The Detroit Lions needed someone to step up after center Cade Mays went down with an injury in August, and Juice Scruggs is the one who put the cape on. The Lions have allowed 39 QB pressures through three games, which puts them in the middle of the pack (15th) in terms of pass protection. The offensive line was expected to struggle without Mays, but Scruggs has helped keep them afloat.
Perhaps it was offensive coordinator Drew Petzing who unlocked the recent production from Scruggs. When speaking to the media Thursday, Petzing said he told Scruggs to be louder at the line of scrimmage and take command.
"So it’s not the Ron Burgundy question mark at the end. It’s more like, 'No, I *am* Ron Burgundy and this is what we’re doing. Let’s go.' You've seen that develop in his time at the position," Petzing said.
Juice Scruggs could earn himself a permanent starting role
How good has Scruggs been for Detroit? Well, one mock trade involving the Lions would send Scruggs to the Ravens in exchange for all-pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey. If someone said that was possible before the season started, they would've been given a big red nose and clown shoes.
Mays' Lions debut will most likely come after the bye week against the Packers on Oct. 25. Scruggs will be moved to left guard, where he'll be in competition with 2024 6th round draft pick Christian Mahogany. Since taking over at left guard, Mahogany hasn't been able to solidify himself as the permanent starter.
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The gap isn't enormous between Mahogany and Scruggs, but the latter is better at both run blocking and pass protection. If you also consider his newfound leadership qualities, I expect the coaching staff to prefer Scruggs. Whichever player starts, the other could still be part of a goal-line package going forward (e.g. Larry Borom).
Scruggs' ability to play guard and center gives the Lions much needed flexibility in case of more injuries. Penei Sewell offers a similar kind of stability, as he can play both tackle positions.
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