New England Patriots: 4 reasons rebuilding offensive line is essential
Four reasons why New England Patriots offensive line building and rebuilding is the most important part of their team building after quarterback.
A common reaction to several of my posts might be – why the heck is this guy spending so much time talking about the New England Patriots offensive line? It’s a legitimate question. Here’s why I think it’s so important and worthy of in-depth reporting.
There are four major reasons why offensive line construction is so important to the success of the New England Patriots – and every other football team. It’s not just important – but after the quarterback – it’s THE most important aspect of football foundation building. This ain’t rocket science – it just is.
First Reason: Passing offense
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First, is the most obvious.
The New England Patriots quarterback, in this case (at least for about 10 days at least, hopefully for more years – 3 would be great) is the greatest quarterback of all time. Quarterbacks pass the ball. Great quarterbacks pass it really well. To do that at that level of excellence, you have to pass block – really well.
Tom Brady has a lightning release of the ball on a passing play. Lightning. But other factors enter into whether or not he’ll be as successful as he should be in any given season, e.g. is anyone open? This season we saw key injuries on the offensive line and not many receiver types open – at all. Those are big problems.
But the basic fact is, the quarterback needs time, the Patriots passing offense needs time and the offensive line has to deliver that time. And, if he needs more time because of a paucity of receiving talent – the offensive line (and other blockers too, of course, like tight ends, fullbacks, etc. help) – must deliver that time. The lion’s share of the pass blocking rests on the shoulders of the offensive linemen.