INTERIOR OL
Let's deal with Andrews first. Karras is a reasonable backup. We carry 8 or 9 OL's. The "plan" was Froholdt and Karras as backup interior OL's. Our starters were Thuney, Andrews and Mason. For me, this was a fine "plan". Even now, I think that the interior OL will be fine when Mason is healthy.
When Andrews was injured, Belichick used a 4th to secure Eluemunor, who has had a difficult time learning. However, the patriot offense is very difficult. We have had to have Ferentz active because he can call plays if Karras is injured. I also note that Eluemunor might compete for the squad in 2020; he is an RFA.
Belichick even tried to find a center to replace Ferentz as a backup. Bodine didn't work out.
The BOTTOM LINE is that I think that Belichick has been doing fine dealing with the injuries on the interior OL.
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OT's
OT is another story entirely. We knew that Wynn was coming back from an injury and that Cannon has an injury history. TO ME, and to many others, we needed to have a swing OT that was able to start on either side. Also, we need a 4th OT in case of injuries (this OT could be on the Practice Squad).
We didn't secure a Waddle replacement. Our 4th OT was Skipper and others, none of whom will contribute. Our current players are Newhouse and Cunningham. We have often gone with a street free agent at OG; LT is NOT the position to have a street free agent.
FOR ME, a swing OT is an important position. Belichick has always thought so. We should have had a solid swing OT win the original 53, and then again by the trade deadline. And yes, this swing tackle might have cost a 3rd, or even more if he wasn't in his contract year.
BOTTOM LINE
It is NOT second guessing to suggest that a swing OT is a critical position and should be filled by someone that we would be comfortable starting for us. I guess a parallel on defense would be a #3 S or a #4 corner.
Just find it hard to believe why we are in such a mess at LT.....ok nobody could foresee what happened to Wynn and the Andrew's impact but why such poor depth ?