As much as we want to talk about the glamour positions (offensive skill positions, DB, etc.), I think the key this year for NE will be the play in the trenches. The OL needs to give Brady time to throw and open up holes for the RBs. The DL needs to get pressure on the QB and be solid against the run. Basic stuff, but hugely important.
So let's talk about the lines. First, the offense.
Here are the current Patriots' players on the offensive line (by espn.com's NE depth chart):
LT - Solder, Devey, Fleming
LG - Mankins, Halapio
C - Wendell, Stork, Cave
RG - Connolly, Kline
RT - Vollmer, Cannon
OL subs - Barker, Mattes, Schwab, Fisher, Martin
I think this has the potential to be a pretty solid group, assuming good health (haha). Solder is a beast. Vollmer is a beast. Mankins is still solid. Connolly is fine as a guard. Wendell worries me at C, however. Cannon has shown to be a versatile and valuable performer.
It is the depth that intrigues me. Stork, Fleming, and Halapio are all big and strong. I don't think any of them are particularly quick (not that they are slow; just that they are not particularly quick). Maybe a prelude to a more power philosophy?
If the kids pan out, this group could be dynamic. If they don't, there's not a ton of depth there. I am a bit concerned about the center of this group - LG/C/RG. They weren't very strong last year, so perhaps Stork can solidify them there. I am curious to see if he actually wins a starting spot over Wendell. I also wouldn't be opposed to using Connolly as the starting C, sliding Cannon in as RG, and then letting Wendell be a backup.
The OL really needs to step up its game this year. If they do, look for the offense to put up big, big point totals. If they struggle, this team will have to rely on the defense to win games.
So let's talk about the lines. First, the offense.
Here are the current Patriots' players on the offensive line (by espn.com's NE depth chart):
LT - Solder, Devey, Fleming
LG - Mankins, Halapio
C - Wendell, Stork, Cave
RG - Connolly, Kline
RT - Vollmer, Cannon
OL subs - Barker, Mattes, Schwab, Fisher, Martin
I think this has the potential to be a pretty solid group, assuming good health (haha). Solder is a beast. Vollmer is a beast. Mankins is still solid. Connolly is fine as a guard. Wendell worries me at C, however. Cannon has shown to be a versatile and valuable performer.
It is the depth that intrigues me. Stork, Fleming, and Halapio are all big and strong. I don't think any of them are particularly quick (not that they are slow; just that they are not particularly quick). Maybe a prelude to a more power philosophy?
If the kids pan out, this group could be dynamic. If they don't, there's not a ton of depth there. I am a bit concerned about the center of this group - LG/C/RG. They weren't very strong last year, so perhaps Stork can solidify them there. I am curious to see if he actually wins a starting spot over Wendell. I also wouldn't be opposed to using Connolly as the starting C, sliding Cannon in as RG, and then letting Wendell be a backup.
The OL really needs to step up its game this year. If they do, look for the offense to put up big, big point totals. If they struggle, this team will have to rely on the defense to win games.