Joe Thuney's Role with the Team

[jah]

This is one of those "the cover up is worse than the crime" type deals.

But despite who wrote it the "rumored" inspired article assumes a few things nobody, aside from maybe BB and Scar, knows.

"Should Brown struggle, chances are Isaiah Wynn would shift over from left guard to left tackle, and Brown would be sent to the bench. Wynn should be more than capable of starting at left tackle, so nobody would worry if he needed to protect Brady’s blindside."

What?

I like Wynn the draft pick but have never seen him play a single meaningful NFL snap. So I'm not sure how someone could go from losing Solder to "nobody would worry" if Wynn started at LT. I'm worried about RT as well unless Cannon shows that he's healthy.

The only value, thus far, I see in Trent Brown is that he's A, an offensive lineman and B, his name's initials have never failed this team yet.

TB

Troy Brown
Tedy Bruschi
Tom F'ing Brady

Trent Brown?

By the way, Ted Karras is a solid backup and can handle multiple Oline roles when needed. He's a valuable depth piece imo. Your or your "nephew's" article doesn't seem to value him as much.

To be fair re: Karras, BB didn't mind risking him on waivers a year ago. I was shocked to see him cut but now that it's happened once I won't be surprised to see it again.

 

[oceansizer]

Agree about Wynn. We have known nothing about his helpfulness for the Parts so far. However based on his footage from the college he seems to be reliable and promising. And of course we should be worry, everyone should be worry, especially BB and the whole staff should be worry because it is a fundamental of pro sport. Plan A,B or even C should be in coaches' minds.

 

[Tony2046]

To be fair re: Karras, BB didn't mind risking him on waivers a year ago. I was shocked to see him cut but now that it's happened once I won't be surprised to see it again.

Ok sure. But I wouldn't lump him in with the JAGs as Chuck's article seems to do and I wonder how close the competition was for the starting spot between he and Andrews last year because it seemed close to me.

 

[jah]

Ok sure. But I wouldn't lump him in with the JAGs as Chuck's article seems to do and I wonder how close the competition was for the starting spot between he and Andrews last year because it seemed close to me.

It seemed close to me as well, but the fact that the team was comfortable with the possibility of losing him makes me wonder what they think of him. I believe that they probably had full intentions of bringing him back, but why not cut Croston instead if Karras was so high on the depth chart?

The events of last year, nonetheless, don't mean that Karras is in danger. He could be in the mix for the starting C job. I guess all I'm trying to say is nothing would surprise me with Karras.

As for Thuney, I wonder if he's capable of playing C. If Brown holds up at LT and Wynn proves to be a better option at LG, is Thuney still one of our best 5 offensive linemen? He and Andrews have both taken turns as the weak link as well as providing long stretches of solid play. I think Thuney has more physical talent than Andrews, but (anecdotally) was more prone to penalties.

Offensive line is definitely going to be an interesting position battle to monitor, although you could say that about a lot of positions this year. Maybe even most.

 

[Ivan]

You've been hearing rumors or you've been linking your own articles Chuck/David?

You writing from Walden's Pond

My first thought as well.

 

[Ivan]

I've been hearing some rumors that with Wynn at LG and Brown at LT, we might look into trading Thuney or straight-up releasing him. Maybe it's just me, but I really don't like that idea. No line stays 100% healthy all year, and he seems like too valuable an insurance piece. Maybe that's just me though.

When was it decided that Wynn is playing guard? He was drafted as a tackle, and Brown has only played RT.

 

[maust]

My first thought as well.

My first thought on the OP's very first post when he 'stumbled across' something from that site and 'found it interesting.' Imagine the pride he must have felt when he realized what he found so fascinating was written by his very own nephew. What with Uncle Chuck saying he is only 23 years old himself that must be some impressive nephew, a "structural engineer by day and sportswriter by night" at what the age of 12?

Pats of the Past: Jim Lee Hunt

 

[Sicilian]

When was it decided that Wynn is playing guard? He was drafted as a tackle, and Brown has only played RT.

Not only that, but if he is seen as more of a guard, there's no guarantee he beats out Thuney for the job day one.

 

[IcyPatriot]

My first thought on the OP's very first post when he 'stumbled across' something from that site and 'found it interesting.' Imagine the pride he must have felt when he realized what he found so fascinating was written by his very own nephew. What with Uncle Chuck saying he is only 23 years old himself that must be some impressive nephew, a "structural engineer by day and sportswriter by night" at what the age of 12?

Pats of the Past: Jim Lee Hunt

Chuck has joined Jim K and Stevenson ...

 

[Tony2046]

It seemed close to me as well, but the fact that the team was comfortable with the possibility of losing him makes me wonder what they think of him. I believe that they probably had full intentions of bringing him back, but why not cut Croston instead if Karras was so high on the depth chart?

The events of last year, nonetheless, don't mean that Karras is in danger. He could be in the mix for the starting C job. I guess all I'm trying to say is nothing would surprise me with Karras.

As for Thuney, I wonder if he's capable of playing C. If Brown holds up at LT and Wynn proves to be a better option at LG, is Thuney still one of our best 5 offensive linemen? He and Andrews have both taken turns as the weak link as well as providing long stretches of solid play. I think Thuney has more physical talent than Andrews, but (anecdotally) was more prone to penalties.

Offensive line is definitely going to be an interesting position battle to monitor, although you could say that about a lot of positions this year. Maybe even most.

