Eliot Wolf puts a happy face on Patriots’ offensive line concerns
Eliot Wolf met with reporters to discuss a number of topics, chief among them the New England Patriots’ offensive line situation. Here’s what the Pats’ executive vice president of player personnel had to say.
FOXBORO — Eliot Wolf doesn’t sound nearly as concerned as others about the New England Patriots offensive line.
The Pats’ executive vice president of player personnel addressed the offensive line and other pertinent topics surrounding the team during a press appearance before Sunday’s practice in Foxboro. Pressed about the concerns along the O-line, which used a number of different combinations during Saturday’s practice, especially at the tackle spots, Wolf expressed confidence in the team figuring out the unit that works best for them in time for the start of the regular season.
“We’re just trying to find the right combination,” Wolf said. “We feel confident in all these players. We’re just working to find the best group, rather than the best five individuals.”
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Wolf also sounded like he’s in no hurry to add to the offensive line via free agency between now and the start of the season. Whatever the line is to begin, it will likely be made up of five players that are already here.
“We’re pretty comfortable with our group right now,” Wolf said. “Obviously we’re going to look to upgrade on the offensive line, or any group, if we feel like we can. But, you know, I think we gave up one sack the other night. Again, it was Philly’s [backups], but it was an improvement to the practice on Tuesday. So, again, we’re just looking to see how these guys respond to the adverse situations.”
The biggest concern on the Patriots’ offensive line is at left tackle, where Vederian Lowe has played the majority of the starting snaps in training camp and the preseason. The results have been unsatisfactory, as Lowe allowed pass-rushers to make a concerning amount of contact with quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye in last Thursday’s preseason loss to the Eagles. That “one sack” Wolf mentioned in passing was a hard hit that must have had many in New England holding their breath for a moment.
Ask Wolf, and he’ll tell you Lowe isn’t far off from being a capable starting left tackle at the NFL level.
“Vederian’s done a really nice job. He’s steadily improved,” Wolf said. “We said last year, if he could just learn to – he has really good length to get his hands out – then he would have a chance to ascend to that starter level. He’s really started to do that this year. It’s been impressive to watch him progress and we’re excited to continue to work with him.”
Based on Wolf’s comments on the O-line, it sure seems like the Patriots are hoping to have the group settled at the start of the season, without having to add or take any drastic measures. It could simply come down to solidifying the left tackle spot the best they can. If the starting quarterback has a dependable blind side protector, the rest of the line would be less of a concern. The Patriots do have a talented group on the interior.
Wolf better be right about his confidence level in the line, especially with Lowe and with the left tackle spot. Because based on what we’ve seen throughout the summer, and especially the fact that the line was thrown into a blender this late in camp, it’s hard to feel as confident in the line as Wolf is.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
