Anyone surprised about Dan Connolly?

[OhExaulted1]

I think Cannon is what he is, a back up right tackle who can fill in and do a decent job for a few games. I think putting him at guard is a recipe for disaster. Fleming is the wild card. I'm not sure if we know if he can play Guard or not like you said. I think drafting a Guard early is a must. I do hope we can bring Connolly back but even if we do, drafting an interior O-lineman I think is a must. Maybe we even double dip like a few poster pointed out.

I concur Ash. The cards on Cannon and Flemming have been played, Great back-up swing tackle and a solid run mashing bottom-roster "6" guy. Nothing wrong with that.

We need help on the interior. We waited until late in the draft last year to give Googs his guys. This is the year I hope we give him the arsenal he needs to succeed. I'm hoping for the the up front big uglies. Games are won in the trenches. How'd this team look until the OL started to jell in week 5?

 

[Gumby]

One thing to remember with some of these long time (respected) patriots players is that BB often gives them a chance for them to TEST the market.

He very well could be one of those who brings his best offer back and gives BB a chance to match

What is more surprising to me is that NO OTHER TEAM has apparently made him an offer.

 

[supafly]

I think Cannon is what he is, a back up right tackle who can fill in and do a decent job for a few games. I think putting him at guard is a recipe for disaster. Fleming is the wild card. I'm not sure if we know if he can play Guard or not like you said. I think drafting a Guard early is a must. I do hope we can bring Connolly back but even if we do, drafting an interior O-lineman I think is a must. Maybe we even double dip like a few poster pointed out.

I don't dispute the notion that we'll definitely address the interior OL in the top 5 selections (through picks 101). I'm simply pointing out that it's difficult to put a number on the potential guards that we need due to the unknown factor of what Belichick has in store for both Cannon/Fleming.

As much as I agree that Cannon is nothing more than a backup RT, Belichick may not see it the same way--particularly since he paid him more than anyone expected.

 

[mgteich]

I don't dispute the notion that we'll definitely address the interior OL in the top 5 selections (through picks 101). I'm simply pointing out that it's difficult to put a number on the potential guards that we need due to the unknown factor of what Belichick has in store for both Cannon/Fleming.

As much as I agree that Cannon is nothing more than a backup RT, Belichick may not see it the same way--particularly since he paid him more than anyone expected.

If Cannon is a future LG, why did he play ZERO reps at LG in the 2014 pre-season?

One possibility that we have not discussed is that, if necessary, Wendell could be our LG, with Fleming or Cannon playing RG.

No one knows why Cannon is being paid so much. Perhaps, just perhaps, a swing OT is very valuable, given that Solder is under contract for only this year, and while being worth his $7M a year, Vollmer has a significant injury risk. And, Fleming has yet to prove his worth as a potential starting tackle.

 

[supafly]

please pleasE pleaSE pleASE plEASE pLEASE PLEASE sign Stephan Wisniewski so he can be our starter
at LG for the rest of Brady's career, then draft 2 OLmen one of which can play an acceptable LT and the
other an acceptable LG.
Fleming & the overpaid churl Cannon are strictly RG/RT-onlys. Have those 2 duke it out for the starting
RG position, the loser becoming the right side backup. Wendell can then become the backup Center and
the 2 draftees become the backup LG & backup Swing Tackle.
Solder - Wisniewski - Stork - Cannon/Fleming - Vollmer
Draftee - Draftee - Wendell

I love your ideas here, both with bringing in Wisniewski and with having Fleming/Cannon battle it out for the RG spot. As you said, the loser could take over the backup RT position, where they likely belong.

If your scenario really plays out with Wisniewski, as far as the 2 expected draft selections go, I could actually envision a scenario where we could take one each (interior/tackle). I don't think many would agree with that, but it all really depends on how Belichick and co. view the possibilities regarding Cannon/Fleming/Wendell/Connelly/etc. Lots of different options and variables to take into consideration.

 

[supafly]

If Cannon is a future LG, why did he play ZERO reps at LG in the 2014 pre-season?

When did I ever suggest Marcus Cannon on the LEFT side? You are putting words in my mouth.

