Saints Move Cesar Ruiz to Center for Test Against Panthers

Just when the New Orleans Saints got their running game going, they had to move two pieces on the offensive line. Kellen Moore said Wednesday, Nov. 11, that Cesar Ruiz will slide from right guard to center against Carolina after Erik McCoy injured his biceps in the 23-22 overtime win over Cleveland. Rookie Jeremiah Wright will take over at right guard. With first place in the NFC South at stake Sunday, I’d keep the opening game plan simple enough for those two to get comfortable and physical enough to find out what they can do together. 

Ruiz played center at Michigan before New Orleans drafted him in the first round in 2020. He also started four games at center in 2021 after filling in for McCoy in the season opener. Ruiz told reporters Wednesday that snapping the ball still feels familiar. Getting back into the rhythm of identifying defenders and setting the blocking assignments is part of the adjustment. 

That’s the part I’ll be watching when Carolina starts moving people around before the snap. The center and quarterback have to agree on where the pressure could come from, and the guards have to know who they’re picking up if a defender crosses their face. If Ruiz and Tyler Shough can get everyone on the same page early, Moore has more freedom to call the plays he wants on third down.

Sunday will be Wright’s second start of the season at right guard. His first came against Pittsburgh. Against Cleveland, Moore used Will Sherman as an extra offensive lineman, and Audric Estimé ran for 72 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. I’d bring back some of those heavier formations against Carolina, especially on early downs. 

Give Ruiz and Wright a chance to work a combination block, where both get a hand on a defensive tackle before one peels off to pick up a linebacker. If they can get Estimé through the line for 4 or 5 yards, the next call gets easier for everybody. It also sets up a play-action throw from the same look. Once Carolina starts leaning toward the run, Shough can fake the handoff and look for a tight end behind the linebackers.

I’d also pay attention to how Wright handles the snaps when Carolina knows a pass is coming. A rookie guard who can pass off a looping defender and keep the middle of the pocket clean gives the Saints something they can use long after this game.

Both teams enter at 3-5, with kickoff set for noon on Sunday at Caesars Superdome. There’ll be plenty of attention on Shough, but I’ll be watching the two guys directly in front of him the first time Carolina shows pressure up the middle. 

If Ruiz gets the protection set and Wright gives Shough room to step into the throw, that’s a good sign. Do it on third down in the fourth quarter, when a first down can keep Bryce Young on the sideline for another few minutes, and I’ll feel a whole lot better about what this line can handle the rest of November.