New England Patriots: 2 big reasons why Joe Thuney is no great loss

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New England Patriots Joe Thuney Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Losing Joe Thuney was certainly a major loss for the New England Patriots. He was their best offensive lineman, a top player, no doubt. But with the situation they’re in with their offensive line, it wasn’t a great loss. Here’s why.

First, Thuney’s contract in 2020 on a franchise tag was about $14 million. That’s offensive left tackle money. He’d have received upwards of $16 million in 2021 had the Patriots decided to franchise him again. They didn’t. And they shouldn’t have.

That sum, $16 million which is what the Kansas City Chiefs paid him in free agency is an enormous sum for a guard, anytime, anyplace, especially in New England.

Why is that?

First, New England is already paying right guard Shaq Mason more than $9.5 million to play guard. While this author is “one to talk about” inflated offensive line salaries, having on more than one occasion stated that this unit is the most important unit on the entire squad, it’s still true.

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Guards are probably the most replaceable elements on any offensive line. They are important, but their importance pales in comparison to first, the offensive left tackle. Then the offensive center. Then, the offensive right tackle. Then fall the guards.

Why the New England Patriots won’t miss Thuney much

Now, you don’t want to have lousy guards. Let’s make that perfectly clear. But let’s face it, they have help, lot’s of it.

First. inside, they often have the center helping out in blocking schemes. Then, on the outside, they have first, the best tackle on the left side and then the right tackle, who also has help much of the time on the strong side with a good blocking tight end. Hello Jonnu Smith!

Yet, if you do have outstanding guards as the Patriots have had in the past four years with Thuney and Mason, if you have talent on their flanks, you are in very good shape, indeed. If, you have a top quarterback at the helm and good-skill players on the flanks.

New England had a good quarterback last season to go along with these really good guards, but little else. Ergo, a 7-9 record. This author has flapped on about how this responsibility shouldn’t be laid at Cam Newton’s door, and someone feels the same in Foxborough, evidently.

The majordomo of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick has opened Bob Kraft’s wallet and already brought in four new skill players who hopefully can catch the ball thrown by their still very competent quarterback, Cam Newton.

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