The New England Patriots are heading into the 2013 season with a number of questions on offense and one of the points that many have overlooked is how the offensive line will look this season and after placing Kevin Haslam on waivers and Tyronne Green on IR, there is a chance things could shuffle up.
According to ESPN Boston, the team placed Haslam on waivers and also released receiver Michael Jenkins, as they felt it was better to go with their younger receivers, including draft pick Aaron Dobson. Jenkins was coming in as a veteran and now the team feels it is ready to move on with younger players after Wes Welker left to sign with the Broncos in the offseason.
While Green and Haslam likely weren't going to make it on the final rosters anyway, that leaves less depth and means that Nate Solder, Logan Mankins, Ryan Wendell, Dan Connolly and Sebastian Vollmer will be the starters. The unit was shuffled around in training camp due to certain injuries and other issues, but things look clearer now heading into the second preseason game against the Buccaneers.
Bill Belichick likes to keep things as consistent as possible and as the preseason moves along, expect the offensive line to be a set unit in the early part of games. The team will have some depth there and could add a player down the line, but as of right now that will be the starting lineup for the Patriots.
Tom Brady needs his protection and the team needs the offensive line to be as good as it was last year when the team had a fantastic running game and they are expected to do that again with Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley. Last season the team ranked seventh in rushing yards per game and fourth in passing yards per game and the team will need both to remain consistent to have a nice year in 2013.
