Patriots Training Camp Storylines

Offensive Line Changes

Ask any football fan what the Patriots’ main issue was last season and they’ll most likely respond with the offensive line. It was so easy to notice that the Patriots massively struggled in the trenches, no one let you forget it, yet it’s not that simple. The Patriots faced a plethora of injuries: OT Nate Solder played in just four games, OT Sebastian Vollmer was rarely at full strength, and C Bryan Stork was inactive for half of the regular season.

Now, the offensive line “messiah,” coach Dante Scarnecchia, has returned to oversee the unit, and, with health and the longtime Patriots coach back on their side, it will be interesting to see just how much the unit can improve.

The starting offensive line of the 2016 Patriots is not close to official. Massive changes could be coming as the only players considered locks, in my opinion, are Solder, who ranks second on the team in average salary per year with just over $10 million, and second-year guard Shaq Mason. Veteran tackle Vollmer has been pinned as a possible cap casualty, despite the fact that there is very little depth behind him, and, after Mason, the interior of the offensive line is muddied with potential starters. Stork, David Andrews, and versatile rookie Joe Thuney will compete for the starting spot at center. Then, at the other guard, Jonathan Cooper, acquired in the Chandler Jones trade, will compete with Tré Jackson and Josh Kline for the position.

While the big boys often get overlooked, success in the trenches is essential to a championship-caliber team. We witnessed the horror of Brady getting hit TWENTY times in the AFC Championship, and scheme and/or personnel changes will be necessary throughout training camp.

Next: The Middle of the Defense