No Need To Panic Regarding The Patriots Offensive Line

No Need To Panic Regarding The Patriots Offensive Line
By: Russ Goldman

The Patriots line has come under scrutiny after their performance against the Lions, but I don't feel there's a reason to panic about this unit just yet....

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So basically the reasoning is that since the O-line has been solid for 10 years, it will be solid this year?

Sorry, the argument doesn't hold up. How about making an argument based on current players (which would be within the realm of reason, maybe except RG), rather than a weak historical generalisation.

There IS a reason to panic, we have no RG, and the fact that the O line was good in 2003 has nothing to do with anything.

While it is true that 2003 has nothing to do with the 2011 offensive line, I think you're missing his point. There are a lot of names on those 2001, 2003 and 2004 lines don't exactly inspire confidence, yet they all accomplished the ultimate goal.

Does that mean there is no need for concern? Absolutely not.

But looking at what those players did, under the same current offensive line coach and same head coach, that should be proof enough that no, there is not a valid reason to panic after one poor preseason game.

BB and Dante will use the Detroit game as a teaching moment......Solder is still wet behind the ears....and having Connolly go down on the other side didn't help......

I would like to see another vet OG signed tho.....

Tell that to Brady.

Our OLine was not solid when Billy Yates was starting. I don't think there is reason to panic, but there is reason for concern. Brady's remaining years are numbered, and very precious. I hope he is able to make the most out of them.

jmt57 said:

While it is true that 2003 has nothing to do with the 2011 offensive line, I think you're missing his point. There are a lot of names on those 2001, 2003 and 2004 lines don't exactly inspire confidence, yet they all accomplished the ultimate goal.

Does that mean there is no need for concern? Absolutely not.

But looking at what those players did, under the same current offensive line coach and same head coach, that should be proof enough that no, there is not a valid reason to panic after one poor preseason game.

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No sir, the fact that the oline 7-10 years ago did okay with no-name players is certainly not a valid reason to not panic about the o-line this year. Nor is the fact that the coaches are the same.

There are plenty of reasons to not be panicking right now. Those are not the reasons.

How about: Light, Mankins, Vollmer, and for the future Solder and Cannon? Those are not guys on an O-line that you panic about. Nobody is panicking about the O-line. Panic about the RG position? Possible. Panic about DEPTH on the O-line? Possible.

nnmnmmnn said:

No sir, the fact that the oline 7-10 years ago did okay with no-name players is certainly not a valid reason to not panic about the o-line this year. Nor is the fact that the coaches are the same.

There are plenty of reasons to not be panicking right now. Those are not the reasons.

How about: Light, Mankins, Vollmer, and for the future Solder and Cannon? Those are not guys on an O-line that you panic about. Nobody is panicking about the O-line. Panic about the RG position? Possible. Panic about DEPTH on the O-line? Possible.

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Perhaps now JMT57 will officially apologize for have reasons not to panic that differ from yours

IMO, the main reason for the O-line's troubles is their dependency on the pass. 3rd and 2 is a passing down for this team. As long as opponents know they can pin their ears back and come after you and you can't do anything about it but abort, they'll have nights like Sat. For sure, only elite defenses can put up a rush like that, but that's what you get in the playoffs. The best way to offset it is to make them check to see if you are running or passing. It gives the offense a big edge to know they can get 2-3 yds anytime they want. Sat, Light and Mankins couldn't get one yd. when it counted on two occasions. Hopefully, one of these two rookie RBs can do something.

AndyJohnson said:

Perhaps now JMT57 will officially apologize for have reasons not to panic that differ from yours

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Coming from a guy whose argument was that we would be running a 3-4 base defense this year because BB always ran a 3-4, not surprising that you see value in reasoning like this.

nnmnmmnn said:

Coming from a guy whose argument was that we would be running a 3-4 base defense this year because BB always ran a 3-4, not surprising that you see value in reasoning like this.

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Wow you told me. How dare I think that anyone but you could have an opinion that is valid.

By the way, after only a couple of weeks, you have it wrong already. I never said anything about whether BB would play 34 or 43, I said I would be very surprised if he abandons the 2gap scheme he has used every time he has had decision making capacity. But I guess it was easier to sound like a tough guy by making up something and saying I said it.

It's possible they get some better coaching so it's not quite the jailbreak on defense...but it's not looking good right now. I'd say it's getting very close to panic time.

How bout Brady not hearing thundering herds when only hoofbeats approach. He used to be much quicker in his reads. He needs to get back to his strengths, which is getting the ball out quickly. He's starting to hold the ball too much.

Moss spoiled him for a few years, but he need to adjust more now. No O-line will give you all day on long passing plays. Those that do, will be easy fodder, those that don't will continue to give us issues. TB needs to do better, BOB needs to do better at calling plays that don't expose TB on plays, and the O-line needs to get better too.

This is far too complicated an issue to just say our O-line needs to get better and leave it at that.

How close is Cannon? Really no word.

Add the fact that Brady hardly ever rolls out anymore, and that defenses know exactly where he will be stationed (like a statue) in the pocket, then the OL needs to be better than it was in '03 & '04.

RG is a big problem, esp. now that Cannon has been placed on the Reserve PUP list.
Koppen gets pushed backwards too often for comfort.
And there is nobody on the active roster capable of providing help at either position.

3rd & 3 yds or less should never be a passing down for this offense as much as it has been in the past.
That's why Bill drafted 2 RBs in the top 75, right?

captain stone said:

Add the fact that Brady hardly ever rolls out anymore, and that defenses know exactly where he will be stationed (like a statue) in the pocket, then the OL needs to be better than it was in '03 & '04.

RG is a big problem, esp. now that Cannon has been placed on the Reserve PUP list.
Koppen gets pushed backwards too often for comfort.
And there is nobody on the active roster capable of providing help at either position.

3rd & 3 yds or less should never be a passing down for this offense as much as it has been in the past.
That's why Bill drafted 2 RBs in the top 75, right?

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Why wouldn't you throw on 3rd and 3 when you have Brady? And Welker, Woodhead, Gronk, Hernandez.........

captain stone said:

That's why Bill drafted 2 RBs in the top 75, right?

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personally, i'd like to see them run more, but that just isnt going to happen. Perhaps the reason BB drafted those RBs is because Taylor, Faulk, and Morris are,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,old

That is exactly why BB drafted them, and to build for the future.

NEPettyOfficer72 said:

That is exactly why BB drafted them, and to build for the future.

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I think BB would have been happy to sign more 30+ RB's with a bit of tread left then draft RB's but for two factors:

1. This off season had slim pickings for the type of RB they like.
2. RB is one of the positions that rookies can have an impact in. With the labor issues in mind, drafting an OLB, DE, ILB, or a WR means you may be red shirting a guy for a year. Look at who he drafted, two RB's, QB (for the long term), CB, blocking TE, LT (with Light insurance added), and a RG for next year. He stocked up on vet OLB/DL types in FA.

I love the work ethic of BJGE, and his results last year were solid, but I'm looking forward to when he is relegated to second string (not via injury, but by younger and more talented player).

IMHO Light is barely serviceable at LT at the moment. Maybe he gets better as the season progresses......Solder needs the reps to get better....he is the future....

Too bad Light can't play RG......

Pats need to sign a solid RG either as a backup or starter.....

Want to see how much Vereen brings to the ground game......