyped, telling 97.1 The Ticket that Scruggs “really fits us. He’s a pro. Man, he’s high energy. He’s the same guy every day. He busts his tail, and he’s getting better. He’s getting better for us at the center position. So, man, he’s a good fit for us.”
The Imminent O-Line Crossroads
Now, here’s the kicker: The Lions are staring down a major decision with Mays’ return looming. Coach Campbell just dropped an update, hoping Mays could be back around their Week 6 bye, maybe a bit before or after. He says Mays is “doing a great job” with his recovery. But what happens then? Detroit shelled out a three-year, $25 million contract to Mays to be their center for the next few years. You don’t just bench a guy with that kind of investment. But how do you sit Scruggs, who’s been playing lights out and arguably one of the best centers in the league so far?
Radio host Jon Jansen straight up asked Campbell if Scruggs would re-enter the competition at left guard, and the coach’s answer was brief, but powerful: “Absolutely.” Current starting left guard Christian Mahogany had a “winning performance” against the Jets, but he was already in a tight competition with Ben Bartch before Bartch’s recent foot injury. This isn’t just a simple swap, not with how Scruggs is performing and the contracts involved.
So, the Lions have a serious “good problem” on their hands. Campbell’s got to figure out how to keep this offensive line humming, especially with Mays’ big contract in play and Scruggs playing like a top-tier center. This isn’t just about shuffling players; it’s about maximizing talent and investment. With Mays potentially back around Week 6, this decision is coming sooner than later. What a wild situation to watch unfold for their offensive line!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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