It's a good question. I'm not sure why they chose Croston over Karras. I'll throw out some random thoughts.

Last season I spent some time focussing on the O line and each position's responsibilities. I think Andrews was chosen over Karras for cerebral reasons but I thought Karras was physically more dominant in the role especially during man v man running plays. Andrews seems to be a better zone blocking guy. Andrews and Brady seem to have excellent communication at the line which is probably the deciding factor for anyone playing center. I believe that'll be the case this year as well so Andrews over Karras at Center.

Thuney is a solid guard. IIRC, when he was drafted he was considered more of a pass protection guy with weak run blocking ability. Last season his run blocking was decent to good. He, Solder and Andrews worked well together in both zone and man blocking schemes. That, I believe, has a lot to do with Andrews getting the line in the right blocking schemes. Thuney would have to be able to get on the same page with Brady and make the correct line adjustments as effectively as Andrews to take that job. Personally I like the thought of having Thuney, Andrews and Mason as the starting foothold of the O line. I worry more about losing the continuity between O line players season after season than the upgrade or downgrade of individual traits although there's obviously a threshold. So I think Thuney stays at guard if not only for continuity purposes.

Side note: Mason is just a run blocking beast.

LT: Would it surprise you if Waddle started the season at LT? (Just a thought). My guess is that Wynn was drafted as a potential LT but may end up being Mason's replacement next season. I can't remember where I read it but someone once wrote 'always draft LT's and if they don't work out make them a guard'. I like that philosophy but Mason kind of puts a wrench in it as he may not be able to play Tackle but he's one hell of a guard. Brown looks like a depth signing or to get as many options on the roster as possible.

Man v zone blocking schemes. The Patriots do a lot of both. Zone requires a quicker lineman and maybe that's where Karras falls short. I'm not sure. But as far as backups go Karras is a solid and flexible player.

Anyway, good discussion and that'll be one of the things I'll be watching during the preseason as well.

 

[maust]

Chuck has joined Jim K and Stevenson ...

So no more up Chuck?
God, what a roundtable that would be with that trio together in one place.
The venue would have to be substantial though and it would still get crowded quick. Let's see, 2 seats for Jimk and his med tech, 2 (minimum) for Chuck and his 'family' and then at least 50k for Stevenson and his personalities.

 

[Tony2046]

My first thought on the OP's very first post when he 'stumbled across' something from that site and 'found it interesting.' Imagine the pride he must have felt when he realized what he found so fascinating was written by his very own nephew. What with Uncle Chuck saying he is only 23 years old himself that must be some impressive nephew, a "structural engineer by day and sportswriter by night" at what the age of 12?

Pats of the Past: Jim Lee Hunt

Maybe Chuck's brother or sister is 52. Maybe it's only his half nephew. Maybe Chuck's step dad is an aging billionaire who continuously dates younger models and decided to throw Chuck's nephew's mom a bone.

You've got to think outside of the box Maust.

Anything is possible except the Thuney being traded BS.

 

[maust]

You've got to think outside of the box Maust.

Anything is possible except the Thuney being traded BS.

Of course they aren't trading him unless somebody came looking and blew them away which is unlikely but it's still a 1000x more likely than his getting cut to save less than the vet minimum lmfao.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Chuck has joined Jim K and Stevenson ...

I'll be honest, I think that's a bit harsh. I didn't mind the discussion he generated, even if the site promotion was a bit much. A reprimand might have been enough. Ah well. The slow season is almost over. Two more weeks until training camp reports!

 

[oceansizer]

Thuney's rookie season as a starter was very good but I am not so sure Wynn will be a starter this season. We all know BB is a bit reserved towards rookies as potential starters. Wynn was drafted in the first round but as a BPA ( it is just my opinion). He played in college as LT and LG what might have been a factor in drafting him. His versatility opens up for us many possibilities. I can't rule out his presence at LT at the beginning of the season but I believe it is Waddle who will occupy that position. I am a big fan of Mason but I have to say it once again. I do not believe we will be able to keep Flowers and Mason next year. Keeping one of them would be a great achievement considering they will be asking fir real money. Undoubtedly Wynn is going to be a key player and there is a real chance he will replace Mason as a guard.

 

[The Brandon Five]

Trent Brown might be big enough to cover both LT and LG at the same time. That is one large man.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Chuck has joined Jim K and Stevenson ...

This was my first thought as well but the difference between the two is that Jim K went psycho.

I don’t know which discussion is worse, this one or the one where he suggests that an undersized running back who was not only buried on the depth chart in Cincy behind a running back who is currently on this roster, but also has had trouble staying healthy, is somehow the front runner for the “goal line job”?

Then again, I do remember the days where the Pats were going insane running the ball with Danny Woodhead in obvious goal line formations.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

I am so late to the party. The link has been edited out of his post.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

I'll be honest, I think that's a bit harsh. I didn't mind the discussion he generated, even if the site promotion was a bit much. A reprimand might have been enough. Ah well. The slow season is almost over. Two more weeks until training camp reports!

True!

 

[Kontradiction]

Maybe Chuck's brother or sister is 52. Maybe it's only his half nephew. Maybe Chuck's step dad is an aging billionaire who continuously dates younger models and decided to throw Chuck's nephew's mom a bone.

You've got to think outside of the box Maust.

Anything is possible except the Thuney being traded BS.

I don't know. I asked my grandson about it and he said he thought it was a definite possibility.