Denver Broncos offensive lineman Manny Ramirez has expressed his belief that he feels more comfortable in his role going into his second season as a starter at the club.
The 31-year-old was thrust into the starting center's spot last year following injuries to Dan Koppen and JD Walton during his side's training camp.
Ramirez struggled at times throughout the season, which ended on a low-note when he made a high-profile error in the first play of the Broncos' Super Bowl defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.
He told the club's official website: "The communication part is even better. It's still some of the same guys on the line, just being moved around a little bit.
"But as far as feeling comfortable, it feels good to be able to know that I'm in there right now but, at the same time, as far as being comfortable, that I'm okay.
"I'm still focused, keeping my head down and working hard, trying to improve every day."
Ramirez started all 19 of his side's matches in the 2013 season.