After a terrific 2018 season and being a major part of the Super Bowl winning season, the Patriots offensive line took a step back in 2019.
Part of it was losing starting center David Andrews for the year due to blood clots in his lungs, but even with that, several other players did not have their best seasons for a variety of reasons.
Speaking via video conference Wednesday, right guard Shaq Mason acknowledged the group needs to be better than it was.
"You know as an offensive line we always take pride in getting the running game going," he said. "Last year I can't say we weren't a bit disappointed in it. But we're looking forward to putting our best foot forward you know its a whole new year and we haven't even taken our first step yet. We're looking forward to getting all of us going in the right direction this year."
For example, Mason was not 100 percent healthy for the majority of the year and it had an impact on his play.
With Tom Brady now in Tampa Bay, the Patriots could be relying more on the run game this season and in order for it to be successful, the offensive line needs to be better than it was a year ago.
Just look at Sony Michel.
When the unit was rolling in 2018, Michel averaged 4.5 yards per attempt and then last year that dipped to 3.7 yards per attempt.
A major question mark this season will be the right tackle position following Marcus Cannon opting out, which Mason called a huge loss. As of now, it seems second-year player Yodny Cajuste would be his replacement, but he was on injured reserve all of last season.
Things may be even tougher considering the group no longer has Dante Scarnecchia leading the way following him retiring after last season.
Bottom line, this is a big season for the Patriots' offensive line and they know it.
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