Bryan Stork Delivering a Spark to New England Patriots Offense

While his namesake delivers slightly more precious cargo, rookie center Bryan Stork is poised to give the New England Patriots a similar new beginning.

Following three quarters of uneven—to be kind—offensive line play against the Oakland Raiders, Stork was inserted into the lineup for the second time this season. He previously played 12 snaps against the Minnesota Vikings, with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels salting away the game on the ground. His 15 snaps—not including kneeldowns—against the Raiders consisted of his first pressure-filled plays of his career.

Stew Milne/Associated Press

Stork replaced second-year player Jordan Devey, who has struggled mightily this season. After three games, Devey is ranked 68 out of 70 guards graded by Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Devey gave up a sack and earned a holding penalty in the third quarter, perhaps prompting the move.

During his postgame press conference, Bill Belichick was succinct in summing up his feelings on the move. "We just felt like we kind of needed to do it at that point."

Left tackle Nate Solder—who had his own struggles against the Raiders—was a bit more effusive in his praise of young Stork, telling Lee Schechter of ESPN.com:

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He’s awesome. He moved right in there, no problem making the calls and getting the ball snapped,” Solder said. “From my perspective, everything went smoothly.” 

Stork missed a significant portion of training camp, which is difficult on a rookie, but he has made up the time. Before his injury during camp, Stork projected as a potential starting center.

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In his 15 snaps, Stork was asked to do it all. He made the line calls and executed a wide variety of blocks. One of his better plays was overshadowed by quarterback Tom Brady throwing his own block. Stork combined with right guard Dan Connolly—who started the day at center—to control a defensive lineman, got his hands on a second lineman, then fired out to the second level to get a piece of a linebacker.

Stork's ability to chip and work to the linebackers will help spring some big inside and outside runs by Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen. He doesn't have elite strength, but his smart angles and ability to keep his leverage will help him win a lot of battles.

When a rookie is in charge of the most important position on the offensive line, one can't expect for smooth sailing at all times. On one occasion it looked like Connolly and Stork weren't on the same page with their assignments. That resulted in Stork making a flailing block while Brady ducked out of the pocket to hit a receiver down the field.

Whenever a stork makes a delivery—whether it is a new bundle of joy or a rookie center—a few bumps in the road are expected. Coaches and parents will lose a little sleep, siblings and teammates may have to deal with a little less attention. When they start taking their first steps forward, however, it makes all of the hardships worth it.