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Musket Fire Patriots Roundtable: Training Camp Week 2

By Connor Fulton

Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) looks to throw to a receiver during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) looks to throw to a receiver during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the game against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

"Cyrus Geller: My question is simple. When you boil it down, who is the most important player on the offensive side of the ball, outside of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski?"

Hal Bent: How about left tackle Nate Solder? He may not be the best left tackle in the league, but his loss due to injury last year caused ripples across the entire offensive line and offense. With tight ends and running backs having to stay in and help block on the left side without Solder the offense lost some of the versatility that made it so dangerous early in the season. Solder rarely needs help on the left side and is dependable and often overlooked by fans. The return of Solder is a huge gain for the offense as he is so vital to the team’s success.

5 reasons why Jamie Collins will win Defensive Player of the Year

James Coughlin: Well I think we are probably going to have an exact answer in about five weeks aren’t we? We have seen the Patriots struggle in the last few years when Gronkowski is out but there have been times where they have looked pretty comfortable moving the ball as well. But I guess I’ll have to take the easy way out and say it is Brady, this is his offense, he makes the calls and knows where the ball needs to go and when. We have seen Brady get them deep into the playoffs without Gronkowski so I guess I’ll stick with him.

Connor Fulton: James, I think you misheard Cyrus! He was asking for the most important player outside of Brady and Gronk… Cyrus, my answer is simple: Julian Edelman. When Edelman was sidelined for the latter part of last regular season after the New York Giants game, the Patriots’ offense as a whole lost its spark. While Gronk is valuable because of his ever-present big play potential, Edelman is extremely useful because you can count on him getting open and fighting for extra yards. With both Edelman and Gronk on the field (and now Martellus Bennett), whoever is playing quarterback has no shortage of options. Also, Edelman plays with a fire that few can match.

Next: James ponders Josh McDaniels’ future

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