At 1-2 and coming off back-to-back four-win seasons, the Patriots‘ roster might appear to be an odd place for NFL teams to come seeking talent. But for the second time this week, New England is losing a practice-squad player who had a chance to be a depth piece. This time it is tackle Thayer Munford, who was brought to the team after three years and 18 starts with the Raiders.
Munford was originally a seventh-round draft pick of Las Vegas when coach Josh McDaniels were running the Raiders. McDaniels is now the offensive coordinator for the Patriots. Munford may well have been the first call-up if the Patriots had an offensive line injury, but the group has been healthy, and the Cleveland Browns stepped in and scooped him up.
The Patriots will play the Browns in Week 8.
On Monday, the Jets poached Patriots practice-squadder Mark Robinson, a linebacker, meaning the Pats have two spots to fill. New England also dumped former Packers cornerback Corey Ballentine from their squad and signed defensive back Tyron Herring, another former Packer who was cut this summer.
Patriots Offensive Line Showing Major Improvement
While losing the depth a veteran like Munford provides stings, it should be noted that the Patriots offensive line this year has been … well, adequate. And considering how awful the line has been n the past two seasons–in both up-front talent and depth–getting this unit to plain old “adequate” in one offseason is a massive achievement.
They’ve done a very good job of protecting Drake Maye, whose propensity for fumbles and interceptions are so far a function more of his inexperience than of poor blocking. The Patriots rate a 69.3 pass-blocking grade as a team from Pro Football Focus, which is ninth in the NFL. Their run blocking is suspect, though, at 48.0. That’s 30th.
But this group was brought in to protect Maye. And they’re doing that. Overall, PFF ranks the Patriots‘ offensive line 17th in the league, up from dead last in the NFL last year.
Patriots Have Veterans on the Right, Rookies on the Left
Veterans Morgan Moses and Mike Onwenu have been solid on the right side, and the big question mark entering the season–the play of left tackle Will Campbell, the No. 4 pick in the draft–has been answered satisfactorily thus far. Campbell has been whistled for three penalties, and that’s too many, but he has allowed just one sack.
The play of Campbell and fellow rookie Jared Wilson, the third-rounder who has been playing left guard, are critical to the Patriots and McDaniels says they’re coming along. Wilson has had more struggles, but the competency is there. He has allowed nine pressure, but has not been called for a penalty or given up a sack.
GettyThe New England Patriots can’t ignore a growing problem about rookie left tackle Will Campbell.
Will Campbell, Jared Wilson ‘Focused on the Process’
McDaniels has been weighing the process of developing both Campbell and Wilson against the need for immediate results throughout this early part of the season.
“I think they learn every day…” McDaniels said. “I think we’re focused on the process more than the results, and those guys are really working hard to improve and get better every day and every week. So, we either do something well and we’re happy about it, or we don’t do it exactly the way we wanted, and then those guys gain experience and learn from it.
“So, as long as you have the right mindset, I think you have a great opportunity to get better. And I’d say all of the young players, when they make a mistake, they have a great approach, and they should be commended for the way they’re working, because they really care about doing things the right way and helping their teammates win. So, put those two guys at the top of the list.”
Patriots Have 18-Game Starter Poached by AFC Rival