Offensive Line

[jmt57]

Chris Warner of Patriots Daily has some questions about the offensive line heading into the third preseason game, against the Rams:

http://www.patriotsdaily.com/2010/08/worry-wart-–-preseason-game-three-vs-rams/

Swing Logan, Sweet Chariot: Left guard Dan Connolly has performed well in place of Logan Mankins, but with Nick Kaczur out for a long time – the man had back surgery, for the love of St. Pete! – this line looks about as healthy as Rex Ryan (sorry, had to). As the Patriots continue to play smaller defenses with four-man fronts, it becomes harder to predict how the big guys up front will execute against the apartment-sized defenders in the AFC East. If the Rams stop New England’s running game, then yikes.

 

[jmt57]

Quinn Ojinnaka's Versatility May Earn The O-Lineman A Roster Spot In New England by Jeff Howe for NESN:

New England's starting line is set for now, with Matt Light, Dan Connolly, Dan Koppen, Stephen Neal and Sebastian Vollmer working from left to right.

The backups are still a bit frayed, though. Guys like Ryan Wendell (left guard, center, right guard) and George Bussey (left tackle) have emerged into their roles, but there are other question marks, particularly at right tackle, where Mark LeVoir and rookie Thomas Welch have struggled.

This will give Ojinnaka a chance to step in and make an impact, and it seems likely he'll be the first right tackle off the bench Thursday when the Patriots play the Rams at Gillette Stadium. If Ojinnaka can find his role at right tackle, it will help soothe the pain left by Nick Kaczur's injury.

Yes, Kaczur had been working as the starting left guard, but if Vollmer suffered an injury -- or Light went down, resulting on Vollmer swinging to the left side -- it's a good bet Kaczur would have moved to right tackle and Connolly would have taken over at left guard. That's the type of snowball effect that has been created by Mankins' contract situation.

Ojinnaka has been suspended by the NFL for the first game of the season due to a May 2009 domestic dispute, so his services as a reserve lineman will be put on hold until Week 2. For now, it's all about learning the new terminology, and if Ojinnaka can prove to be a capable player over the next week and a half, he'll have a spot with the Patriots.

Due to the Falcons' youth movement with their reserve linemen, Ojinnaka might have been the odd man out in Atlanta, so he's just grateful for a new opportunity prior to the Sept. 4 cut-down date.

 

[jmt57]

Regardless of what has happened to Mankins and Kaczur, I still can't understand why this guy would be ranked #23 on the Pats' roster.

Patriots Roster Prediction #23: OT/OG George Bussey

Past Role: Bussey spent his rookie season on the IR due to an injury. In college, he was a one time second team All-Big East tackle and a two time first team All-Big East tackle. In pre-season, Bussey has been used as a second string tackle.

Predicted Role: Although his small size (he's only 6-2) may prevent him from being a great tackle, he provides great depth at both the guard and tackle position. This prediction spot was initially going to go to Nick Kaczur, who was expected to be starting Left Guard before his terrible back injury. Bussey has been the next best tackle in camp, behind Matt Light and Sebastian Vollmer and has earned the role of top back-up. His ability to play guard adds value and earns him a roster spot. Should Kaczur not be able to play this season, Bussey should provide back-up a tackle and guard.

Predicted Season Numbers: 0 Games Started, 5 Games Played

Predicted Depth Chart: #3 , #4 G

Summary: Bussey should be behind Light and Vollmer at Tackle and should be behind Connolly, Neal and Ohrnberger at guard. His great versatility should earn him a roster spot.



Note: If Nick Kaczur gets cleared for the team (I think he'll be PUPed), then Bussey might not make the roster.

 

[mgteich]

The writer said "Note: If Nick Kaczur gets cleared for the team (I think he'll be PUPed), then Bussey might not make the roster." That is not the 23rd most important player on the roster.

Ojinnaka or a free agent might take Bussey's spot. 43 would be closer than 23; even 53 may be too high an evaluation.

