Normally, I don't jump directly into sports talk radio banter, but since there really isn't a whole lot going on ... why not?
The trio at the controls of Felger & Mazz on Monday — Tony, Big Jim and Matt McCarthy — took issue, not with my power ranking of the Patriots, but with this sentence:
They could have the league’s best offensive line and secondary. That’s a great place to start.
could
bUt sCaR iS gOnE
THE CASE FOR THE PATRIOTS
1. What needs to happen.
Look, I'll admit that some of this is a projection. But it always is, for every team (especially after a pandemic with a position group that can get out of shape in a hurry). But a realistic assessment of this group is as follows:
LT Isaiah Wynn (C+ BSJ grade last season)
LG Joe Thuney (A+ BSJ grade last season)
C David Andrews (injured last season, B+ in 2018)
RG Shaq Mason (B- last season)
Marcus Cannon
RT Marcus Cannon (B- last season)
2. You really have no idea how poor offensive line play is around the league.
Tyron Smith
Travis
Frederick
Jason
Peters
3. Other teams have lost big, important pieces.
The Patriots are returning everyone on the offensive line, and could pick up more should Wynn, Andrews, Mason and Cannon stay healthy and regain form.
Look at who the other top lines have lost just this offseason:
Eagles
LT
Jason Peters (unsigned FA)
Andre
Dillard
Ravens: RG Marshal Yanda (retirement)
Colts
Cowboys: C Travis Frederick (retirement)
Joe Looney
Saints: OG Larry Warford (released)
Cesar Ruiz
Packers: RT Bryan Bulaga (FA)
Ricky Wagner,
Buccaneers: RT Demar Dotson (unsigned FA)
Tristan Wirfs
Titans: RT Jack Conklin (FA)
Dennis Kelly
Raiders
Gabe
Jackson
Steelers: LG Ramon Foster (retirement)
Stefen
Wisniewski
subtracted
back
4. You're picking apart the Patriots because you know them, you can't do the same to others.
DISPELLING THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE PATRIOTS
1. Love him, but Dante Scarnecchia does not walk on water.
2. Yes, Tom Brady made a difference — in his offense. This will not be his offense.
that
him
WHERE DO THEY RANK, REALLY?
Boom