Texans center Greg Mancz: 'Progress was made'

As he continues to learn on the job, Texans center Greg Mancz isn't a finished product.

Entering his second NFL season, the replacement for injured rookie starter Nick Martin is adjusting to the rhythm of the Texans' offense and blocking schemes.

The former undrafted free agent from Toledo started his third preseason game Sunday night during a win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter sacked quarterback Brock Osweiler on a blitz up the middle when Mancz was occupied on a double-team block of nose tackle Frostee Rucker. Running back Lamar Miller arrived too late to pick up the blitz.

"Progress was made, but I'll watch it and see where we screwed up and work to fix it," Mancz said. "We'll figure it out. I think each game we get a little more comfortable as a group. We keep building the chemistry.

"I think we get a little more comfortable as a group. we keep building the chemistry."

Mancz is regarded as a scrappy lineman who has clearly outplayed former Oakland Raiders lineman Tony Bergstrom. Mancz was an All-Mid-American Conference selection and a second-team All-American pick from the Football Writers Association of America. Mancz started 47 consecutive games for the Rockets and was a preseason candidate for the Rimington Trophy given to the nation's top center.

Mancz's work ethic and toughness have impressed teammates after returning from knee surgery that forced him to spend the majority of his rookie season on injured reserve.

Houston Texans center Greg Mancz (65) dives on a loose ball during a fumble drill during Texans training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, in Houston. Houston Texans center Greg Mancz (65) dives on a loose ball during a fumble drill during Texans training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, in Houston. Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 135 Caption Close Texans center Greg Mancz: 'Progress was made' 1 / 135 Back to Gallery

"That's my boy," Texans offensive tackle Kendall Lamm said. "That's my roommate. Me and Greg, we bounce ideas off each other being undrafted rookies together last year. He's the head guy at the center position right now. He's got such a great football mind. I'm really happy to see him doing well. That's my dog. I know Greg probably better than anyone. He'll excel for sure."