Josh Kline, Patriots Offensive Line Come Up Big for Patriots in Super Bowl Run

Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and LeGarrette Blount may be getting the majority of the accolades, but the New England Patriots offensive line has been doing yeoman's work behind the scenes. 

Despite starting rookie center Bryan Stork going down with an injury during the Patriots' divisional-round game against the Baltimore Ravens, the line hasn't missed a beat. Over their two playoff games, Tom Brady's blockers have only allowed him to be sacked three times on 85 passing attempts.

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The Ravens knew that the Patriots were going to pass, and they couldn't get to Brady. The Indianapolis Colts knew the Patriots were going to run—they totaled 173 yards and three touchdowns—and they couldn't stop them either.

One player in particular has impressed with his clutch play in the playoffs. Josh Kline—a former undrafted free agent—has stepped in admirably at the right guard position, with Ryan Wendell switching to center. Kline played all five line positions in college, which has allowed him to be a versatile spot starter in New England.

Kline saw some time earlier this year as the Patriots worked through injuries to Stork, Cameron Fleming and Dan Connolly. His performances were uneven at best early in the year, struggling to win in the running or passing game. He saved his best play for the right time.

Kline survived against the Ravens' stout defensive line, but he thrived with a week of preparation and softer competition in the AFC Championship Game. He was consistent at the point of attack and worked to the second level at times to allow Blount to break off chunks of yardage.

If Stork is unable to return to duty in time for the Super Bowl, Kline won't have such an easy time against the stout Seattle Seahawks defense.

Brandon Mebane may be on injured reserve, but Tony McDaniel, Michael Bennett and Kevin Williams are no slouches. They may not be the biggest players—Williams is the heaviest at 311 pounds—but their aggressive nature makes them difficult to contain.

Strong communication on end/tackle stunts and linebacker blitzes will be key in keeping Brady clean once again. Even if the Seahawks rushers are accounted for, Kline and his brethren need to win the one-on-one matchups. Keeping extra blockers isn't helpful when you are facing a secondary as strong as Seattle's. Every extra guy you have chipping linemen is one less threat that Earl Thomas and company have to account for.

Between Kline's performance, Sebastian Vollmer throwing another shutout at right tackle, Cameron Fleming reporting as eligible almost every other play and Nate Solder scoring a touchdown, the offensive line had an interesting day at the office against the Colts. I'm sure they will not mind if they go unmentioned—no penalties, no sacks—in the Super Bowl.

Stats and figures courtesy of NFL.com.