Running game/short yardage futility

[mgteich]

Agreed. It's a talent issue, not coaching. .

So, the OC should simply keep calling runs up the middle and when that doesn't work the answer is that the talent isn't good enough to execute his plays? Really?

To me, this is utter nonsense.

 

[mike_usagisan]

This team and others have had to play with weak run blockers in the middle before.

That simply means that the OC needs to devise plays and a game plan that reflects that fact.

It’s just going to be harder because the left side of your line is now a lot weaker and on the right, you’re relying on Owenhu who is not always motivated and an older Moses.

They might have to manufacture some runs with quick outs or screens.

 

[Zuma]

I still think the Pats should have started Wilson at Center and Brown at LG. It could have turned out bad...but maybe not.

 

[Tunescribe]

So, the OC should simply keep calling runs up the middle and when that doesn't work the answer is that the talent isn't good enough to execute his plays? Really?

To me, this is utter nonsense.

Perhaps it strikes you as "utter nonsense" because you don't know enough about (A) opponent matchups and (B) setting things up for subsequent plays outside the tackles. Scheme-wise you can't altogether abandon the inside run game even with paltry returns. Consider Henderson's attempts vs. Tampa: most were inside, a couple/three yards and a cloud of dust, then he rips two long-gainers around end for touchdowns. If you followed the progression of run plays and blocking combinations that wasn't just happenstance.

What YOU think "doesn't work" probably DOES work to the extent present OL talent is capable vs. teams they've faced. Or maybe you'd like McDaniels to call nothing but sweeps and see how that works. Hint: it wouldn't.

But to my earlier point, the short-yardage run game would be more productive with better offensive linemen. During that marathon series of goal-line plays in the Bengals game, McDaniels called a pretty wide variety of things (and that pick call nullifying the scoring pass was bogus).

 

[mgteich]

Perhaps it strikes you as "utter nonsense" because you don't know enough about (A) opponent matchups and (B) setting things up for subsequent plays outside the tackles. Scheme-wise you can't altogether abandon the inside run game even with paltry returns. Consider Henderson's attempts vs. Tampa: most were inside, a couple/three yards and a cloud of dust, then he rips two long-gainers around end for touchdowns. If you followed the progression of run plays and blocking combinations that wasn't just happenstance.

What YOU think "doesn't work" probably DOES work to the extent present OL talent is capable vs. teams they've faced. Or maybe you'd like McDaniels to call nothing but sweeps and see how that works. Hint: it wouldn't.

But to my earlier point, the short-yardage run game would be more productive with better offensive linemen. During that marathon series of goal-line plays in the Bengals game, McDaniels called a pretty wide variety of things (and that pick call nullifying the scoring pass was bogus).

You blame the OL and refs. If that's the case, little can change this year.

 

[mgteich]

I still think the Pats should have started Wilson at Center and Brown at LG. It could have turned out bad...but maybe not.

So, on Game Day, Bradbury would have been the backup at OC and at both guards?

 

[TommyD4207]

So many speak presumptuously that our OL is so much better than last year.

It's objectively true.
It doesn't mean this line is *good*. It's not. I don't hear anyone saying it's anywhere within shouting distance of good. That's how bad last year's was.
Both things can be true at the same time.

Edit: Just as a comparison, why people don't just crap all over the line this year. 1) Campbell's played pretty well. 2) They're a bottom quarter offensive line, 24th or worse, I think that's fair to say. 3) The difference between having the, let's split the difference and say 28th-ranked offensive line, and one of the worse offensive lines in the history of organized football, is, indeed, night and day. That's how bad 2024 was.

 

[Zuma]

So, on Game Day, Bradbury would have been the backup at OC and at both guards?

OL 101. 5 Offensive Linemen...yes.

Campbell, Lowe
Brown, Wallace
Wilson, Bradbury or J. Andrews
Onwenu, Wallace
Moses, Bryant

 

[Tunescribe]

You blame the OL and refs. If that's the case, little can change this year.

Well, I sure as hell do not blame Josh McDaniels. That would be "utter nonsense."

 

[mgteich]

OL 101. 5 Offensive Linemen...yes.

