New England Patriots: 4 reasons rebuilding offensive line is essential

Second Reason: Running offense

The second reason the New England Patriots offensive is so important is the running game. They have the primary responsibility to open the holes that make running backs successful – especially in the Patriots case.

The Patriots don’t really have running backs who can create their own yards. That attribute is just not there. So the offensive line is central to the running game, as well. Of course, other participants like their great fullback James Develin, whose loss is immediately felt whenever he’s out of the lineup, tight ends, and receivers all contribute. But the offensive line is key to the running game.

So, the offensive line of the Patriots is key to allowing the quarterback to execute the passing game and key to making the running game work.

OK, simple enough. There’s no real Patriots  success on offense without a well-functioning offensive line. Again, not rocket science.  But something’s beginning to add up here.