After reading this, I am even MORE concerned about our OL - New England Patriots Forums

DefenseRules · 08-06-2008, 07:03 AM

http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal...t_line/?page=2

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Issue: Holes in that line
Depth, durability are question marks

FOXBOROUGH - The way the Patriots' 2007 season and quest for perfection unexpectedly ended - with their blockers overtaken by a Giant surge at the line of scrimmage - was a powerful reminder.
In this game, if you can't block them, you can't beat them.

Super Bowl XLII was stunning in many respects, but at its core, it proved that when an offensive line crumbles, so too can an entire offense.

It's a point worthy of revisiting, because if there is one trouble spot standing out on the current Patriots roster, it's the big guys up front. Eighteen practices into training camp, the offensive line has been in flux. The tackle spot, in particular, has been pulverized.

Starting left tackle Matt Light has missed the last 13 practices with an undisclosed ailment, while Oliver Ross, a free agent signed in June to add depth at right tackle, remains on the physically unable to perform list, presumably because of the collarbone injury he sustained earlier in the offseason while stepping out of his camper.

Meanwhile, top backup right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan has been shelved for the last five sessions with an undisclosed ailment. Veteran Anthony Clement, a depth player signed on the eve of camp, already has been placed on season-ending injured reserve after hurting his knee.

On top of all that, starting right guard Stephen Neal - knocked out of the Super Bowl with a right knee injury, and having experienced shoulder problems in the past - remains on the physically unable to perform list. Reserve center/guard Gene Mruczkowski, a bubble player to make the roster, unexpectedly retired early in camp.

It would seemingly be reason for concern, although at this point, coach Bill Belichick is chalking it up to standard training camp roster issues. Every year, he said, certain areas of the team must be managed for a variety of reasons, injuries among them. This year, it's the offensive line.

"I don't think it is much different, as a team, than where we have been in the past," Belichick said.

Still, it's not the best of times when the team is signing players such as first-year man Pete McMahon (July 27) and veteran free agents Barry Stokes (Saturday) and John Welbourn (Monday) after camp starts.

McMahon has not appeared in an NFL game, and while Stokes (34) and Welbourn (32) have considerable experience, they are also the type of players who are available for a reason - their best days have passed them by. They also come with some risk, because older players on the line, especially those who didn't participate in a team's offseason workout program, are generally more prone to injuries - as was seen with the 32-year-old Clement.

Mike is so right that it's not a good sign that we are still signing journey man free agents to fill holes on the line. I am going to pay extra attention to the line play tomorrow night. If this continues to be an issue, will anyone in here be surprised to see the Pats trade for an OL if it's necessary? I won't. They have made trades before during training camp when they have needed to.
Thank the Football Gods that it appears that Brady will not be playing tomorrow night. I would fear for his health.

This is your CURRENT starting OL
Left Tackle: Nick Kaczur
Left Guard: Logan Mankins
Center: Dan Koppen
Right Guard: Billy Yates
Right Tackle: Wesley Britt.

Lord help us.

For those who have been at camp, how has the OL looked? Do you have any words of encouragement?

***BelichickFan*** · 08-06-2008, 07:09 AM

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Originally Posted by DefenseRules

Do you have any words of encouragement?

My words of encouragement are that if we just get Light back then we have all the usual starters other than Neal who's out half the time anyway.

Yorkshire Patriot · 08-06-2008, 07:11 AM

Agreed - this must be our primary concern heading into the preseason considering the number of teams which will try and recreate the Giants pass rush from the Superbowl.

14thDragon · 08-06-2008, 07:16 AM

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Originally Posted by DefenseRules

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For those who have been at camp, how has the OL looked? Do you have any words of encouragement?

Brady will not be playing until Light returns?

I do not know, the lack of any info on Light is the worrisome part. If he back next week then hey I am not too worried. You have a pretty good contingent of young guys and veterans to make a push for that starting right guard spot.

I would no be terribly surprised if Welbourne makes it in that role.

***Patjew*** · 08-06-2008, 07:26 AM

Big trades are so rare in the NFL that while I would welcome some OL help, I'd also find it extremely surprising.

But you're right, this is a point of concern. But I'm concerned about it anyway, with Light being my anti-binky. Maybe he's the best we have, but I've always found him overrated and unreliable vs speed.

BPF · 08-06-2008, 07:33 AM

Not overly concerned, as BB said seems a group is hit hard every yr and all they do is work through it. Another reason not to be concerned is Dante, he will have this group ready.

JoePats · 08-06-2008, 07:44 AM

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Originally Posted by BelichickFan

My words of encouragement are that if we just get Light back then we have all the usual starters other than Neal who's out half the time anyway.

Agree...And I'm not overly concerned about Light (since we have no idea what he is out with and won't be finding out anytime soon) unless he is still not practicing by about the 3rd preseason game.

***BelichickFan*** · 08-06-2008, 07:53 AM

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Originally Posted by JoePats

Agree...And I'm not overly concerned about Light (since we have no idea what he is out with and won't be finding out anytime soon) unless he is still not practicing by about the 3rd preseason game.

Injuries are always scary with the Patriots as they don't talk about them but until yesterday we were looking at possibly having Pierre Woods as a starting OLB. Like you, until we get a lot closer to 7/7, I'm not too concerned about Light.

stephens44 · 08-06-2008, 07:58 AM

Did Moss practice/play in the preseason last year?

Anyway, as far as teams trying to do what the Giants in the SB is concerned: You have to have the Giants personnel to do that. They led the league in sacks last year for a reason. If there are teams out there looking to copy the Giants game plan, I sincerely hope they try it (all year). The Giants had the personnel, we're fired up and the Pats weren't ready for their gameplan. None of these factors will likely coincide for any Patriots opponent this year.

Metaphors · 08-06-2008, 08:00 AM

I'm not concerned about the play of the first team (Britt, Kaczur, Mankins, Yates, Koppen). They have all been in the program for multiple years and the Pats know what they can/can't do. My concern is that some of the first team will have to play longer than optimal in pre-season games because of the overall depth chart at this point in time (possibly only 11 viable OL candidates).