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In my positional breakdown of the New England Patriots, I ranked the team’s units from worst to first as we head into training camp. Offensive line is seventh on the list and the improvement of this unit is a must if the Patriots are to remain contenders.
Adding to the importance of improved play along the offensive line is the formidable defensive fronts being put together in the AFC East. The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills remain loaded up front, and the Miami Dolphins added Ndamukong Suh this offseason. So if the Patriots hope to run the ball and protect the quarterback, they’d better become more physical up front.
Sebastian Vollmer and Nate Solder – both 6-foot-8 and 320 pounds – provide the Patriots with very good bookend tackles. Entering his seventh season, Vollmer was the best player on the offensive front during the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl title. He is consistent in pass protection and is an above average run blocker. Vollmer remained healthy, playing 15 games and had zero holding calls during the entire season.
While Vollmer was a stabilizing force in 2014, Solder had a very uneven season at left tackle. He looked lost and almost got Tom Brady killed in some games – most notably against the San Diego Chargers, when Melvin Ingram spun him like a top throughout. He allowed 5.5 sacks and had seven penalties, including three holding calls. Most of his struggles can be attributed to sloppy technique and footwork. Fortunately for the Patriots, Solder cleaned up those flaws and played outstanding football in the postseason.
Marcus Cannon enters his fifth season with the Patriots, and he’s the top backup at tackle. Another key performer is Cameron Fleming, who provides options as a backup tackle or possible challenger at guard.
The Patriots also appear set at center, as Bryan Stork, when healthy, showed promise and played well during his rookie season. While Stork was called for two holds and five total penalties, he did a good job with his calls and anchoring the line.
Where the Patriots really need improvement in 2015 is at the guard position. An interesting statistic from Pro Football Outsiders proves the Patriots’ struggles at guard. In 2014, they ran 54 percent of the time over the guards and center. The problem is that they ranked 25th in efficiency when running behind the interior line.
Ryan Wendell returns and should compete to keep his starting role. Dan Connolly remains a free agent and could be brought back for a 11th season with the Patriots if the price is right for both sides. Connolly would provide a veteran presence and insurance should rookies Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason fail to earn starting roles.
Mason and Jackson were both dominant run blockers in college, but they did it in different ways. Jackson is 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, and he used that size and power to manhandle defensive linemen during his time at Florida State. Mason, 6-foot-1, 300 pounds, used quickness and technique to gain angles while run blocking in Georgia Tech’s triple-option attack. Mason also provides the versatility to move to center.
As good as they were in the run game, both will have to prove they can pick up the intricacies to pass protect at the NFL level. Jackson will need to show he has the lateral agility in pass protection, while Mason rarely was asked to pass block for the Yellow Jackets.
Jordan Devey and Josh Kline, who struggled all season long when asked to fill in, are the other returning backups at guard. The drafting of Jackson and Thompson shows how much faith the Patriots have in the guard position, and Devey and Kline could have a very difficult time making the squad.
Filling out the training camp roster are center David Andrews, guard Kevin Hughes and tackle Caylin Hauptmann, who provide depth. Chris Barker is also on the roster as a possible option at tackle or guard.
The Patriots were an average offensive line in 2014. They had great games, especially against the Indianapolis Colts, that inflated their true performance as a unit. If New England is going to be more efficient and consistent running the ball between the tackles, the middle of the line will have to improve. The development and performance of Jackson and Mason could prove to be the critical factor on how much improvement they can get out of the offensive front in 2015.
Other Positional Breakdowns
10. Cornerback
9. Defensive Tackle
8. Safety
Nick Sardina is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Nick onTwitter @nicksardina13, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