Regardless of what has happened to Mankins and Kaczur, I still can't understand why this guy would be ranked #23 on the Pats' roster.

Patriots Roster Prediction #23: OT/OG George Bussey

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

The writer said "Note: If Nick Kaczur gets cleared for the team (I think he'll be PUPed), then Bussey might not make the roster." That is not the 23rd most important player on the roster.

Ojinnaka or a free agent might take Bussey's spot. 43 would be closer than 23; even 53 may be too high an evaluation.

I don't think the Canadian can be PUPed; he saw the field before injury flareup

 

[mgteich]

You are correct.

I don't think the Canadian can be PUPed; he saw the field before injury flareup

 

[Off The Grid]

AWESOME Thread, J.

Thank you for investing the time and effort.

 

[jmt57]

The offensive line will surely get an earful when they review film of last night's game.

Picked-up pieces after 1st quarter review - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

5. Rams DT Gary Gibson was disruptive in the running game on both Patriots possessions of the quarter. He beat center Dan Koppen to make a stop of RB Sammy Morris on one play, while also beating LT Matt Light on another play to chase down RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

6. On a third-and-2 situation, LE Chris Long beat RT Sebastian Vollmer inside with a quick push, but fell to the ground as he tried to get to QB Tom Brady. Normally unfazed by pressure, Brady took notice to Long crawling towards his left leg in a similar fashion to the play where Brady was injured two seasons ago. Brady jumped up to avoid Long, but was quickly taken down by DT Fred Robbins, who had turned RG Stephen Neal wide.

 

[jmt57]

Mike Reiss follows up on his '10 things to watch' for Patriots-Rams - ESPN Boston

5. New look of second-unit offensive line.
The reserve offensive linemen struggled badly in Atlanta, and they played just nine snaps against the Rams. Rookie Ted Larsen was the center, which is an encouraging sign for his roster hopes, while new acquisition Quinn Ojinnaka worked at right tackle and struggled on one play as the backup quarterback was under pressure.

 

[Pisa]

Just some thoughts from a Rams fan, based on the first half only:

I thought the Patriot offensive tackles were outstanding. Light had the easier task because James Hall was out but handled Ah You and Sims with little trouble. Vollmer stoned Long all night with the exception of the one play noted above where he crawled near Brady and influenced a sack.

The inside of the Pats line didn't fare as well. Gibson was by far the Rams best lineman going against Connolly. Robbins was double teamed a lot and kept in check but Scott caused trouble for the RG.

 

[jmt57]

Just some thoughts from a Rams fan, based on the first half only:

I thought the Patriot offensive tackles were outstanding. Light had the easier task because James Hall was out but handled Ah You and Sims with little trouble. Vollmer stoned Long all night with the exception of the one play noted above where he crawled near Brady and influenced a sack.

The inside of the Pats line didn't fare as well. Gibson was by far the Rams best lineman going against Connolly. Robbins was double teamed a lot and kept in check but Scott caused trouble for the RG.

Thanks for that, analysis and insight from fans of opposing teams is always interesting and refreshing to read.

 

[jmt57]

Pats Confidential: What We Learned From Watching The Patriots Pre-Season Game Against The Rams by Russell Goldman

1. Will the offensive line continue to protect Tom Brady?

In the first half I thought the offensive line struggled somewhat to protect Tom Brady. He was under decent pressure in the first half. It wasn’t terrible, but the line was definitely better in the first two games. Also, there was not much room for the running backs to make yards.

 

[jmt57]

Light: Us 'Trained Pigs' Will Be Just Fine by WEEI's Christopher Price:

Mankins’ contract situation has kept him away from the team since the spring, and Kaczur — who was going to replace Mankins at left guard — has a back injury that will reportedly threaten his entire 2010 season. In their place, Dan Connolly and Ryan Wendell have climbed the depth chart, with Connolly taking Kaczur’s starting spot at left guard and Wendell ascending to the role of No. 1 backup among the interior linemen.

