OL competition, please? - New England Patriots Forums

patsox23 · 05-16-2008, 12:01 PM

Enough time has now passed that I think we can justifiably expect to see a little more competition between Wesley Britt, Ryan O'Callaghan and Nick Kaczur. It became pretty clear last season - the Super Bowl aside - that Kaczur is markedly ahead of O'Callaghan, who seemed to show definite deficiency in pass-blocking. BUT...has enugh time passed now - 3 or 4 years - for either O'Call and/or Britt to seriously improve, step up and challenge Kaczur?

Let's hope so. As well as the OL played (for most of) last year, even at RT, I'd like to see a bit more effectiveness. Anyone here know (or watch closely enough) if either of the two down the depth chart have a shot at taking somewhat of a leap? I'm not analytically savvy enough to weigh in, so let's hear from some of the more sophisticated posters, coaches, watchers, etc....

And let's continue to push lame-ass cameragate threads DOWN...THE...PAGE.

upstater1 · 05-16-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patsox23

Enough time has now passed that I think we can justifiably expect to see a little more competition between Wesley Britt, Ryan O'Callaghan and Nick Kaczur. It became pretty clear last season - the Super Bowl aside - that Kaczur is markedly ahead of O'Callaghan, who seemed to show definite deficiency in pass-blocking. BUT...has enugh time passed now - 3 or 4 years - for either O'Call and/or Britt to seriously improve, step up and challenge Kaczur?

Let's hope so. As well as the OL played (for most of) last year, even at RT, I'd like to see a bit more effectiveness. Anyone here know (or watch closely enough) if either of the two down the depth chart have a shot at taking somewhat of a leap? I'm not analytically savvy enough to weigh in, so let's hear from some of the more sophisticated posters, coaches, watchers, etc....

And let's continue to push lame-ass cameragate threads DOWN...THE...PAGE.

It's not 3 or 4 years. Both those players have only been on the Patriots for 2 years.

Plus, before the meltdown in the Super Bowl, Kaczur was winning rave reviews from a lot of people about his play.

I'm not saying he's great or a lock but it's apparent there won't be any other OL coming in the challenge these guys this year.

dryheat44 · 05-16-2008, 12:25 PM

If these concussions don't recur, I expect O'Callaghan to challenge for the RT spot.

Pats726 · 05-16-2008, 12:36 PM

Well...spygate is over...but still has to be addressed...NOT that I want to or anyone wants..but......
As far as the O line goes..do NOT forget Billy Yates...add him to the mix as he and Hochstein (inside backups) as well as Britt, O'Callaghan and Kaczur all need to have competition. I totally agree that is needed. The solid 9 (Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kaczur, Britt, O'Callaghan, Hochstein and Yates) have been over a year not really challenged...and one would have thought with 3 draft picks that MIGHT have happened..Oldenburg, Hilliard, Elgin...all fell by the wayside fast..NOT even a sniff of the 53... Dan Connolly..and Ryan Wendell are more inside backups...might either give Yates a tussle?? Wendell might..they both could...And then there is Jimmy Martin who may be good outside as well as inside..truly versatile...but I would predict that they will bring in a OT vet or a few rooks so there IS competition...THAT is needed in camp...

***PatsDeb*** · 05-16-2008, 12:45 PM

I have nothing to add on the o-line. I just want to help Patsox bump spygate to the bottom of the page (plus I am going to the sox game tonight [if the weather holds]) so there's a connection!

Pats726 · 05-16-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsDeb

I have nothing to add on the o-line. I just want to help Patsox bump spygate to the bottom of the page (plus I am going to the sox game tonight [if the weather holds]) so there's a connection!

Well..in a week...I think lie-gate will have run its course..

PatsFan37 · 05-16-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dryheat44

If these concussions don't recur, I expect O'Callaghan to challenge for the RT spot.

I'd like to think so, but IIRC (and help me out if I didn't), O'C got burned pretty badly twice last year. The first time was in pre-season against the Titans. OK, it was pre-season. The second time was when Light was injured or sick or something in the Dallas game and I believe it was O'C that came in, I assume to RT with Kaczur rotating to LT, but I don't remember exactly.

I do remember thinking that the Pats were in trouble if Light didn't come back in. O'C was getting burned pretty badly. Anyone else remember that?

In any case, I'm a little disappointed they didn't pick up an OT this year, but the offseason is still young.

RPMCanes · 05-16-2008, 03:00 PM

I think O'Callaghan is a better run-blocker...especially if he pictures the guy he's blocking is a bottle of some cheap ass beer instead of Smithwick's! Arrr!

signbabybrady · 05-16-2008, 03:00 PM

I think the compitition for the RT spot is one of the closet on the team. O'callahan seemed to have the age 2 years ago and Kaczur seemed better this past year.

I think they both compete with eachother and make eachother better.

I think Kaczur wins out for two reasons he was ahead of o'callahan last year and I think he is a slightly better fit for our expectations of an O-line....I think Kaczur has the body they covet where as O'callahan may be just a bit big for their liking but there are worse problems for an olinemen than being to big.

As far as a technical breakdown their are probably a few on here much better than I would be.

patsox23 · 05-16-2008, 03:50 PM

Ryan O'Callaghan and Wesley Britt will most likely NOT supplant Nick Kaczur, but I expect the Patriots to look for a Day One OT next year, with an eye toward moving Light to RT.