New England Patriots Need to Start Bryan Stork against Kansas City Chiefs

Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

To put it lightly, the New England Patriots’ offensive line has been struggling.

Despite their defense playing well and a guy named Tom Brady still under center, this team that looked like a serious contender before the start of the season no longer looks as such. If you can’t block, nothing else really matters.

If the team still has Super Bowl aspirations, they’ll have to play better up front.

A lot better.

While most of Patriot Nation has pointed to the trade of Pro Bowl left guard Logan Mankins and the absence of longtime offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia as reasons for the offensive line struggles, let’s not forget that both were here last year and they gave up 40 sacks–the highest team total since 2001 (41 sacks).

So what IS the problem?

Could it be that right guard Jordan Devey just isn’t any good? Or that Marcus Cannon—a career right tackle—is all of a sudden playing left guard? Or that Nate Solder is not playing as well as we’ve seen him play in the past? Or maybe it’s because Sebastian Vollmer is only three games deep after missing nearly an entire season of football? Maybe it’s just because these guys aren’t familiar playing with each other?

It’s probably all of the above.

Most of these things can be fixed with time, however. Solder and Vollmer should find their game again. Cannon has proven that he’s a capable NFL offensive lineman (albeit as a tackle), who looks like he needs time to get comfortable with his new role.

But Devey? Sorry bro, you got to go.

After three games, it’s clear that Devey is not ready for prime time. There were times when he just flat out didn’t block anyone. His footwork is often alarmingly bad, and his strength–or lack thereof–is concerning. A man of his size (6’6″, 317 lbs) should be stronger. Look, I’m not saying this kid doesn’t belong in the league, but he’s not a starter yet. He needs a lot of time and a lot of work.

So, let’s take Devey out the picture and move Dan Connolly–who has been the team’s best offensive lineman despite splitting time at center and guard–over to right guard permanently and let’s throw rookie fourth-round pick Bryan Stork (6’4”, 315 lbs) in at center.

And let’s do it fast. I’m talking Monday Night Football in Kansas City fast.

After winning the national title with Florida State and winning the Rimington Trophy as the best center in college football in 2013, Stork might be the Pats’ best option at center. He’s had limited playing time this season, but saw the most action in the fourth quarter against the Raiders last week. After being terrorized throughout the whole game, the offensive line settled down a bit when Stork entered the lineup. In fact, the offense’s best play of the game, a 22-yard pass to Rob Gronkowski on third-and-15, came when Stork was in the game (and Devey was not). Brady had plenty of time to find his favorite target.

It wasn’t perfect, but in 15 snaps, Stork looked good. He generally held up well in pass protection, showcasing a good anchor and also flashed some athleticism getting up the field in the running game. Known as an aggresor at Florida State, he may also fill the mean-streak void left behind by Mankins.

Stork could prove to be an upgrade over Connolly/Wendell at center and Connolly would undoubtedly be a significant upgrade over Devey at right guard.

Even if he exceeds expectations, Stork alone can’t fix this line. Solder, Vollmer and company will need to up their game as well, but starting Stork could be a good start to fixing the problem.

You could argue that starting a rookie in a hostile environment in Arrowhead Stadium against a Pro Bowl nose tackle in Dontari Poe is a bad idea, but that’s why the team drafted him back in May. He’s the center of the future, and the future is now.

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