Baltimore Ravens rookie lineman Vega Ioane opened up about being asked to switch to the center position.
The Baltimore Ravens experienced an emergency situation on Sunday, as both starting center Jovaughn Gwyn and backup center Ethan Pocic went down with injuries. As neither could return, the team then relied on an emergency option.
Rookie guard Vega Ioane stepped in to take over as center, and he took multiple snaps to finish the game. Now, he is being asked to play center in Week 4, which prompted some big responses from the lineman.
One of the most important things that Ioane admitted about jumping in as the emergency center was how quarterback Lamar Jackson remained calm and collected, which allowed him to relax as well.
"It's not much of what he did, it's what he didn't do," Ioane said. "He said, 'Alright, let's go play ball.' He kept cool. That's a good thing for someone like me, a rookie.
"I have a full week of trying to learn center, going into it and making sure that I have my calls right with all four guys across the line, including myself. So, it is a big thing for us to have the full week."
Having to switch from guard to center in a matter of a week might be a big shock for most players, but Jackson also admitted that he has full confidence in Ioane. Now, it's about getting the right rhythm.
In terms of what might be the hardest part for Ioane, the rookie said it's the mental aspect of getting the position right.
"I'd say the mental aspect of it. Like I said before, those three guys Ethan, Joe, and Danny, they made the job look so easy that I came into I think, you know, it should be easy. It's not an easy thing to do. But I say the biggest difference and challenge is the mental part. You know, got to understand what the defense is giving you and things like that," Ioane said.
Ioane will face a tall task ahead, as he must now be the anchor for the offensive line. On top of the center being the first part of contact after hiking the ball, they are also responsible for getting the line together and knowing what the defense may hit them with.
The rookie did a good job in his limited action on Sunday in Brazil, as the Ravens were able to complete a pass to Zay Flowers, and Jackson called a timeout, leading to the last-second field goal kick to secure the victory.
Ioane may have only played a handful of snaps, but that was being thrown into the proveribal fire. Now, he will have a full week to prepare to be the center.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter also stated that Ioane has a chance to obtain and keep the center position moving forward, but the team would "find the best five" to work with.
Baltimore also brought in more depth, as guard Kyle Hergel and center Andre James were signed to the practice squad. James has over 50 starts at center, but he may simply have been brought in as depth.
Minter also did not state how long Gwyn and Pocic would be out, but called both injuries "long-term."
As it currently stands, Ioane will be the center moving forward. Should he not play up to the standard the Ravens need, it would presumably be James stepping in.
