I think this is the safer bet but I'm really not sure. The consensus is that Stork is the better run blocker and they might need that dimension in the offense. Also, it's a rough way to lose your job in BB's world when Stork is probably the better player.
Agreed. Before the attrition, they had nine different combinations of offensive lines through their first three games. There's also stamina and endurance to consider, so even if we see guys coming back they're probably wanting to shuttle them in and out. [Probably see that with Collins too, if he plays MNF].
They've never rotated centers and the beat guys sound like they don't expect it.
Just reading tea leaves but I think BB really, really, really likes Mason--he was incredibly complimentary of him a few weeks ago on WEEI in an odd way (essentially "Mason gets himself out of position with bad technique all the time but his balance flexibility and athleticism are so terrific that he gets himself out of trouble"). It suggested to me that they think Mason is just a raw, raw player but so unbelievably athletic that we're talking about a Randall McDaniel/Brian Waters quality athletic guard so we'll put up with shit technique while he learns.
No doubt. There is a TON to like about Mason long term. He is strong, fast, and aggressive as a run blocker. Given the experience he got at Georgia Tech, in the flexbone, it is no surprise that he's outstanding at that - one of the better run blocking guards I've seen on film this season, and he's only going to get better as he acclimates.
I think Kline is a lock to "start" at LG. Everyone says he's been their best G this year, he's had the most snaps (even accounting for injuries), and he just inked an extension - he's the guy.
I think Andrews is doing a heck of a job but not as good of a job as Stork. Stork is more physical(think Logan Mankins) than Andrews and that allowed him to get more of a push in the running game. As you said, he is also an excellent pass blocker in the interior. Andrews has put has put more than enough good plays on tape to earn himself a starting center job somewhere else in the league if let go. Personally, in the offseason I'd seriously consider keeping Andrews at center and making Stork the right guard. The interior of Kline-Andrews-Stork would be a heck of a protector for Brady.
Keeping both Stork (at guard) and Andrews is consistent with Patriots' passion for versatility and depth. Keep two NFL centers on the roster, but neither are on the bench or practice squad.
RedOctober3829 is one of the best observers and football minds in this forum, and there's just so much to like about his response here.
Andrews has been incredibly reliable. It feels like Belichick has consistently praised his performance and awareness in the weekly breakdowns.
Two things:
Do you think RG is more important in the Pat's system? From what I can see they don't slide to the left side as much (and the RG isn't on an island as much) as with many other teams and they also have the LG pulling a ton.
Good question and one I'll defer to either @nazz45 @Kenny F'ing Powers or @Super Nomario who are just better at OL evaluation than I am.
This is the right answer, I think.
OFFENSIVE LINE
I thought Andrews was completely overmatched early - just could not make the right line calls or find the blitzer. The exact opposite of what I was praising him for earlier in the week. I think it got bad enough that he was pulled in favor of Stork, which forced Vollmer - who did not look 100% - into more action than they planned/wanted.
Stork had his struggles at RT last week. Cannon had his difficulties at the tackle spot last night, but that's one game, which is not nearly enough to conclude that "Cannon is not as good at tackle as Stork".
I agree, Cannon was really bad. In his defense, he only returned to practice Wednesday after missing four full weeks of practice and they played him wire-to-wire. Hopefully he looks better next week with some more reps to knock off the rust. I don't think they can continue to play him if he's as bad as he was last night, but I think there's some reason to be optimistic he won't be.
I think you're largely right - there were a lot of unblocked defenders last night - an alarming amount coming through the inside of the line. Some of it was poor blitz pickup by the runningbacks (there were a few plays where White was blocking nobody while a defender came through 1 gap over)- but some of it was definitely assignment issues.
I thought I saw him there. Maybe I got it mixed up. He's got to be a viable option there if it comes to it.
I don't think it's crazy talk. I think that Stork is very likely to be better at RT than Cannon or Flemming. But at this point, I doubt the Pats will do this since I don't believe they have played Stork much at T since they were forced into it shortly after he returned from injury. That said, I still think that Andrews and Stork are among their best five lineman and that Flemming and Cannon are not that good...and that as a result, Stork at RT and Andrews at C makes the most sense. Again, I don't see it happening.
DVOA is a bunch of made up bullshit.
