Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) prepares to take the snap at the line of scrimmage from New England Patriots center Bryan Stork (66) during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Averaging 29.3 points per game through the regular season, the New England Patriots continued to have one of the best offensive units in the NFL last season. While Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and LeGarrette Blount are going to get the bulk of the praise for their success, the Patriots’ offensive line deserves plenty of credit as well.
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After a shaky start to the 2014 season, head coach Bill Belichick was eventually able to find the right mix of players up front. After making a few key changes, the Patriots’ offensive line went on to have a great second half of the year, and were a key component to the team taking home another Super Bowl championship.
If Brady and/or back-up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo are going to have success this season, the offensive line is going to have to continue to be productive. That goes double for Blount, Jonas Gray, Travaris Cadet or whoever the Patriots decide to run out there at running back.
Aside from a good quarterback, the key to a productive offense is a strong offensive line. They make more of an impact in both the running game and passing game than any other position group on the offense. While the Patriots seem to be set-up well up front, there is always room for improvement, and the Patriots have tried to get better this off season by making some key additions to their offensive line.
How will it all shake out? That remains to be seen, but follow along while I breakdown the players who I expect to start for the Patriots up front, and their primary back-ups. Check out a complete projected offensive line depth chart at the end of the post.
Next: Breaking Down Left Tackle