This. This. This.
The offensive line is the end-all-be-all IMO, and is the quickest fix to getting this team winning again. This team is 2-1, potentially 3-0 if the OL played the way we expected them to (despite their other issues beyond the OL).
The OL has not only been a disappointment relative to expectations, they've been objectively bad.
I thought Thuney was replaceable and that Big Mike would thrive at LG; so far that hasn't been the case. I wonder if they think about moving Onwenu back to RT, Brown kicks to LT when healthy, and Wynn tries his hand at LG. Every bone in my body tells me that Wynn belongs at T and Onwenu at G, but the results aren't there right now.
Also, they're down Popovich from last season. There's no way to know (without being inside that building) if his absence is part of the reason for the OL's struggles, but it's a possibility. I halfway wonder if Scar potentially rejoins the team in some capacity (for just this season) in order to make up for the loss of Popovich. Just speculating, no idea if that's even in play.
Reasons for concern about the OL:
- They've played poorly this regular season
- They're down a coach from last season
- Thuney isn't there anymore
Reason to be optimistic about the OL:
- This is the biggest and most reassuring point: The same players, in the same positions, played significantly better during the preseason. Significantly. They looked how they were supposed to; pass-protection was airtight, stunts/blitzes were properly picked-up and the blocks were executed; they were moving guys upfront in the run game, effectively running traps/pitches and looked comfortable moving in space. Night-and-day.
- Brown has effectively missed the entire regular season and will soon be healthy
- The Patriots, especially, almost always get better as the season progresses
