Patriots Offensive Line Finally Healthy

Sebastian Vollmer and Logan Mankins returned from injury and were able to practice with the Patriots. Vollmer missed the final five games of the season with an injured right foot while Mankins suffered a left knee injury in the Christmas Eve win over the Dolphins. This is HUGE news for the Patriots.

We all know the Patriots will only go as far as their offense takes them. The main this is being able to protect Brady, and with these two guys back (especially Mankins) that will make that job a lot easier. They are going to need them going against a hell of a pass rush that Denver has.

Beyond Brady though, I hope this means the Patroits can run the ball more. I know that sounds crazy with the offense they have, but I really liked the way Ridley has been running the ball, and since 2 out of the 3 best playmakers on offense are their TEs I would love to see them in a lot of two TE sets, maybe even using an extra offensive lineman. If they were able to pound the ball when they have a lead, or even just to take some pressure off Brady let him work off play-action.

Pats Send 8 to Pro Bowl

The Pats and 49ers are tied for the most Pro Bowlers, both teams with 8 named to the roster. The Patriots have 7 starters. QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker, TE Rob Gronkowski, OG Logan Mankins, OG Brian Waters, DE Andre Carter, and DT Vince Wilfork. Matthew Slater was named as a special teams player.

The Brady, Welker, and Gronkowski picks are obvious. Brady is clearly the best quarterback in the AFC, Welker has 116 catches, and Gronkowski has 15 TDs. Mankins has become a perennial Pro Bowler. Brian Waters was a late acquisition, and has been indispensable for the Patriots. Wilfork has a reputation and Andre Carter was having a great year before he got hurt. Slater has been excellent on special teams and is perhaps the best open-field tackler on the team.

What does having 8 Pro Bowlers mean? Not much. It's a nice honor for guys like Slater. But I don't think guys like Brady or Wilfork care very much. Their eyes are on the postseason, and on team goals.

-The Commodore