CHFF wonders about our O-line - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

ATippett56 · 11-28-2007, 09:21 PM

I wonder more about the Patriots offensive play calling than the offensive line. The Patriots have become too pass happy lately and need to revert back to the balanced offensive attack as executed to perfection against the Washington Redskins.

***Deus Irae*** · 11-28-2007, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbb9s

to replace who? RT?

It's not really about replacing as much as improving the competition. Neither starting tackle is Orlando Pace, after all, even though I think Light is a quality left tackle. If there's a future Pro Bowl type of tackle on the board, the Patriots should take him and let them all fight it out. It's not as if this team is famous for its lineman all playing 16 games a season every year. Furthermore, I wouldn't mind finding a monster left tackle to go next to Logan Mankins for about a decade of dominance. I just don't know who'll be coming out in the draft and if any of them are capable of reaching that sort of level in the NFL.

5 Rings for Brady!! · 11-29-2007, 12:12 AM

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Originally Posted by BradyManny2344

I actually agree. I think our O-Line has gone from severely underrated to moderately overrated in the span of a few seasons. Having the best QB in the pocket makes a big difference, as does having Moss, Stallworth, etc. and other weapons that cause teams to commit more defenders to coverage than rushing.

Mankins is great, Light is good, Koppen is great and Neal and Kazcur are both adequate. Pass protection, they probably get an A-, and some of that is thanks to Brady, run blocking isn't as great and if you rewatch these games, you notice plenty of missed blocks. They get better as the game gets on and as the opponent tires, but I do think the rightside of the OL could be upgraded in the offseason, though it doesn't have to be.

I know what you are saying, but I think they have been moderately overrated for a while. They were wildly inconsistent between 2005-6. This year, they have been mostly very solid in pass protection and mostly adequate to good in run blocking. The passing game has made the run blocking look better due to the lack of an extra man in the box, and everybody following Moss around the field.

I think that they will continue to find their run game as the season progresses, and who can complain about the pass protection overall? These guys know how to step it up a notch in the big games and playoffs.

I think the WRs take the blame for not performing quite as well this week, if anything, and our defensive game plan and pass rush was abysmal.

PonyExpress · 11-29-2007, 12:26 AM

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Originally Posted by Deus Irae

CHFF or no CHFF, I've been saying that I want that top pick to go for an offensive tackle, and nothing has happened to change my mind about that so far.

I had been thinking the same, until recently. But I don't like the direction the D is heading. Not this season, but going forward. There will be a talent drain coming. Colvin is out, and may be either gone or restructured, or hobbled next season depending on the extent of his injury (maybe it's a lis franc). The ILB situation is frankly a mess going forward. Samuel is gone, Harrison is old, Wilson is gone, Meriweather is an unknown, Sanders is merely adequate, Hobbs has been a bit of a disappointment, Gay may be gone. Wilfork needs a new contract, Seymour has been underwhelming thus far this season, and last, and who knows what he'll be next season. Frankly, the only defensive players I feel strongly positive about next season are Warren, Wilfork, Thomas and Vrabel. In contrast, on the offensive side there are numerous impact players from Watson to Welker, Moss (assuming he resigns), Maroney, Koppen, Mankins, Brady etc. While an OT would make the offense even more unstoppable and preclude the need to give Light an undeservedly large contract, IMO a young, impact D player may be more important for the overall health of the roster. That is why I am looking at Chris Long, Harvey, Laurinitis, Dorsey, Philips, etc.

kurtinelson · 11-29-2007, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradyManny2344

I actually agree. I think our O-Line has gone from severely underrated to moderately overrated in the span of a few seasons. Having the best QB in the pocket makes a big difference, as does having Moss, Stallworth, etc. and other weapons that cause teams to commit more defenders to coverage than rushing.

I agree. I think we have a good offensive line, but Brady is a a huge reason that they are ranked as the best unit in the NFL. The problem the the CHFF Offensive Hog Index is that the measurables (like % of negative pass plays and 3rd down efficiency) are highly influenced by the quality of the QB. The ranking of this Pats offensive line would be a whole lot different if say Drew Bledsoe (even in his prime) was QB.

BradyManny · 11-29-2007, 10:29 AM

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Originally Posted by 5 Rings for Brady!!

I think that they will continue to find their run game as the season progresses, and who can complain about the pass protection overall?

Exactly, I said before this season that I thought the OL was good with room for improvement if necessary - of course, other needs are much higher priority. I stand by that - personnel hasn't changed at all on the OL, obviously the real factor at work here is the wideouts and Brady.

ClevTrev · 11-29-2007, 10:35 AM

I believe CHFF has restated that the Pats O-line is special and rated #1 in the league. Given the pressure they experienced against the Eagles, this was a good test to get them ready for the remainder of the season and the playoffs, as it's certain they'll be seeing this strategy deployed again.