 

[Wordsmyth]

Deus Irae is Latin for "Negative Nancy." smh

 

[rookBoston]

I don't like the idea of bringing Wisniewski in. If we solve the LG situation with a veteran, what are we going to do with all those draft picks especially in the 96-101 range? I'd prefer to triple dip in the draft and use training camp to unearth the rookie solution.

 

[zydecochris]

If Cannon is a future LG, why did he play ZERO reps at LG in the 2014 pre-season?

One possibility that we have not discussed is that, if necessary, Wendell could be our LG, with Fleming or Cannon playing RG.

No one knows why Cannon is being paid so much. Perhaps, just perhaps, a swing OT is very valuable, given that Solder is under contract for only this year, and while being worth his $7M a year, Vollmer has a significant injury risk. And, Fleming has yet to prove his worth as a potential starting tackle.

In addition to being an injury risk, Vollmer is 30. The Patriots have three players on the roster older than 30, and two of those three are 31.

 

[mgteich]

In addition to being an injury risk, Vollmer is 30. The Patriots have three players on the roster older than 30, and two of those three are 31.

The patriots have the youngest roster in the NFL.

 

[mgteich]

I don't like the idea of bringing Wisniewski in. If we solve the LG situation with a veteran, what are we going to do with all those draft picks especially in the 96-101 range? I'd prefer to triple dip in the draft and use training camp to unearth the rookie solution.

???

We have three open roster positions held last year by Connolly, Kline and Devey. There is plenty of room for a veteran and as many rookies that Belichick is willing to have compete for the two open positions. last year, Belichick drafted three rookies, and two made the 53. This could very well happen again, whether we sign a veteran or not.

 

[Canuck]

I'm kind of surprised they didn't resign Connolly. Only thing I can think of is the Pats made him an offer and he refused or maybe they are expecting to replace the oldest guard on the roster with a younger one through the draft. If the Pats draft a new LG that would probably make Connolly a back-up. I would think he would still be valuable as a back-up as he can play all three interior positions. I doubt the Pats would pay starter level salary to an aging back-up guard.

 

[mgteich]

I'm kind of surprised they didn't resign Connolly. Only thing I can think of is the Pats made him an offer and he refused or maybe they are expecting to replace the oldest guard on the roster with a younger one through the draft. If the Pats draft a new LG that would probably make Connolly a back-up. I would think he would still be valuable as a back-up as he can play all three interior positions. I doubt the Pats would pay starter level salary to an aging back-up guard.

We're paying starting salary to a backup who has never been a regular starter. Perhaps, Connolly is only worth starter money for one year. We do need a LG for 2015.

 

[Joker]

Connolly has an extensive injury history involving multiple concussions, shoulder surgery, a neck injury and problem ankles. I'd guess the Pats draft in the mid rounds for a younger player at least as skilled at guard.

 

[supafly]

I don't like the idea of bringing Wisniewski in. If we solve the LG situation with a veteran, what are we going to do with all those draft picks especially in the 96-101 range? I'd prefer to triple dip in the draft and use training camp to unearth the rookie solution.

I actually LOVE the idea of restocking the LG spot with a talented, experienced vet who is still young.

Wisniewski went #48 overall in the 2011 draft. He's no joke. He immediately upgrades the hell out of the left side, which as we know, makes Nate Solder that much better. He also provides versatility by having the ability to play all three interior spots effectively.

The main issue (as always) will be money/value, although it may be a nice time to try and take advantage of Wisniewski's recent torn labrum issue, which should be healed just fine by the time it matters.

Besides, with Ridley likely gone, we'll need a new "Steve" who spells his first name funny.

 

[supafly]

I don't like the idea of bringing Wisniewski in. If we solve the LG situation with a veteran, what are we going to do with all those draft picks especially in the 96-101 range?

Apologies for not addressing this in my previous response, but I think this is one of those "good problems" to have; kind of like needing to change the oil in the Mercedes.

There's always something to do with a bunch of picks, which could be pushed into the future for next year. A shot or two at best player available could be useful just the same.

 

[vyrago]

lol you act like the Pats had any shot at keeping Revis outside of picking up the option.

But then again that's your schtick. Hey did you know the Pats won the SB? Because it almost seems like you don't.

