Detroit Lions facing crossroads with Cade Mays, Juice Scruggs

Detroit Lions are at a crossroads with quarterback Jared Goff and center Juice Scruggs. Scruggs has been one of the NFL's top centers in the first three weeks of the season, with a PFF grade of 71.5, ranking fourth in the league. His exceptional performance in the run game has helped Detroit maintain their rushing efficiency, which was affected last season. Lions coach Dan Campbell praised Scruggs, stating that he fits the team well and is getting better.

Injuries have led to Scruggs being pulled from competition for starting left guard and being placed as the starting center. The Lions recently acquired Mays in a trade from Houston Texans, hoping he could return around their Week 6 bye. This raises the question of what to do with Scruggs when Mays is healthy and ready. The Lions gave Mays a three-year, $25 million contract, making it unlikely they would keep him sidelined indefinitely. However, if Scruggs continues to perform well, it would be difficult to bench him as well.

Campbell was asked if Scruggs would re-enter the competition at left guard to potentially start there, and he answered confidently, "Absolutely." The Lions currently have Christian Mahogany as the starting left guard, but he was in tight competition with Ben Bartch before Bartch's foot injury. Mahogany played well against the Jets, with Campbell praising his performance.

Scruggs' experience is primarily at the guard position, but in 2024, he started eight games at center and produced a 64.5 PFF grade, ranking 19th out of 38 qualifying centers.