Offensive Line thoughts

[BobDigital]

This is going to be short and long term.

Short term games 1-8

Wendell is clearly the best option to move to center with Jackson/Mason beside him. Center is too important to have a rookie start there game 1 unless he is exceptional. Andrews is not. I would have a quick leash on both Jackson and Mason and if need be throw Kline in as he is the clear back up for both to me. All this being said the Patriots should keep a look out for a decent vet guard or center for the entire year and jump on any chance to get one. If Stork can come back it will solve a lot of issue and the Patriots will be in position to make a strong 2nd half push. Either way it might be smarter to leave a RB home or always ready for a quick dump off until that happens.

Long Term thoughts.

This is going to be an unpopular opinion and not a fun topic. I think the Patriots should prepare to move on from Stork. He is only in his 2nd year but already ha a concussion history and that is very worrying. Honestly if I was Stork and i had another concussion this year after coming back i would seriously consider retirement. That would signal this problem will not go away and only get worse. It doesn't matter how young you are concussion history can be a big problem. I think even if this does not happen the Patriots going into next season without a solid back up plan and solid back up for both young guards is absurd. I hope it does not come to this but it is something that should be on BB's mind as we move forward.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Good thoughts. I have the same concerns as well with Stork.

Connolly also had a number of concussions. Just don't know.

 

[Oswlek]

The Patriots are preparing to move on from everyone at all times. This obviously isn't ideal, but let's hope it is just the team being overly cautious and Stork has as long a career as he wishes to have.

 

[captain stone]

Offensive Line Thoughts, by Jack Handy:

This is the Worst Opening-Day offensive line behind which Brady has ever had the misfortune of standing.

 

[Ivan]

Same here, love Stork and think he could be a great player but this problem this early is serious.

 

[Sciz]

We had this concussion discussion two seasons ago about a player who had four in three years, the last two of which were a week apart. That player just signed for $20M fully guaranteed. Let's not freak out yet.

 

[mgteich]

This is going to be short and long term.

Short term games 1-8

Wendell is clearly the best option to move to center with Jackson/Mason beside him. Center is too important to have a rookie start there game 1 unless he is exceptional. Andrews is not. I would have a quick leash on both Jackson and Mason and if need be throw Kline in as he is the clear back up for both to me. All this being said the Patriots should keep a look out for a decent vet guard or center for the entire year and jump on any chance to get one. If Stork can come back it will solve a lot of issue and the Patriots will be in position to make a strong 2nd half push. Either way it might be smarter to leave a RB home or always ready for a quick dump off until that happens.

I think that Kline should start at LG.

 

[TBR]

Still wishing Mathis was a Patriot...

We had this concussion discussion two seasons ago about a player who had four in three years, the last two of which were a week apart. That player just signed for $20M fully guaranteed. Let's not freak out yet.

Good point, but doesn't a Center take a lot more blows to the head than a LT?

 

[patsfan13]

I certainly hope Stork has a long career, IMO he has the upside to be as good as any center I have seen playing for the Patriots.

But like with Welker, I don't want to see a player suffer permanent damage. I am glad they are being cautious with Stork.

 

[Gronkowski123]

think david andrews will be groomed as the replacement. NE always finds these udfa's like wendell/connolly/etc turn them into solid starters.

 

[supafly]

I think that Kline should start at LG.

So do I, and I think it's a complete no brainer.

Solder-Kline-Wendell-Jackson-Vollmer

I just have a lot of reservations as to Mason being ready in pass protection tomorrow night, although he's clearly the player there for the future.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Short term, IMO Wendell goes to Center and Mason, Kline and Jackson are in a rotation with Kline filling in if a team has a particularly good player going against the rookies. I suspect the Pats were disappointed in Fleming, who they expected would make a good RG. That would freed Jackson and Mason to compete at LG. No such luck.

But BB will muddle through, even if early season may resemble the 2014 experience. I still think taking a gamble with a 6th or 7th on L'ael Collins could have paid off despite the fear of acquiring another Hernnadez.

Collins is now playing LG for the Cowboys.

Mason would make a very good FB too.

 

[PP2]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Andrews starting at C tonight and Wendell at LG. Andrews is less of a liability at C than Mason is at LG, at this point. The issue with Wendell is his ability to go wire to wire- he's had all of 15 snaps this preseason, so I expect him to rotate out on run plays.

Andrews is the only OL man not to give up a hurry, rush, or sack in the preseason, and has been consistent for the most part. That being said, other teams are going to go right at him as he is light for a center, since he is listed at 294, but after being in the Patriots program for a good part of the summer it's safe to say he's past 300 now.

The struggles he's had are all teachable (leverage, technique, etc).

 

[A man named Brady]

It also doesn't help that 3 of the ten best defensive lines in football are in our division

 

[juny]

Reiss best guess for C is Andrews.

 

[captain stone]

If Andrews starting at Center tonight is true, then say a prayer at kick-off for Tom Brady.

 

[OhExaulted1]

Offensive Line Thoughts, by Jack Handy:

This is the Worst Opening-Day offensive line behind which Brady has ever had the misfortune of standing.

Maybe a bit much cap. This is the most inexperienced I think would be a more apt description. Googs has a had a year now and keeping Wendell as the IOL vet was a smart move IMO. Not worried about the bookend situation. Another concern is what kind of blocking we get out of the backfield. I'm kinda hoping we see a lot of Bolden out there.

 

[JarOfMayo51]

I certainly hope Stork has a long career, IMO he has the upside to be as good as any center I have seen playing for the Patriots.

But like with Welker, I don't want to see a player suffer permanent damage. I am glad they are being cautious with Stork.

Agreed, Storks long term health is the absolute top priority here, but from a football perspective I have a very uneasy feeling about this interior line

 

[juny]

Hopefully Gug can get this OL in sync. Definitely going to be a challenge this year.

 

[patriot1136]

I would expect to see Cannon work his way in there and throw in Michael Williams as an extra blocker. That may take some pressure off of Mason/Andrews/Jackson.