Guregian's article on the offensive line

[upstater1]

Fixing Patriots' offensive woes starts up front | Boston Herald

I take issue with the idea that the OL is a problem.

I've said this for so long in the past when people argued that what makes Brady so great is his all-pro offensive line that gives him forever to throw, and that when Brady is blitzed and harassed, he fails. I used to point out to opposing fans that the Patriots have so many UDFAs and free agent cuts on that line, and marginal starters too. When you look at the long line of Patriots OLs for the last decade, you'll see Andruzzis, Comptons, Daniel Thomas's, Robinson-Randall's, Grant Williams', Kenyatta Jones, Stephen Neal *(didn't play football in college), Dan Connolly's Wendell's, and last year we had McDonalds.

Granted, there is a good mix of premium draft picks anchoring that line in Mankins, Vollmer, Solder and Matt Light. But honestly, that is 4 picks in 13 years. The Patriots FO has expended 4 premium picks on the offensive line in 13 years. Even more amazingly, they hit on all 4, which is not a surprise if you consider the real reason for the Patriots' success.

Tom Brady. The guy gets rid of the ball incredibly quickly. He maneuvers through the pocket deftly. He is deadly accurate. The offense scores a lot of points and leaves defenses reeling. He destroys the blitz.

Well, Brady is not having a good year--and the benefit his presence provides to the line is no longer there. In that sense, the line is being exposed a bit.

The main questions about the offense are pretty easy and basic: can Brady establish enough rapport with his WRs to take pressure off Gronkowski. IF Brady does this, the offensive line will go back to seeming all-worldy again.

 

[Hael]

I dont agree. The OL is having cohesion problems, and it has nothing to do with Brady. It was obvious from the first snap in the first game, that this unit for some unknown reason is less gelled than it was last year.

It's already evident in the running lanes, which was a huge strength last year (arguably they were the best or second best run OL in the league) but has been problematic this year.

And there is just too much inconsistency. A guy like Solder will be playing all pro level, and then there will be epic breakdown for 10 straight plays that kills three straight drives, and then he goes back to being an all pro without rhyme or reason.

There has clearly been a lot of sacks this year on Brady that come from blown assignments, which is odd considering this is a team that has been together now for awhile. One wouldn't expect that they'd be making mistakes like that. The Geno Atkins sack is a great example of the type of play they give up frequently this year, but didn't last year.

If Scarnecchia wasn't so historically elite, i'd put a lot of blame on coaching b/c it really is quite mysterious.

 

[upstater1]

I dont agree. The OL is having cohesion problems, and it has nothing to do with Brady. It was obvious from the first snap in the first game, that this unit for some unknown reason is less gelled than it was last year.

It's already evident in the running lanes, which was a huge strength last year (arguably they were the best or second best run OL in the league) but has been problematic this year.

And there is just too much inconsistency. A guy like Solder will be playing all pro level, and then there will be epic breakdown for 10 straight plays that kills three straight drives, and then he goes back to being an all pro without rhyme or reason.

There has clearly been a lot of sacks this year on Brady that come from blown assignments, which is odd considering this is a team that has been together now for awhile. One wouldn't expect that they'd be making mistakes like that. The Geno Atkins sack is a great example of the type of play they give up frequently this year, but didn't last year.

If Scarnecchia wasn't so historically elite, i'd put a lot of blame on coaching b/c it really is quite mysterious.

Running lanes are not there because extra men are in the box. When you have to defend multiple threats through the air (Gronk, Hernandez, Welker, Lloyd, Vereen), how can you commit to the stopping the run? This year we have our WRs go one on one, Hooman out of the backfield, Edelman in the slot, and at least an extra safety creeping up. Where are the running lanes?

 

[Kontradiction]

Fixing Patriots' offensive woes starts up front | Boston Herald

The main questions about the offense are pretty easy and basic: can Brady establish enough rapport with his WRs to take pressure off Gronkowski. IF Brady does this, the offensive line will go back to seeming all-worldy again.

Amendola and Gronk being in there with Edelman with the rookies given more time to perfect their route running and learn the option routes will help a lot, but the interior OL will still be an issue. The only difference is that you just won't see it as often because Brady will be able to get the ball out quicker. Make no mistake, Wendell at C and Connolly at RG are both problems that better DL's exposed last season and this season through the first seven games. Those two positions could definitely stand to be upgraded.

 

[p8ryts]

Any QB needs time and a degree of feeling comfortable in the pocket. TB12 is not getting it. The OL isn't the only problem but they are equally culpable along with Brady's accuracy and WR's getting open and holding the ball, with some questionable play calling.

What is so disappointing is the OL is experienced, and have played together and done well in the past.

I do believe if the OL doesn't improve we can't expect others to improve.

 

[upstater1]

Amendola and Gronk being in there with Edelman with the rookies given more time to perfect their route running and learn the option routes will help a lot, but the interior OL will still be an issue. The only difference is that you just won't see it as often because Brady will be able to get the ball out quicker. Make no mistake, Wendell at C and Connolly at RG are both problems that better DL's exposed last season and this season through the first seven games. Those two positions could definitely stand to be upgraded.

I agree, but then again, Compton was no great shakes either. We've had this problem for awhile. Think pre-Mankins. Interior line has always been suspect, especially when Neal was hurt, which was half the time.

