Bryan Stork’s Return A Huge Boost For New England Patriots Heading Into Super Bowl XLIX
By Peter Rogers
@petahrahgas
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
All New England Patriots fans can collectively exhale now. Bryan Stork is back. Whew, that was close.
Stork practiced with the team for the first time since his injury against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. The injury kept Stork out in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts and many were worried that he would be out for the Super Bowl as well.
The Patriots struggled early in the year building a cohesive offensive line, and their inability to protect Brady was a big reason behind their slow 2-2 start. But after the shellacking they received at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Patriots plugged in the rookie at center and from there on everything was peachy.
While Ryan Wendell at center and Josh Kline starting at right guard worked against the Colts, the Patriots are going to need their best offensive line in front of Brady against a relentless Seattle Seahawks’ pass rush. Obviously it stands to reason that the longer the Patriots’ O-line can give Brady in the pocket, the better chance they have of winning and holding the Lombardi trophy.
Despite being just a rookie, Stork is the best option at center the Patriots have on roster, and his injury was going to be a major obstacle to overcome heading into the Super Bowl. But it seems Stork could be healthy and ready to go come next Sunday, and that will be a huge boost for the Patriots.
Peter Rogers is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @petahrahgas, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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