The New England Patriots' Offensive Line: Unsung Heroes of 2009

I've got a little quiz for you: if you talk about the best rushing teams in the league, what teams come to mind?

Baltimore surely does, with their gaudy 156.7 yard per game average this season after leading the league in attempts last season.

The Giants may have an offensive line that is full of relative unknowns to the casual fan, but they led the league last year in running the ball. And Brandon Jacobs is surely a household name by now.

Miami's "Wildcat" deserves credit, the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson, of course, and you can't forget Michael Turner and the Atlanta Falcons.

If you look back to last season though, it might surprise you to find one name tailing just behind the top five in rushing: the New England Patriots.

After the drubbing they took following their loss in the 2007 Super Bowl, the New England offensive line has had a hard time reclaiming their reputation as an elite unit.

Yet last season the Patriots blocked for a patchwork group of running backs, probably none as naturally talented as the headliners of the other aforementioned teams, leading the team to a superb 4.4 yards per carry average.

I'm not cherry-picking stats here, either. Last season the Patriots were sixth in yards per carry, sixth in total yards, fourth in attempts, sixth in yards per game, first in rushing for first downs, and only fumbled four times all year.

The only number they really lagged behind in was plays longer than 20 and 40 yards, a sign they simply lacked the game-breaking backs other teams benefit from—something clearly not hindering their overall game.

It's just madness that I keep hearing about the running game in New England being a "liability" or, worse even, that they lack an elite offensive line.

This year, rushing attempts are down quite a bit as the Patriots heavily favored the pass these first three weeks as they try to get Tom Brady involved in the offense.

Thus far in 2009 they have attempted 142 passes, the most in the league, versus just 82 rushing attempts. 

While they had a much more balanced attack against the Falcons, and were more successful because of it, it's a different game plan than last year, when attempts were firmly split down the middle between run and pass.

Going into this year though, with Brady back, obviously the onus would be on the offensive line to not only be better overall at pass blocking than last year (48 sacks allowed in 2008), but to also do as much as possible to prevent a repeat of last year's injury to Brady.

So how has the offensive line responded?

They haven't allowed a sack in two games, and have only given up one sack total so far.

Only one other team has equaled the Patriots' effort on the front line: The New York Giants, who have passed the ball 48 fewer times.

It's rare that a single unit can be so good at two completely different jobs. (Something the Giants also deserve credit for)

Pass blocking requires superior footwork and excellent technique. It requires teamwork, unbelievable natural strength, and a knowledge of the offense's responsibilities that's second only to the quarterback's.

Pass blocking is often a job that requires channeling the aggressive movements of the defensive linemen, shifting blocking responsibilities and making snap, tactical decisions about who, when, and how to block.

If you try to finesse a lineman who is bull-rushing you, you'll get run over. Try to aggressively shove a defensive linemen who is giving you a speed move and he'll blow past you.

Run blocking, however, is an entirely different animal.

Run blocking is about unparalleled aggression, asking a lineman to burst off the line, tearing through 300 pound defensive linemen to open running lanes for his back. It's heavy on heavy.

Now, there are technical aspects to run blocking, of course. Pulling/trapping guard, draw plays, counters, etc.—they all require timing perfected only through endless repetition, but they differ greatly from the tasks asked of a linemen who is pass blocking.

And it's no simple thing to be successful at both, either.

Look at the phenomenal run blocking units in the league like Minnesota and Carolina. They're not terrible pass blocking teams, but they hardly stand out from the pack, giving up nine sacks each this season. 

Now, I'll allow that Brady gets the ball out quicker than most, and certainly had to against the heavy pressure brought by the New York Jets in Week Two, but he's also done it without Wes Welker, his usual safety valve.

Julian Edelman is a serviceable replacement, but some have even gone so far as to call Welker Brady's "safety blanket."

Maybe, after a stellar start to the season, another group deserves the title.