Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos center Manny Ramirez (66) during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Manny Ramirez has been known as one of the better offensive linemen protecting Peyton Manning. He has not been the same since the first snap of Super Bowl 48.
The guard converted to center for the Denver Broncos has not had a great start to the season. He seems to be missing a lot of blocks and making costly mistakes. In the game against the New York Jets on Sunday, the ghosts of Metlife Stadium must have haunted him as he once again missed a snap towards Peyton Manning that resulted in a loss of yards. Luckily, it did not result in any points for the Jets. But that is not the only issue that Manny Ramirez is dealing with.
According to Pro Football Focus ratings, Manny Ramirez finished the game on Sunday with a -5.9 rating. That number is the lowest in his seven year career. Not to mention it is the lowest grade by a Denver Broncos player this season. It is difficult to know exactly what has happened to Manny Ramirez but he is not the same dominant player that he was back in the record setting 2013 season. His game is off and seems to be making too many mistakes.
The Broncos have Will Montgomery as Manny Ramirez’s backup. Perhaps it is time to see what he can do for the Denver Broncos? Even if they do not bench Manny Ramirez, they should consider moving him back to the guard position. If he is incapable of performing at the center position, then it would be better for the Broncos to make a move now rather than later.
The games will not get any easier if Manny Ramirez continues to play as the Broncos will go up against the San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers, and New England Patriots in the next three weeks. These are teams that can get after the quarterback, so Manny Ramirez is going to need to really step it up if he wants to keep his job as the starting center of the line set to protect Peyton Manning.
So far this season, it is not looking good for Manny Ramirez. His best bet is to play his heart out, or he might be finding himself warming up the bench in the near future.