Connolly has proven he is worthy of starting on this line full time

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Connolly played extremely well in place of Mankins for most of this season...now they throw him in Neal's place and he performs as good as I ever saw on the right side.

When Neal is healthy BB has something to really think about in terms of Connolly and whether he should take Neal's spot.

Connolly looks to be an all pro in the making.

I would not want to make the decision here between Neal and Connolly

And BTW for those who think Mankins is replaceable in terms of run blocking,ask BJGE...Logan makes a difference,not taking away from Connolly's job at LG but put Connolly on the right side and Mankins back at LG and I truly think overall you have the best OL in the NFL

 

[andrewgarrr]

Agreed 100%

 

[JackBauer]

The OL did look terrific tonight.

Vollmer did pretty well against Woodley, I noticed.

 

[Marqui]

Connolly was good, but Mankins was just BEASTLY in this game. Pay the man, he's the cornerstone of our interior OLine.

 

[The Dynasty]

The OL did look terrific tonight.

Vollmer did pretty well against Woodley, I noticed.

Light had a solid night too.

They all played their best game of the year. The definitely responded to the poor play they had last week. There were some huge holes for BJGE and then Brady had all day to throw even when the Steelers blitzed

 

[bigcountry75]

The O-line looked unbelievable tonight....Brady could have eaten dinner in the pocket on most of his throws....I will have to say to all of the Light haters that I thought he did a pretty damn good job on Harrison tonight and all of the big runs by the law firm went to the left side....Light/Mankins means we are in business and Brady stays upright.....Nice....

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Please find a way to keep Mankins here too.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

The O-line looked unbelievable tonight....Brady could have eaten dinner in the pocket on most of his throws....I will have to say to all of the Light haters that I thought he did a pretty damn good job on Harrison tonight and all of the big runs by the law firm went to the left side....Light/Mankins means we are in business and Brady stays upright.....Nice....

Not to disrespect Light who played a great game, but anyone who sees the damn steelers week in and week out like i do since I am in the state, knows there was something terribly wrong with Harrison tonight,his back is probably a big reason that he was so powerless in the pass rush,he looked average tonight and that is a rarity for him,he played in quite some pain IMO.

 

[Deus Irae]

Connolly's a backup.

 

[The Dynasty]

Connolly's a backup.

Yeah, someone said he has a future as an "all-pro". Not quite. He is a very solid back up, that can fill in and play well when called upon.

 

[Marqui]

Connolly's a backup.

On this team when Mankins and Neal are healthy? I agree.

 

[mgteich]

If Connolly is indeed just a quality backup, then the next negotiations with Mankins should be interesting.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Neal is always solid but he won't be around forever,I think he was ready to retire in the offseason,right?

 

[IcyPatriot]

Connolly played well ... but he was exposed a bit in the 2 games previous to mankins return. I think he's a competent starter ... but I'm not sure he's earned full time status yet. If he can fight through the adjustments other coaches are making on him then he'll be worthy. He certainly is a bright spot this year as he's way better than most backups.

3 star unsung players before this year began ... Connolly, Crumpler and Warren IMO.

 

[TheComeback]

Connolly's a backup.

He's a starting quality guard, but a far cry from all-pro like the OP claimed. I would describe him as an adequate starter and a very solid backup. Neal is certainly a better option than Connolly when he's healthy.

 

[The Dynasty]

Neal is always solid but he won't be around forever,I think he was ready to retire in the offseason,right?

Yes, I would think Neal is in his last year. Connolly would be a solid replacement for him

 

[Deus Irae]

If Connolly is indeed just a quality backup, then the next negotiations with Mankins should be interesting.

They've got to find a way to keep Mankins, and that will give them next year to find the replacement for Neal.

 

[ausbacker]

Best performance from the o-line I've seen in a while. Connolly has been pretty good this season (better than I expected to be truthful). Deus "look at me" Irate can go on about whatever he likes but there's a point where production meets reality. Connolly is playing a consistent starter level game. He deserves his props.

Mankins is reminding us all of his talent. I really wish he'd piss of that idiot agent he's got and the Patriots and Mankins consummated the contract extension.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I still would hope we take care of Welker first and then Mankins in the offseason...Mankins is awesome but Welker is unreplaceable

 

[mgteich]

Welker is also signed through 2011.

I still would hope we take care of Welker first and then Mankins in the offseason...Mankins is awesome but Welker is unreplaceable