Despite the changes, the senior member of New England’s offensive line has faith that once the regular season rolls around, these “trained pigs” will be just fine.

“Dan (Connolly) has been around here for a long time, and guys like Wendell and even some of the new guys we’ve brought in have really stepped up,” Light said when asked about how things are going this summer. “(Offensive line coach) Dante (Scarnecchia) does a great job of getting everyone prepared. He’s been doing this a long time. So that’s not a shocker there. But we’re pretty much trained pigs — you pretty much point us in the right direction, and let us roll.”

Is Wendell the top backup inside, and a roster lock? What about at tackle; is LeVoir still the top backup? Does Ojinnaka take the third backup spot, replacing what was going to be Kaczur's role prior to his injury and Mankins' holdout as a backup that can play both guard and tackle?

I suppose after that it might be Ghiaciuc and/or Bussey making the team; that would leave Ohrnberger, Welch, Larsen and Simmons off the roster, with a couple of them probably ending up on the practice squad.

 

[mgteich]

MY THOUGHTS

Game Day Backups: Wendell and LeVoir (they play the required positions reasonably well)

The last 2 spots: Ojinnaka and Kaczur (or Ghiaciuc if Kaczur goes to IR)

This gives us NINE players who have started in the nfl and who can contribute if needed.

IMHO, the kids are not ready for Prime Time. Besides, the Practice Squad is a reasonable place for developing players not drafted in the first three rounds.

Light: Us 'Trained Pigs' Will Be Just Fine by WEEI's Christopher Price:



Is Wendell the top backup inside, and a roster lock? What about at tackle; is LeVoir still the top backup? Does Ojinnaka take the third backup spot, replacing what was going to be Kaczur's role prior to his injury and Mankins' holdout as a backup that can play both guard and tackle?

I suppose after that it might be Ghiaciuc and/or Bussey making the team; that would leave Ohrnberger, Welch, Larsen and Simmons off the roster, with a couple of them probably ending up on the practice squad.

 

[jmt57]

Mike Reiss of espnBoston has a 13-minute audio podcast with Dan Connolly.

ESPN Radio

A little bit of trivia: Connolly started with the Jaguars and played with Jacksonville against the Pats in the playoffs a few years ago.

He played college ball at SE Missouri State, which as he notes may not have the most competitive schedule at the college level, but the upside was that he got to start 47 games and gain some valuable experience.

Think he's the only NFL player from that school? Guess again; 17 NFL players have come from there. In fact there are two others from there in the NFL now: Eugene Amano is a center with the Titans, and Edgar Jones is a DE with Baltimore.

 

[jmt57]

Some thoughts by Mike Reiss during Thursday's game:

Quick-hit thoughts after 1st quarter - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

Big chance for Rich Ohrnberger. The fourth preseason game can be a big one for players on the bubble, and the 2009 fourth-round pick is getting a chance to show what he can do, starting at right guard. The competition for the top interior backup spot has been tight between Ryan Wendell, Ted Larsen and Ohrnberger.

Quick-hit thoughts after 3rd quarter - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

Chance to look at third-string offensive tackles. The Patriots went to their third-unit offensive line, which provided a chance to look at 2009 fifth-round pick George Bussey and 2010 seventh-round pick Thomas Welch. The line had veteran Eric Ghiaciuc at left guard, Ryan Wendell at center and Rich Ohrnberger at right guard.

3 up, 3 down for Patriots - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

Down

Mark LeVoir/George Bussey/Quinn Ojinnaka -- Reserve offensive tackles have a rough night in pass protection, as Hoyer is sacked twice and pressured numerous times. Bussey is also flagged for a holding penalty to stall a Patriots drive in the fourth quarter. Hoyer had cuts on his face and stitches on his nose when speaking with reporters after the game.