Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos guard Louis Vasquez (65) and center Manny Ramirez (66) during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
As this writer wrote earlier in the week, the Broncos’ center Manny Ramirez either needs to be benched or has to vastly improve his play in the trenches.
Ramirez did do an admirable job when injuries forced him to play center a year ago, a position he hadn’t played in 12 years. However, he’s had an incredibly rough go of it through three games and his time is just about up.
Our own Gabe Harris was spot on when evaluating Ramirez’s play.
"The Broncos will likely use the bye to asses if changes need to be made. It is not desirable to change centers if you don’t have to but Manny Ramirez has been particularly poor in run blocking and has even struggled to lay a hand on a player, much less block him, on several running plays."
He’s just not getting it done.
Even so, Ramirez still has the chance to recover from his awful start. He graded out as one of the best centers in 2013 and has the ability to repeat his surprising success.
A tough test awaits Ramirez on Sunday, so maybe the start to reprise his success will have to wait. Arizona’s Calais Campbell and Dan Williams are both premier defensive lineman and will give Ramirez everything he can handle, and then some.
If he remains as the weakest link on an offense looking to establish a strong running game, veteran Will Montgomery will likely serve as his permanent replacement. At this point, Montgomery is already a better option.
Ramirez has all the tools necessary to better his play at center. Only time will tell if he is capable of getting the job done.