The New England Patriots know that dominating the trenches usually means dominating the game. That's why they've used two first-round picks in the past couple of years to keep Drake Maye out of harm's way.
However, unlike their approach with Will Campbell, they've been much more patient with Caleb Lomu, spoon-feeding the rookie right tackle instead of throwing him right into the fire. Nine weeks into the season, they may have to change their plans.
Morgan Moses has had a solid career, but he's clearly on the back end of it. Maybe the plan was for him to start all year while Lomu developed, but given how routinely he's getting beaten, it might be time to give the rook the ignition keys.
The Patriots should start Caleb Lomu at right tackle instead of Morgan Moses
All teams need veterans, and it's impossible to deny that Moses is a valuable leader. That said, that can only do so much for the team when he can't hold up against opposing pressure and keeps getting worked as the weakest link on the offensive line.
To be fair, the Patriots have dealt with multiple injuries up front, so it's not like it's entirely on him. Nevertheless, Lomu has looked the part in a limited run, and he was one of the nation's best left tackles in his final year of college.
Lomu's elite anchor and ability to mirror pass rushers were impressive coming out of college. Despite his jumbo size, he's light on his feet and moves with solid fluidity, and his ability to pull and block at the second level and move guys out of the way would be a valuable asset for the Patriots' unimpressive running game.
Granted, he's still not the most consistent run-blocker, and he can struggle against powerful bull rushes, but the only way to sharpen him is by actually letting him get on the field. Also, it's not like he can be much worse than Moses, who's struggling to keep up with quicker and more agile pass rushers at this point in his career.
Drake Maye made some questionable decisions in the loss to the Packers, but the offensive line didn't give him much of a chance, either. Few quarterbacks make the best calls when they're constantly under duress and facing collapsed pockets.
Moses always knew this was probably the end of the line for him. He's had a good run, but it's time to let the youngsters show what they can do, and if Lomu is the right tackle for the future, he might as well get a chance to show why.
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