In their last game against the Titans, the Patriots offense struggled. The team could neither get a run game going nor could Tom Brady get comfortable with any of his receivers. In case you haven't heard yet, Father Time caught up with Brady and the Patriots are done. No, really this time.
Instead of just saying that Brady has hit the cliff and the sky is falling on New England, I'll give you a little bit of information about this year's offensive line. Hopefully, after reading this you can step away from the ledge.
Free Agent Losses- Nate Solder got paid a lot of money to join the Giants in the offseason. Cameron Fleming also parted ways with the Patriots as he is now a member of the Cowboys.
Injured Reserve to Start the Season- Contrary to popular belief, the top pick for the Patriots in last year's draft was not a running back. With the 23rd overall pick the Patriots picked up Isaiah Wynn. Although Wynn played predominantly on the left side of the o-line in college, he was playing right tackle in the pre-season. Unfortunately, Wynn was injured before the season started and he went to the IR.
Also going to the IR before the season started was journey-man Ulrick John. In his NFL career, John has played both tackles and some guard.
Recent IR Addition- Add Brian Schwenke to the list of new Patriots who ended up on the IR in their first season in New England. Prior to coming to the Patriots, John played 5 season for the Titans. He had 25 starts at center and 5 at left guard.
Injured Reserve to Start the Season- Contrary to popular belief, the top pick for the Patriots in last year's draft was not a running back. With the 23rd overall pick the Patriots picked up Isaiah Wynn. Although Wynn played predominantly on the left side of the o-line in college, he was playing right tackle in the pre-season. Unfortunately, Wynn was injured before the season started and he went to the IR.
Also going to the IR before the season started was journey-man Ulrick John. In his NFL career, John has played both tackles and some guard.
Recent IR Addition- Add Brian Schwenke to the list of new Patriots who ended up on the IR in their first season in New England. Prior to coming to the Patriots, John played 5 season for the Titans. He had 25 starts at center and 5 at left guard.
On the Injury Report- Here's a week by week look at the offensive linemen who have appeared on the injury report this season.
Week 1- Marcus Cannon- questionable- calf
Week 2- Marcus Cannon- questionable- calf
Week 3- Marcus Cannon- questionable- calf
Week 4- Marcus Cannon- questionable- calf
Week 5- LaAdrian Waddle- illness
Week 6-
Week 7- Marcus Cannon- out- concussion
Week 8- Brian Schwenke- out- foot
Trent Brown- questionable- ankle
Marcus Cannon- questionable- concussion
Week 9- Shaq Mason- out- calf
Brian Schwenke- out- foot
Trent Brown- questionable- ankle
Marcus Cannon- questionable- concussion
Week 10- Trent Brown- questionable- illness
Shaq Mason- questionable- calf
Revolving Door on the Right- For the most part, the o-line positions which have been least consistent with healthy personnel availability have been right tackle and right guard. Marcus Cannon has been the starter for the majority of the games at right tackle. With Cannon inactive during weeks 2, 7, and 8, LaAdrian Waddle filled in. Shaq Mason started the first 8 weeks of the season at right guard, but missed the last 2 weeks with a calf injury. Ted Karras got the start in weeks 9 and 10.
Gronk Factor- If you've been paying attention, you know that when Rob Gronkowski isn't busy catching the ball or drawing a triple team, he's probably been opening a gap in the line. With Gronk having an ailing back and ankle, he's either been on the sideline or less dominant than he's been in the past.
All things considered, I'd say with some needed R & R, the line's play will improve. Magically, Brady's arm will suddenly appear stronger and his throws will be more accurate.
Week 1- Marcus Cannon- questionable- calf
Week 2- Marcus Cannon- questionable- calf
Week 3- Marcus Cannon- questionable- calf
Week 4- Marcus Cannon- questionable- calf
Week 5- LaAdrian Waddle- illness
Week 6-
Week 7- Marcus Cannon- out- concussion
Week 8- Brian Schwenke- out- foot
Trent Brown- questionable- ankle
Marcus Cannon- questionable- concussion
Week 9- Shaq Mason- out- calf
Brian Schwenke- out- foot
Trent Brown- questionable- ankle
Marcus Cannon- questionable- concussion
Week 10- Trent Brown- questionable- illness
Shaq Mason- questionable- calf
Revolving Door on the Right- For the most part, the o-line positions which have been least consistent with healthy personnel availability have been right tackle and right guard. Marcus Cannon has been the starter for the majority of the games at right tackle. With Cannon inactive during weeks 2, 7, and 8, LaAdrian Waddle filled in. Shaq Mason started the first 8 weeks of the season at right guard, but missed the last 2 weeks with a calf injury. Ted Karras got the start in weeks 9 and 10.
Gronk Factor- If you've been paying attention, you know that when Rob Gronkowski isn't busy catching the ball or drawing a triple team, he's probably been opening a gap in the line. With Gronk having an ailing back and ankle, he's either been on the sideline or less dominant than he's been in the past.
All things considered, I'd say with some needed R & R, the line's play will improve. Magically, Brady's arm will suddenly appear stronger and his throws will be more accurate.
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