For this episode of Pass Pro Lab, Bengals center Ted Karras joined me to break down his 2025 pass-protection tape and talk through the details behind an 10-year NFL career.
Karras entered the league as a sixth-round pick in 2016 and spent his first several seasons fighting for a roster spot in New England. He discussed learning under Dante Scarnecchia, backing up Shaq Mason, Joe Thuney and David Andrews, and how that experience shaped the way he prepares and plays today.
We also covered how his technique has changed over time, what he has taken from Frank Pollack and Scott Peters in Cincinnati, and how the Bengals handle protection in a high-volume dropback passing game.
On film, Karras broke down:
staying square against twists and overload fronts
helping guards from the center position
strike timing and hand placement
adjusting sets based on the defender
playing with positional leverage
handling rushers such as Cam Heyward, Quinnen Williams and Myles Garrett
the footwork and communication required to keep the interior firm
The episode closes with a detailed look at his weekly preparation. Karras explained why he prefers full-game film over cut-ups, how he studies personnel and fronts, what tells he looks for from defensive linemen, and how he builds his notes during the season.
Topics covered
Entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick
Learning under Dante Scarnecchia
Earning a role in New England
Playing center and guard
Bengals pass-protection structure
Staying square in protection
Passing off twists
Strike timing and hand placement
Helping guards from center
Scott Peters’ influence
Weekly film study
Preparing for Year 11
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