OL competition, please?

[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.

 

[upstater1]

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]

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

 

[Pats726]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Pats726]

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.

I agree..a TOP one...unless they pick up a vet...although that might be more RT..than LT..and it would have to be a top one..as Light is a pro bowler.. But they must address the O line if not starters...having a bit better backups..

 

[captain stone]

There should be open competition for the starting RT job.

Given the frequency that the offense throws the ball and the importance of containing pass-rushers from both edges, and the style of run-blocking now employed, I have to ask: Why was O'C drafted in the first place? Compared to the rest of the OLmen, he looks completely out of place. Should he not win the starting RT job, I would not be surprised if O'C were traded before Opening Day. He is the best road-grader on the team, however.

Given the middle of the line's difficulties in the SB, I was very disappointed that an interior OLman - or two - was not drafted. It's obvious that Hochstein is not an adequate sub for Neal, and that Yates may not be either, otherwise he should have replaced Hochstein during the game. The FO should have drafted Oregon State OG Roy Schuening at the end of the 4th round, instead of lil' Johnny Wilhite. He was the best G/C available, and one of the best available regardless of position. Heck, I would also have taken Wake Forest C Steven Justice instead of lil' Bo peep Ruud, a non-priority FA talent.

Koppen, Mankins and Light aren't going anywhere; but it's nice to imagine what Brady could do if his LT could give him time to take 7-step drops, without help, and without pressure.

 

[jczxohn1]

It has been said somewhere that the Giants plan of attack against the O-line was hard to decipher, but they did late in the game and such an approach will be countered next time. The inattention to O-line in the draft would indicate that this is the caoching staff's assessment. One area of weakness that will need attention, IMO, will be TE's. First we lost Graham, Then late last year, K.Brady. While someone on the roster may develop to that level, at present, no one does. IMHO, this is a problem that is not going to go away, this year.

 

[Pats726]

I think TE...a blocking one WILL be addresssed...

 

[Pats726]

Given the middle of the line's difficulties in the SB, I was very disappointed that an interior OLman - or two - was not drafted. It's obvious that Hochstein is not an adequate sub for Neal, and that Yates may not be either, otherwise he should have replaced Hochstein during the game. The FO should have drafted Oregon State OG Roy Schuening at the end of the 4th round, instead of lil' Johnny Wilhite. He was the best G/C available, and one of the best available regardless of position. Heck, I would also have taken Wake Forest C Steven Justice instead of lil' Bo peep Ruud, a non-priority FA talent.

I liked Justice as well as a few others later in the draft..Wendell might be one that can grow into a good back up...Connolly?? Don't know that much, but I would guess they like him..Neal was solid in the SB..their best lineman..until he went out with a knee injury..Hochstein is OK..some games better than others...against NY NOT good...as were others...I hope a few additions for competition..

 

[captain stone]

One area of weakness that will need attention, IMO, will be TE's. First we lost Graham, Then late last year, K.Brady. While someone on the roster may develop to that level, at present, no one does. IMHO, this is a problem that is not going to go away, this year.

And the strange thing is that the 2 UDFA TEs, Stupar and DeVree, are better-known as pass-catchers rather than blockers. I wonder if the FO tried to sign blocking UDFA TEs such as Adam Bishop, Joe Haynos, Darrell Strong, Cole Bennett or UMaine's Matt Mulligan.

Maybe Spach has a future here as the 3rd/Blocking TE and STer; as for ex-dolt Pollard, I refuse to acknowledge his existence on my team. The FO should have signed a FA TE who can block a little such as Jason Dunn, Mike Seidman, Aaron Walker or Bennie Joppru.

 

[hwc]

Koppen, Mankins and Light aren't going anywhere; but it's nice to imagine what Brady could do if his LT could give him time to take 7-step drops, without help, and without pressure.

This is the NFL. The best pass rushers in the world line up against the left tackle. There's no such thing as a 7 step drop, without help, without pressure. Not against pass rushers like Taylor, Strahan, Freeney, etc.

 

[RIPatFan]

I appologize for being a little off topic but last season when Hannah visited with Mankins, was this something that happened several times to pass along pointers and a little coaching from the NFL's greatest lineman to a potential future great?

 

[Patjew]

Matt Light is who I consider to be the most overrated Pat. He may be the ONLY Pat that I don't care for. He's not my DW Toys' Sanders, but I guess I'm biased against him for some reason. It just seems like he's getting blown up all the time. I'd love to see an upgrade there.

 

[Pats726]

And the strange thing is that the 2 UDFA TEs, Stupar and DeVree, are better-known as pass-catchers rather than blockers. I wonder if the FO tried to sign blocking UDFA TEs such as Adam Bishop, Joe Haynos, Darrell Strong, Cole Bennett or UMaine's Matt Mulligan.

Maybe Spach has a future here as the 3rd/Blocking TE and STer; as for ex-dolt Pollard, I refuse to acknowledge his existence on my team. The FO should have signed a FA TE who can block a little such as Jason Dunn, Mike Seidman, Aaron Walker or Bennie Joppru.

Bishop...Mulligan ..Strong..I agree I was hoping for that type of TE...not the pass catching type..Maybe they see a lot in Spach...There's also a bit of time before camp... both for lineman and tight ends..