Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds can thank center Frank Ragnow for his pivotal touchdown plunge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs on Sunday afternoon.
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With the game tied at 10 apiece, the Lions went for it on 4th down and goal from the one-yard line, when Reynolds took a handoff from Jared Goff for the go ahead score.
It wouldn't have been possible if Ragnow hadn't handled one of the game's premier run-stuffing defensive tackles.
Ragnow had his foot and ankle rolled up on earlier in the game, only to stay in the contest, before paving the way for Reynolds' touchdown with an impressive block on Vea.
A fourth-down TOUCHDOWN for @13_CJR!!#TBvsDET |📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/5j1oBJzRaJ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 21, 2024
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The Lions' Walter Payton Man of The Year nominee, Ragnow is one of the key pieces to Detroit's success on offense.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ragnow allowed just one sack during the 2023 season, while garnering an elite 90.1 run-blocking grade. Against Tampa, it was easy to see why. Meanwhile, Vea entered Sunday's contest with 41 total tackles and 5.5 sacks as one of the more dominant interior linemen in the league.
"Really, our secret weapon is Frank Ragnow," Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson told reporters prior to Sunday's game. "We put a lot on his plate, both run-game and pass-game, so he does a great job getting fronts identified for the rest of the offensive line and in the protection game with the running backs and the tight ends. So, he really is a key cog in what we do and I can't say enough good things about him."
Vea found out the hard way just how difficult it is to line up against Ragnow, even when the 27-year-old center is less hobbled by an injury.
