Fixing The Patriots Offensive Line

Through three games, the biggest worry about the Patriots is their offensive line.

Tom Brady, the most important of all Patriots, has been sacked seven times already and has seemingly faced pressure every time he has dropped back to pass.  The result is an offense that has struggled to consistently move the ball and score points.

So, how can this be fixed?

My solution is to reshuffle the line.  I'd like to see Bill Belichick move right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (6-8, 320-pounds) to left guard where he would play next to left tackle Nate Solder (6-8, 320).  Having those two mammoth lineman on the left side would certainly help protect Brady's "blind side" while also helping to open some rather large holes for running backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen.

At center, it's time for Belichick to turn to rookie Bryan Stork.  Stork is another big body (6-4, 315) and after a slow start due to a training camp injury seems to be ready to take on a starting role.  A consensus All-American at Florida State during last year's national championship season, Stork was a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance for the offensive line in Sunday's 16-9 win over the Raiders.

Right guard can go to either Dan Connolly or Marcus Cannon.  Connolly (6-4, 305) is not as big as Cannon (6-5, 335) but is the more experienced player and should get the first crack at starting on this new look line.

Finally, at right tackle, Belichick should go with rookie Cameron Fleming (6-6, 325) from Stanford. Belichick had some good things to say about Fleming last week, a sign that maybe more playing time will be coming soon.

Keeping Brady upright and giving him time to find his receivers will be critical if the Patriots are to live up to the preseason hype of being a Super Bowl contender.  In his press conference yesterday, the two-time NFL MVP kept it simple.  In talking about a line's ability to block Brady said that, "Typically, the longer you have to throw, the better decision you'll be able to make."

Shuffling personnel on the line would be one way to give Brady more time to throw.