Unraveling the Offensive Line Woes of the Patriots

Changes to the Offensive Line

The Patriots' offensive line woes continued this Tuesday as more changes came to the struggling positional group. They claimed guard Lester Cotton off waivers from the Miami Dolphins and released guard Michael Jordan. Jordan started the season on the practice squad but quickly became a key player, starting 11 of 12 games. However, in the last few games, rookie Layden Robinson started to get more playing time. Robinson was selected in the fourth round but fell out of favor in the last two games. He was spotted taking reps at left guard in practice.

New England also has Cole Strange as an option to fill Jordan's void. Strange returned to practice last week but is still on the physically unable to perform list due to a knee injury. The Patriots have another option in Lester Cotton. The 28-year-old played 11 games for the Dolphins this season and has experience at both left and right guard. He entered the NFL in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama and has played in 42 regular-season games with nine starts.

Impact on the Team

With Michael Jordan no longer on the team, the Patriots will have a different starting five protecting Drake Maye when they face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. This change could have a significant impact on the team's performance. The offensive line is crucial in protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes. The absence of a consistent starting five has made it difficult for the team to establish a rhythm on offense.

However, the Patriots have some talented players on the offensive line who could step up and fill the void. Layden Robinson has shown potential in practice and could be ready to take on a bigger role. Cole Strange's return to practice is also a positive sign. If he can recover from his injury and regain his form, he could provide much-needed stability to the offensive line.

Looking Ahead

The Patriots will need to find a way to address the issues with their offensive line. Continuity is essential, and the team will need to make some tough decisions in the coming weeks. They may need to look for more experienced players or develop the young talent on the roster. Regardless of the approach, the offensive line will be a key focus for the team as they look to improve their performance on offense.