Toucher & Rich: Evan Lazar says Patriots offensive line ‘good enough to get away with it’
Evan Lazar, a contributor from Patriots.com, joined Toucher and Rich this morning to share his insights on the current status of the New England Patriots.
Wallach asked about the preparedness of crucial players in the Patriots’ roster for the upcoming games, specifically Mike Onwenu and Cole Strange, who have been noticeably absent from practice, sparking concerns about their availability. Lazar weighed in, mentioning that Strange appears more likely to be ready for the season opener compared to Onwenu.
He pointed out that Onwenu underwent ankle surgery during the offseason and speculated that he might begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Lazar also made a note that Jonathan Jones is dealing with a minor ailment but is expected to return shortly.
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive lineman Sidy Sow (61) lines up against the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Rich raised doubts about the overall quality of the offensive line, even if they are in good health. He brought up instances of Strange being benched in the previous year and highlighted Trent Brown’s inconsistent performances. In response, Lazar acknowledged the potential shortcomings of the offensive line but suggested that they might still function adequately.
He stressed the significance of stabilizing the interior of the line, allowing Mac Jones to have a secure pocket to operate from. This would enable Jones to execute plays effectively despite potential pressure from opposing tacklers. Lazar also expressed a positive outlook on Trent Brown’s abilities, while acknowledging occasional inconsistencies.
In conclusion, the conversation underscored concerns about the offensive line’s readiness and performance, especially with key players like Onwenu and Strange potentially facing availability challenges. While acknowledging the potential weaknesses in the line, there was a shared sentiment that reinforcing the interior could alleviate some of these concerns and enable the team to effectively address any shortcomings that arise.
TRANSCRIPT:
Jon Wallach: There are a lot of key players that are still missing, Evan, from practice. There are some like Mike Onwenu haven’t been seen yet. We’re getting close to go time here. Which of these guys is going to be ready when the games start to matter?
Evan Lazar: Yeah, it’s a good question. I think the offensive line is the big one. Cole Strange and Mike Onwenu both still not practicing. My understanding is that Cole Strange is a better bet for week one than Onwenu. Onwenu had offseason surgery on his ankle and it turns out that it sounds like it was a little bit more serious than what initially was let on when it was reported a couple of months ago.
So I think that he’s somebody that could be still a little bit of a ways away. I think that you’re still looking at him maybe starting the season on PUP, which is not necessarily what you want to hear, but I do think you’re going to get Cole Strange back. I do think you’re going to get Jonathan Jones back. Both of those guys are nursing minor ailments that are more about management at this point of the season than anything serious going on.
Rich Shertenlieb: Even if they’re healthy, are they good enough? I mean, I know last year with Cole Strange, I know it was like his first year in there and everything, but I mean, he got benched a few times, if I’m not mistaken. I’m remembering correctly. Didn’t he get benched a couple of times? And then you got Trent Brown. Sometimes don’t know what you’re going to get. Even if this is even if everybody has a perfect bill of health on this offensive line, are they good enough?
Evan Lazar: I think that they’re good enough to get away with it. I don’t know if they’re going to be a big-time offensive line or one of the better lines in the league. But I think the whole thing for me has been getting that interior stabilized, because if they can have Cole Strange have that year or two leap and be a better player in year two than he was in year one, I think that remains to be seen. Just because he hasn’t practiced in a year or two very much I don’t know how he would have improved significantly without training camp, but we’ll see.
David Andrews and then obviously Onwenu, I feel is your best offensive lineman. Now if they can give Mac Jones head pockets to step up into and allow him to maneuver the interior of that pocket and trust that that that three across the interior is going to be sturdy, then that opens up a lot of different things for the quarterback that he could do. You can have shorter drops, you can step up, and you can rely on those guys to keep your shelf clean, as they say. That would allow him to maybe get away with some of the tackle pressure that he’s going to get, especially off the right side.
I feel like Trent Brown will be okay. We know that Trent’s inconsistent and he’s an up-and-down player at times, but I think he’ll be all right. It’s the right tackle spot. But if you’re only masking one weakness, it becomes a lot easier. Now, if you’re talking about multiple holes, then that’s a concern.
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14 Delicious Summer Favorites To Feast On At Sullivan's Castle Island
Clam Chowder
Gabby Dumais says “The clam chowder is a must.” According to the Sullivan’s menu:
A New England cream based classic served by the cup or bowl with our oyster crackersCup $5.95
Bowl $8.95
Lobster Roll
Brandy Michelle says “Their lobster roll is so good.” It’s a mayo lobster roll, not a warm one. A New England favorite! According to their menu:
Sweet Lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo on a toasted Hot Dog roll
Cheeseburger
Diann Ritchie says “Cheeseburger it’s nice and juicy!” The amazing thing about Sullivan’s food is, the price! Check out the cost of the burgers:
Our fresh Angus Beef patty grilled topped with American cheese served on a toasted burger bun
Hot Dog
An overwhelming favorite. Hot dogs were mentioned more than any other menu option. Alyssa Dineen says: “I do not normally eat hot dogs ever but a trip to castle island you have to get a hot dog or two or three and some fries! It’s the best part!”
Crinkle Cut Fries
People love the crinkle cut. They feel it makes these fries very unique. It was suggested to put vinegar on them as well. Rosamaria Alicea says “You have to have the fries w/salt and vinegar or without either way those fries are delicious. “
Onion Rings
Onion rings are one of the most popular sides at Sullivan’s. They are hand cut and super crispy.
Our signature hand battered fresh onion rings cooked to a perfect crisp
Clam Strips
Many of you suggested the clam strips. Debbie Sweihorn says “Fried clams…they use to be big bellies and so delicious.”
New England fried clam strips battered and fried to a golden crispRegular $14.50
Large $24.00
Fried Fish Sandwich
This was mentioned several times. Rosamaria Alicea loves it with ice cream. It’s hand battered and fried haddock.
Hand battered fried Haddock on a toasted burger bun
Shakes
Any of their shakes are a must try. They are super thick and delicious.Hand crafted with your favorite flavor Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Many say you can’t visit Sullivan’s without trying their soft serve. They use wafer cones and have vanilla, chocolate or strawberry twist
Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Twist on a wafer cone with a cup
Cheese Fries
Their signature crinkle cut fries everyone loves topped with ortega cheese sauce. Many suggested these as a must try as well.
Our signature crinkle cut fries topped with our Ortega cheese sauce
Raspberry Lime Rickey
A lime rickey is a New England favorite and was mentioned a few times in our poll.
Classic New England beverage, prepared to order, garnished with freshly squeezed limes
Hot Fudge Sundae
The hot fudge sundae is a staple at Sullivan’s and was mentioned quite a few times in our poll. Katie Garney loves it with a burger and fries.
Vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry
Double Cheeseburger
Two patties of what makes their single burgers so amazing. A Sullivan’s staple. Try it with their soft serve and some crinkle fries.
Two of our fresh Angus Beef patties topped with American cheese and served on a toasted burger bun