 

[reflexblue]

I agree, but then again, Compton was no great shakes either. We've had this problem for awhile. Think pre-Mankins. Interior line has always been suspect, especially when Neal was hurt, which was half the time.

Especially in playoff games going up against very good defensive lines, its been a major problem for five years or so. Example, the Giants came right up the middle to pressure TB. They need to get a grade A center like M Pouncy for example

 

[patsox23]

The offensive line has been a BIG problem this season, IMO. Inconsistent, below par, just not good. An underreported part of the larger issue on offense. All season long.

 

[olschool]

Amendola and Gronk being in there with Edelman with the rookies given more time to perfect their route running and learn the option routes will help a lot, but the interior OL will still be an issue. The only difference is that you just won't see it as often because Brady will be able to get the ball out quicker. Make no mistake, Wendell at C and Connolly at RG are both problems that better DL's exposed last season and this season through the first seven games. Those two positions could definitely stand to be upgraded.

Wendell and Connolly would be back-ups on other teams. They are at best part time players. Upgrades are definitely needed there.

That being said, without Welker catching those quick sack saving passes,especially on third down, when everyone knows the pass in the flat is coming, it looks like Brady is in for a sack record season.

 

[VrabelJr]

If you think our OL is the problem I'd hate to hear how you feel when our OL actually is a problem.

Offensive balance is our problem. No OL can block 40-50 passing plays per game.

 

[Kontradiction]

If you think our OL is the problem I'd hate to hear how you feel when our OL actually is a problem.

Offensive balance is our problem. No OL can block 40-50 passing plays per game.

OL as a whole isn't a problem. Solder, Mankins, and Vollmer are all very good at their positions. Interior OL, specifically an undersized C that gets overpowered and a RG who is ideally either a back-up or a starting C himself, is a problem. It's a problem that's exacerbated right now by Brady having to hold the ball longer than he's had to in year's past, but it is still a problem.

 

[mgteich]

Posters have said this for years. belichick disagrees.

We'll see after the season. I suspect that Wendell will be starting fro someone else next year.
Posters tend not to appreciate our offensive line. Thomas had no problem moving on. Of course, most folks here thought that he was of backup quality.

With regard to the current situation, the problem is how long they NOW need to protect. Brady takes longer than last year, especially in blitz situations. The no-huddle isn't really an option with Dobson and Thompkins.

The OL will magically appear better later in the season, when the receivers better know the offense.

Wendell and Connolly would be back-ups on other teams.

 

[VrabelJr]

How many better centers are there than Wendell? Maybe 5? I think people around here underrate him. Your entire OL can't all be (potential) pro bowlers. Connolly and Wendell are better than we give them credit for.

I've seen more egregious mistakes by Mankins and Solder this year than I have by Wendell and Connolly.

 

[Deus Irae]

How many better centers are there than Wendell? Maybe 5?

"Maybe 5"... good comedy.

 

[Triumph]

The play calling can help the o line tremendously.

The Pats are so predictable. Everyone in NJ, NY and Mass knew that the Jets were going to turn up the heat in the 2nd half, but the Patriots just continue to throw playing right into their opponents hands.

 

[Kontradiction]

How many better centers are there than Wendell?

Nick Mangold, both Pouncey brothers, Fernando Velasco, Will Montgomery, John Sullivan, Stefan Wisniewski, Chris Myers, Jonathan Goodwin, Alex Mack, Max Unger, and Brian De La Puenta just to name a few. That's leaving out some guys that I didn't list because they weren't so obvious as well. The guy that he lines up next to, Dan Connolly, is also a better center than he is.

 

[mrscruff]

With regard to the current situation, the problem is how long they NOW need to protect. Brady takes longer than last year, especially in blitz situations. The no-huddle isn't really an option with Dobson and Thompkins.

Yes, it feels like the Patriots are trying to run a few more vertical routes now that they have the horses for that particular course, with the stable including Dobson, Thompkins and Amendola.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I still want Connolly at C and Cannon at RG, they really struggle against good DL's and seem completely overmatched inside at times. They need to start running the ball consistently to help these guys out as right now opposing defenses are just teeing off on them. The Carolina game in a couple of weeks ios going to be a huge test for them as that is a really good front seven.

 

[olschool]

If you think our OL is the problem I'd hate to hear how you feel when our OL actually is a problem.

Offensive balance is our problem. No OL can block 40-50 passing plays per game.

The Patriots have been running 40-50 passing plays a game for years.

The problem is that Brady doesn't have the safety valve when under pressure, that he used to.

That's why sacks are up and third down conversions are down.

Fixing the center / right guard positions, along with a reliable third down receiver will help both Brady and the running game.

Scarnecchia can only do so much. Sometimes you just can't coach 'em up.

 

[mgteich]

We are all entitled to our wants.

Many posted believe that we would be better off with Connolly at center and Cannon at RG. Belichick and dante respectfully disagree. The choice is clearly there for bill and dante to make. They choose to have Cannon and Svitek as backups.

Our running against the jets was solid. Look at the YPC against one of the best run defense in the league. This was the case even though the jets chose to focus on defending against the run.

I still want Connolly at C and Cannon at RG, they really struggle against good DL's and seem completely overmatched inside at times. They need to start running the ball consistently to help these guys out as right now opposing defenses are just teeing off on them. The Carolina game in a couple of weeks ios going to be a huge test for them as that is a really good front seven.