Offensive Line Appreciatoin Thread

[Willie55]

After the beating the offensive line took last week against the Browns, it’s time to give them props for a workman-like performance last night.

Watching the game it seemed Brady had all day to throw. Looking at the stats really does show how good they were.

453 yards of total offense with Brady throwing for 350, and the running backs amassing 103 on the ground. This against a defense that’s letting up only 315 yards a game. The Steelers are letting up only 63 yards/game at a 2.8 yard clip. Last night the Pats average 4.3 yards a rush.

Going into the game the Steelers had record 24 sacks on the season, 3 per game. After the game, they still had 24 sacks.

At one point during the game a graphic was displayed on the TV that showed Brady hadn’t been hit or even hurried once during the game.

Moving forward let's hope the line continues to play well.

 

[Uncle Rico]

There was actually a funny line from one of the announcers when Brady bumped into LawFirm on that one hand-off, about how that was the hardest Brady has been hit all night.

Great job by all, including Crump/Gronk and even Woodhead.

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

As much as we all have enjoyed the Stephen Neal success story, and what he has done for the Pats over the years, he has been having health problems for a while and I think our current line up is the way of the future.

He is a great asset to have coming off the bench at either guard position however.

 

[JackBauer]

I didn't notice Woodley at all, so I think it's safe to say that Vollmer ate his lunch.

Harrison was also pretty quiet.

Lawrence Timmons is quietly becoming a stud linebacker, though he didn't factor in much with the pass rush.

 

[JSn]

They were awesome. We still need to draft or bring along a new Center, imo.

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

I love how they stand up for one another.

Our o-line was Head and Shoulders above the little crybabies...

That speaks volumes about what you don't see in the lockerroom.

They are a close unit.

 

[Its_The_Patriots]

The offensive line was dominate last night. Brady had plenty of time to sit back, and comb his longgg gorgeous hair if he wanted too. Hopefully the OL can keep him upright throughout the remainder of the season.

 

[BradyManny]

They were awesome. We still need to draft or bring along a new Center, imo.

Absolutely true re: the center.

The OL was helped out by the fact that the Steelers blitzed less than they normally do (I believe the stat was they had 4 rushers or less on almost 80% of the plays). In preceding weeks, our OL struggled against standard # of rushers, last nite, they didn't. So it was an improvement. I was a little nervous when Harrison went low and almost blew out Brady's knee again, but that wasn't the fault of the OL. I will say the RB protection was very good by Woodhead & BJGE.

But dominant? Honestly, last nite was pretty much just all Brady & Gronk. There was some sloppiness amongst the rest of the offense (I highly doubt Hernandez and Welker were meant to run the same route to the same spot on that one play); penalties, drops, etc. - I think all but one of Brady's throws was basically 100% on the mark. Brady was getting rid of the ball quickly, and the Steelers weren't blitzing, so I think the OL's production was as much a function of that as their play. If Brady throws like that consistently and the rest of the offense gets into gear completely, then we'll be hard to stop.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Sign Mankins Now.

 

[mgteich]

Enjoy while we can!
===============
MANKINS isn't signed for 2011.

LIGHT isn't signed for 2011.

KOPPEN is signed through 2011, but folks want an upgrade.

CONNOLLY is signed through 2011, but many think that he is not starter and certainly not TOP starter material.

VOLLMER is the one known player, signed through 2012.

We'll see if KACZUR comes back. If healthy, he also is a known through 2012.
=============

Some see a solid future somewhere in Ojinnaka, Ohrnberger, LeVoir, Wendell, and Maneri. Rose-colored glasses are the style for some.

 

[Deus Irae]

Brady obviously appreciated them:

"Logan [Mankins] has added so much in terms of his toughness and his leadership. Matt [Light] and Sebastian [Vollmer] are great players, and [Dan Koppen] mans that line, he's responsible for so much up front. ... I love those guys. Those are my boys. I'm proud of he way they compete and they fight every day. They have a great coach too [Dante Scarnecchia]. It's a great group."

Top-notch effort in pass protection - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[Warren1985]

I think its time we just give Mankins a long term deal!

 

[ausbacker]

The Offensive Line I love You Thread

Whilst we're all smarting at the play of Tom Brady, our tight ends, the running backs and now our fast developing defense I'd like to take a moment to recognize the contribution of the offensive line.

Despite a few brain farts from Matt Light tonight this unit could be discussed as our best unit this season. Since Mankins has returned the o-line has been downright nasty and is getting it done in the passing and rushing games. This line has stoned some of the best modern day defenses the NFL has to offer.

Well done guys. Keep it up.

 

[patchick]

Re: The Offensive Line I love You Thread

I want Mankins back next year. Please? Pretty please?

 

[mgteich]

Re: The Offensive Line I love You Thread

Yup!

All I want from the offseason is to re-sign Mankins and Light. The rest is gravy and much less important.

I want Mankins back next year. Please? Pretty please?

 

[ausbacker]

Re: The Offensive Line I love You Thread

I want Mankins back next year. Please? Pretty please?

I've been pretty vocal in wanting to sign Mankins at a Patriots friendly price whilst moving on his manager. Now.. I don't care how much it costs to re-sign Logan Mankins. He's playing out of this world.

 

[Fixit]

Re: The Offensive Line I love You Thread

I want Mankins back next year. Please? Pretty please?

Good grief, was I wrong about his return and impact on this team. Waaaaay wrong.

 

[The Dynasty]

Re: The Offensive Line I love You Thread

I think the OL's recent success has a ton to do with Mankins return and I think BB recognizes this and will do whatever it takes to get Mankins back for 2011, especially with the uncertainty of Neal coming back as well as Light.

The OL+Gronk and Crumpler have been outstanding the past 4 weeks.