Campbell, Lowe
Brown, Wallace
Wilson, Bradbury or J. Andrews
Onwenu, Wallace
Moses, Bryant

Really. OL 101 is having NINE OL's active? Please list a couple of games when we had nine OL's active.

I believe that we have 8 OL's active every week (but please correct): the starters, the two backup OTs and ONE backup G/C. Other than ONE game, I believe that Brown has been the backup OG/C with WALLACE inactive. In the game when Wilson was out and Brown started at LG, I believe that we elevated Brenden James to be the GameDay backup at C/OG. Unless Wallace has greatly improved in the eyes of the coaches, I expect that to happen again on this coming Sunday.

 

[Zuma]

Really. OL 101 is having NINE OL's active? Please list a couple of games when we had nine OL's active.

I believe that we have 8 OL's active every week (but please correct): the starters, the two backup OTs and ONE backup G/C. Other than ONE game, I believe that Brown has been the backup OG/C with WALLACE inactive. In the game when Wilson was out and Brown started at LG, I believe that we elevated Brenden James to be the GameDay backup at C/OG. Unless Wallace has greatly improved in the eyes of the coaches, I expect that to happen again on this coming Sunday.

So my premise was Wilson at C and Brown at LG. Whatever your rambling about matters not what my opinion is @signbabybrady . What you think (ie Brenden James) may not matter so much to my opinion. We agree to disagree and move on

 

[signbabybrady]

@Zuma I can't see your post because you quoted someone else. I'll log out and check it.

 

[signbabybrady]

I see no hate in either comment so not a comparison.

Now if I said James White sucks I'd expect someone would tell me A) how dumb the take is and B) take that opinion to whatever fan base you came from you troll.

 

[mgteich]

So my premise was Wilson at C and Brown at LG. Whatever your rambling about matters not what my opinion is @signbabybrady . What you think (ie Brenden James) may not matter so much to my opinion. We agree to disagree and move on

Ok, your stilling fussing about Bradbury starting the season and seem not to care about who will be our backup guard and center this coming Sunday.

 

[Schmo]

Solution: put Tonga in motion and play, "duck,duck,duck,duck, GOOSE!"

 

[borg]

New England Patriots: Offensive line​

The group up front for the Pats was already kind of hanging on by a threat, even before this past Sunday. Drake Maye has been sacked more than any quarterback in the NFL not named Cam Ward, and he's been pressured on nearly 39% of his dropbacks. Now, the entire left side of the offensive line might be out for a while after both Will Campbell and Jared Wilson got hurt against the Bengals. That should also hurt the Pats in the run game, where they are already averaging the fifth-fewest yards before contact per rush of any team in the league, per TruMedia. Maye is fantastic but he can't do everything by himself. He and the backs could be under siege for a few weeks while the line gets healthy, and even if it does, that might not be enough.

Biggest reason holding back these 11 contenders from winning the Super Bowl

Vegas expects one of these NFL teams to win it all, but we offer one good reason why they won't.

www.cbssports.com

 

[stinkypete]

IOL is the biggest weakness on the roster, which is no surprise. Upgrading from Bradbury and Onwenu should be our highest offseason priority.

 

[Clonamery]

IOL is the biggest weakness on the roster, which is no surprise. Upgrading from Bradbury and Onwenu should be our highest offseason priority.

Good thoughts here:

Post in thread '2026 Draft: Interior OL'

Nov 26, 2025

Thinking about the IOL:

1. Mike Onwenu just doesn't cut it, not worth the cap hit. Time to move on in 2026.

2. Jared Wilson will be a stud, super athletic. Has been developing well at LG, could stay there or move back to center, depending on which prospects are available.

3. Garrett Bradbury Is not much better than Onwenu. Can't move the pile. Jared Wilson could upgrade the center position in 2026, or stay at LG and hope the Pats can get 1 more year out of Bradbury.

4. The 2026 draft is strong and deep at IOL, including current IOLs and OT conversions.

At this point, my thoughts...

• mayoclinic

 

[captain stone]

And two of the biggest bums along it right there in the photo.

 

[Real fan 02]

Maye's getting better in the Pocket not at Mahomes level yet: but he'll learn fast with Lowe on his blind side.