Cautiously optimistic. But if you think it'll all be smooth sailing I have a bridge to sell you.
The presence of versatile, uber-talented Caleb Lomu is a great plus.
Kid is athletic, smart, hardworking, and has good length.
Baring injury it's TRex-Bubblewrap-Wilson-Fatso-Grandpa.
Left side is athletic so outside zone runs can be featured. Right side? Not so much. But gritty veterans
Right now, my focus is on the inexperienced new center. Jared Wilson is a one year starter in college. Uneven last year at LG.
Backed by Ben Brown.
A latepreseason pickup for center is a likely possibility.
It'd be a shame if the hogs up front failed the offense with its wonderful possibilities.
I'm in fact VERY optimistic with our starting 6 guys, with one proviso. Continuity. This is still a young OL and they are having to absorb 2 players at new positions (AVT and Wilson), plus their top player off the bench is a rookie with all the inherit flaws that come with being one.
But beyond that, I feel strongly that THIS OL is vastly improved over last season's version. You know the terrible one that somehow got us to a 14-3 record and THREE playoff wins. Given decent health, I expect this year's version will be better. Better individually, and better as a group for the following reasons.
1. 2nd year in the same offensive system. Players can concentrate of technique and less time thinking about who to block, rules, and calls. Doesn't seem like much, but it is to the players (except for Lomu and ATV)
2. It's the 2nd year...period for Wilson and Campbell. These are kids who were used to playing 10-12 games a season, who were thrown in at age 21 playing TWENTY-ONE games, almost double. This season they are a year older and have had a full year of off-season training under their belts. Plus, all the other obvious benefits that come with a 2nd year of experiences, even though Wilson is moving to a new position.
3. The talent is better. With the exception of the old man, who comes with vast experience, this might be the most athletic OL's in Pats history for their top 6. It's also one of the deepest. Brown is a solid back up at 2 positions, and we all have hopes for Bryant, Crownover, and Wallace, who is literally in a fight to continue his career this season. Plus, whomever else who pops up out of nowhere to earn a spot on the roster or PS. The final 9 or 10 guys who will be on the 53 will be as strong a group as we have had in a while and young as well.
4. Individual expectations:
Will Campbell - I don't expect a giant leap from him, but more of an incremental one. Remember he played like a solid starting NFL LT until he was hurt, next to a rookie playing out of position and all the other hurdles players coming into the league have to overcome. NO ONE was talking about the short arm **** anymore. Now, not only does he have a few thousand real game reaps and thousands more practice reps under his belt, but he will also have a few more weapons with which to deal with his opponents who seem to get faster and more skillful every year. I expect for Will to show up and become a "good" NFL starting LT thus season. Not an All Pro, but a bit better than average and primed to be even better moving on.
AVT- His mere presence will make Campbell better. His experience automatically makes him an upgrade. His athleticism and power have made him a G who DOES have all pro skills... WHEN he is on the field. He doesn't have a great record of that, but there are plenty of examples of players who endured long periods of injuries and then, for no apparent reason, it stopped. Here's hoping he is one of them. If he plays 15+ regular season game, he will likely be one of the best FA signings recent memory.
Wilson - The guy with most to prove and the biggest question mark. In the clips I've seen from college, he was dominant at C in his only season starting in college. Bradbury gave up a solid season at the position. He was a good pass blocker but not an asset in the run game. Hopefully Wilson can be as good as Bradbury was protecting Drake and become that asset to the run game.
Owenu- Big Mike was our most consistent OLman last season and a better than average RG in the league. I would expect nothing less this season. In fact, since this is a contract year for him, we might even get more. Any comments come out of OTA's that he looked fat? Hopefully not. I'm hoping he comes in great shape in 2 months ready to play for his last chance at big money.
Moses - I think Morgan exceeded most of our best hopes last season, not only for his leadership and surprising good health, but for his solid execution in both the run and passing game. Hard to believe he will repeat it for a 2nd year at his age. But this year is different. We have a highly talented rookie RT ready to step in if and when he is needed. Moses is a good solid RT in this league and proved it last season. When he is on the field, I expect no less.
Lomu- I'll reserve any judgement on him until we see how he does when they put on pads and hit. BUT he comes in with high hopes and nothing we have seen so far has diminished expectations. He has gotten work at 3 positions during OTA's (RT, LT, LG) and looked professional at all 3. Having a good, reliable swing OT is an advantage for good teams. It creates a better opportunity for adding a roster spot elsewhere. So far, so good on Lomu. I think it will be good to not have to throw him right in a starting role. He needs to get bigger and stronger to excel at the next level.
We are in so much better a position along the OL than we were last season at this time. Pretty much EVERY position was a question mark where only Owenu was a known commodity. Question marks, of course, still remain, but a LOT fewer of them and there is a lot more continuity from players and coaches alike. I'm not looking for anyone to be calling this "one of the best OL's in the league" anytime soon, but they could be doing it in a year or 2