Or how about that terrible bust of a pick Jamie Collins. They better keep whatever drugs BB was on when he made the pick away from him this draft.

Patsfans' god is an angry god He should be called Deus Urinatus.

 

[chasa]

Any thread about Dan Connolly needs the obligatory fan salute:


Other younger players have unfortunately made Dan expendable as a KR.

AMENDOLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

*SHAKES FISTS AT THE SKY*

 

[patfanken]

Some Comments on the Comments

1. There is no rush to sign Connolley or any other FA G before June.

2. There are so many possible interior offensive line groups that could actually be good, there are almost too many to count. Who would have thought we'd win a superbowl with an interior OL of Connolley, Stork and Wendell, this time last year. NO ONE, that's who..

3. Potential editions this line up in 3 groups.

a. incumbents

Kline, Stork, Wendell
Kline Stork, Flemming
Cannon, Stork, Flemming, etc, etc

b FA's/trades

a. Wisnewski, Strork, Flemming
b. Connolley Stork, Cannon
c. Mathis, Stork, Kline, etc, etc, etc

Draftees

a Rookie, Stork, Flemming
b Cannon Stork, Rookie, etc, etc

The interesting thing is that while they are SO many possible combinations, NONE of them would be any more surprising than the one we had last year. Which turned out to be a very effective group. Even though we are looking for an upgrade this season.

4. There is a chance Connolly comes back but only after he realizes that his market isn't much more than $1-1.6MM. If he isn't signed by the draft the likelihood of that happening will grow.

5. I don't know what Marcus Cannon has done to Captn Stone personally, but he should share. Up to now Cannon has been a very versatile and effective performer, well worth the 5th round pick he cost us and the swing T extension he got. Cmon man,, if you had called a member a "churl" you might have been reported , even though you should get points for using the term "churl". But next time use it correctly on someone who deserves it, like Suh, Suggs, or Pollard. Not need to get personal, Marcus, by all reports, is supposed to be a very nice guy.

6. Bottom line, if we had a lottery today, and instead of numbers you picked the 5 OLmen who will be the primary starters for the 2015 season, there is a reasonable chance that there would be no winners.

 

[mgteich]

Some Comments on the Comments

1. There is no rush to sign Connolley or any other FA G before June.

2. There are so many possible interior offensive line groups that could actually be good, there are almost too many to count. Who would have thought we'd win a superbowl with an interior OL of Connolley, Stork and Wendell, this time last year. NO ONE, that's who..

3. Potential editions this line up in 3 groups.

a. incumbents

Kline, Stork, Wendell
Kline Stork, Flemming
Cannon, Stork, Flemming, etc, etc

b FA's/trades

a. Wisnewski, Strork, Flemming
b. Connolley Stork, Cannon
c. Mathis, Stork, Kline, etc, etc, etc

Draftees

a Rookie, Stork, Flemming
b Cannon Stork, Rookie, etc, etc

The interesting thing is that while they are SO many possible combinations, NONE of them would be any more surprising than the one we had last year. Which turned out to be a very effective group. Even though we are looking for an upgrade this season.

4. There is a chance Connolly comes back but only after he realizes that his market isn't much more than $1-1.6MM. If he isn't signed by the draft the likelihood of that happening will grow.

5. I don't know what Marcus Cannon has done to Captn Stone personally, but he should share. Up to now Cannon has been a very versatile and effective performer, well worth the 5th round pick he cost us and the swing T extension he got. Cmon man,, if you had called a member a "churl" you might have been reported , even though you should get points for using the term "churl". But next time use it correctly on someone who deserves it, like Suh, Suggs, or Pollard. Not need to get personal, Marcus, by all reports, is supposed to be a very nice guy.

So, we went into the 2014 draft needed to find a starter at Center. And at this time last year, NO ONE could name the player who would be that starter. That is NOT shocking at all.

Your implication seems to be that since we don't know who the starting LG will be, we shouldn't bother to speculate.

Of course, we haven't a clue with regard to who will start at LG and, even more so, who will be the starting LG in the playoffs.
========
BOTTOM LINE
Some folks here thought that we needed only one starter to complete a very solid line. What was a TRUE shock was the starting LG for Game One was Cannon.