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Patriots trade Bryan Stork: 3 ripple effects

By Connor Fulton

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots center Bryan Stork (66) against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots center Bryan Stork (66) against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Andrews Patriots
Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with center David Andrews (60) after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

3. David Andrews is the starter of the future.

Rewind back to this time last year when Stork started the season on the PUP list. The common worry leading up to the Patriots’ opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers was the inexperience on the interior of the offensive line; the Patriots were starting Shaq Mason and Tre’ Jackson, both 2015 draft picks, around Andrews, an undrafted rookie filling in for Stork, the then-unquestioned starter.

3 ripple effects of Bear Pascoe release

Andrews was a fixture at center for the first half of the season, even getting the starting nod ahead of Stork when No. 66 returned to the team. Although he had his struggles later in the year, Andrews proved himself as a rookie. While Stork may be slightly more talented, Andrews is much more dependable and doesn’t get into meaningless, distracting skirmishes during practice. The decision to go with Andrews and shed Stork was an effect of Bill Belichick’s “dependability is more important than ability” philosophy.

Next: 2. Kline is now the No. 2 center

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