No matter how good a quarterback is, he can only do so much behind a weak offensive line. In the years that the New England Patriots have fallen short of a Super Bowl, failure was usually due to the line’s inability to protect Tom Brady. Last season was consistent with this trend. But with the return of long-time coach Dante Scarnecchia and a mix of unproven talent and experienced veterans, 2016’s offensive line has great potential.
Dante Scarnecchia and Offensive Line Can Immortalize 2016 Patriots
Left Tackle
Nate Solder has been the blind side tackle since the Pats drafted him 17th overall in 2011. Solder was an ironman his first four seasons, starting 60 of 64 regular season games. He came up under Coach Scarnecchia during the veteran coach’s first tenure with the team. There are occasional problems with his footwork and quickness, but he has held his starting job his entire career.
Solder tore his biceps Week 5 of last season and was placed on injured reserve. He was then placed on the physically unable to perform list by the team last week. He is expected to be ready for the regular season, but backup LaAdrian Waddle has filled in during his absence in training camp.
Left Guard
According to reports, 2016 third round pick Joe Thuney has looked like a starter throughout training camp. The guard position has been the biggest question mark for the Patriots line in recent seasons, and Thuney’s emergence will fill a significant hole. Josh Kline took the majority of the reps at left guard last season, but will compete for the right guard job as the season approaches. Guard strength opens up the power run game, another crucial component of New England’s success.
Center
Bryan Stork, a 2014 fourth round draft pick, has battled injuries most of his career. Concussions are his main downfall, and he was just recently sidelined with another head injury. The 25-year-old won the Rimington Trophy in 2013 at Florida State as the nation’s best center, but he has yet to truly prove himself in the NFL. David Andrews, a 2015 undrafted free agent, filled in for Stork last year and did well. Andrews projects to be the opening day starter with Stork out indefinitely.
Right Guard
This is the most uncertain spot on the Patriots offensive line. Jonathan Cooper was acquired in the deal that sent Chandler Jones to Arizona. The seventh overall pick in 2013 has never lived up to expectations and experienced setbacks early in camp. Shaq Mason and Kline have each spent the last several years in New England, but neither has become a viable starter. The hope is that Scarnecchia can tap into Cooper’s potential, while Kline and Mason fill in the blanks.
Right Tackle
Sebastian Vollmer has done a fine job at right tackle since the Pats took him in the 2009 draft. The German is the oldest player on the offensive line, and provides a veteran presence for the young group. He also played his first several seasons under Scarnecchia. Vollmer struggles with injuries at times and, like Solder, is currently on the PUP list. He should return by Week 1, and longtime backup Marcus Cannon has taken the majority of right tackle snaps in camp. Third year man Cam Fleming will likely be the fifth tackle on the depth chart.
The 2016 Patriots roster may be the best the team has seen in several seasons. The defense is incredibly deep, the offensive stars are back healthy, and key acquisitions were made in the off-season on both sides of the ball. The offensive line remains the biggest question mark. But under Coach Scarnecchia’s guidance, there is hope for the group to exceed expectations. If they do, a fifth Lombardi Trophy may find its way to Foxboro.
