It all hinges on the offensive and defensive line.

[phinsswagger1223]

The Basics of Winning Football:
1. Solid run blocking and pass blocking offensive line.
2. Solid penetrating defensive line that shuts down the run and gets to or heavily pressures the quarterback on pass plays.
3. Win the turnover battle.
4. Prevent unnecessary mental mistakes and prevent penalties. Stay focused to assignments.
5. Solid special teams play.
6. Pray for no major injuries.
7. The heart factor. Possess swagger and exhibit unrelenting determination.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

To your point, I can't remember the Patriots not having a strong offensive or defensive line during the last 20 years.

Of course, they also had Tom Brady.

 

[superphin]

Besides no major injuries, all of that is achievable through proper coaching which explains our current predicament.

 

[claytonduper]

To your point, I can't remember the Patriots not having a strong offensive or defensive line during the last 20 years.

Of course, they also had Tom Brady.

Have you seen the amount of time Brady gets? It is clearly a difference maker. I do give a lot of credit to Brady. He has stayed healthy and has adapted to the game whenever it required. However, he has always had lots of time and a productive running game. The few times he gets consistent pressure is when he looks like everyone else. Our historically bad line this year and over the past 20 years is something even Brady is not able to overcome.

 

[fansinceGWilson]

To your point, I can't remember the Patriots not having a strong offensive or defensive line during the last 20 years.

Of course, they also had Tom Brady.

I remember a couple of times NE had significant injuries along the OL. Coincidentally, NE's record suffered. OK, likkely not a coincidence. I'll not say a top QB can't cover SOME deficiencies, but even Brady, Rodgers, PManning can't cover them all.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Have you seen the amount of time Brady gets? It is clearly a difference maker. I do give a lot of credit to Brady. He has stayed healthy and has adapted to the game whenever it required. However, he has always had lots of time and a productive running game. The few times he gets consistent pressure is when he looks like everyone else. Our historically bad line this year and over the past 20 years is something even Brady is not able to overcome.

Exactly. I don't think too many quarterbacks would have been consistently successful behind Miami's current line.

Fans might not remember, but Dan Marino played behind a pretty good pass blocking line. Now, run blocking was a different story.

 

[Ryan1973]

To your point, I can't remember the Patriots not having a strong offensive or defensive line during the last 20 years.

Of course, they also had Tom Brady.

I can remember three times when their offensive line was dominated and that was the two Super Bowl losses to the Giants and the AFC Championship Game at Denver. But other than that they have been pretty darn good.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

I can remember three times when their offensive line was dominated and that was the two Super Bowl losses to the Giants and the AFC Championship Game at Denver. But other than that they have been pretty darn good.

Nice. You lose those battles up front and it's hard to win.