At 32, Karras is playing his best ball since Scarnecchia found him at Illinois and the Patriots fished him out of the sixth round. He signed his second one-year extension before this season after a year Pro Football Focus graded him the seventh-highest center in the league.
He's coming off that game against the Jets where he coordinated the Bengals' best run game in nearly two years while allowing one pressure. PFF doesn't have him as hjghly graded this year. But the web site has him coming into this week's games with the same pass-blocking numbers as the Ravens' young two-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum in allowing a sack and 13 pressures for the season.
"When I got here (in 2022), it was the first time I ever played just one position," Karras says. "Before that, I played a lot of right guard and left guard, too. Just trying to get better every year."
There are those who believe some of the best centers in the league can't do what Karras does here for a pass-first team when it comes to getting lined up and then blocking.
"A great pass protector," Fairchild says. "He's great at being in the hole and being able to help either guard and he does great in his one-on-ones. He excels in all phases of pass pro."
If anyone knows how he's doing, it's the next Ted Karras. Father and son talk twice a day. Easy to do when your dad is the national title-winning head coach for NAIA Marian University of Indianapolis.
Especially during a week you're preparing for the Bears and he's preparing for a team from Joliet. St. Francis.
"Good team. Tough game on the west side of Indianapolis," says Ted Karras' dad.
Just another weekend for the Karras football family. After his game on Saturday, the next Ted Karras and wife Jennifer head to Paycor for that tailgate with the Thuneys. They're hoping they'll follow them to their son's open house that the latest Ted Karras has after every Paycor game.
After the crowd disperses, father and son watch the tape, a ritual they've been doing following home games since the first Ted Karras was taking them to Bears games.
"I have to get back for that Monday morning meeting, so it will be a little late, but that's OK," the next Ted Karras says. "Last week I thought his run-blocking was better. The whole offensive line. Gash plays. That's powerful. That's good stuff. I thought his pass pro was spot on.