Raj: If the Patriots offense can’t put up numbers, it will most likely be due to the fact that the offensive line wasn’t protecting Brady enough. If Brady has to rush to make plays and throws errant passes, that’s on the O-line. As of late, the defense has won games so they certainly won’t be the downfall. And the Pats’ offense has put up pretty good numbers but the second that they don’t, look at the O-line first before pointing fingers at Brady or any of the New England receivers/backs.
Rick: If there is going to be that one weakness that could hinder this team, it would be the offensive line. With Dan Connolly being banged up last week, the Patriots did not have that continuity on the line with players switching positions. The Patriots’ best offensive games came when everyone on that O-Line had a set position. Connolly is one of those veterans that can keep the stability of a position group. While Brady took a lot of sacks last week vs. the Jets, the most concern comes when Brady even feels pressure because that’s when the interceptions come into play. Keep in mind, Brady has thrown an interception in three straight games and in four of his last five.
Kyle: The best thing to say about the offensive line’s performance against is that Brady didn’t end up in a wheelchair. Nate Solder was once again wearing his Matt Light magical turnstile underwear. Josh Kline was Josh Kline-a substandard NFL lineman. Marcus Cannon had another timely false start penalty- he got a nine million dollar extension why? When they were overmatched early in the season, the offense ran quick hitting plays successfully against Cincinnati and Buffalo. That got them on track; however, Green Bay exposed them and they have not been “on track” since then. If Seattle is an opponent in the Super Bowl, it could get ugly very quickly.
Derek: I don’t think the Patriots will have a downfall, as I fully expect them to take care of business and bring the Lombardi back to Foxboro after a ten year drought. However, if the Patriots don’t get the job done, then the O-line will likely be the #1 culprit. Establishing a running game and giving Brady time to work are the two keys to having this team’s offense click. If the Patriots are able to do both of those things, then you’re looking at an offensive output in the 30’s at a minimum. If neither of those things happen, then you get an ugly 17-point effort like we saw this past week in the Meadowlands. The Patriots’ defense is good enough to overcome a shaky day by the offense, but at some point, this team will need to put up points on the board to advance in the post-season. It’s up to the offensive line to make sure Tom Brady can lead this team to the promised land.
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