Patriots’ offensive line ‘still under construction’

The starting combination for Thursday’s game against the Panthers was Vedarian Lowe (left tackle), Sidy Sow (left guard), David Andrews (center), Michael Onwenu (right guard), and Chukwuma Okorafor (right tackle).

New England has tinkered around with its offensive line throughout training camp, playing a few players at multiple spots as it tries to figure out its best five. The players on the starting unit for Thursday’s game though played in spots that have been consistent with where they’ve played in camp. Even Onwenu, who broke out last season as the team’s right tackle, has moved back to right guard for much of practice.

The starting unit only played two drives on Thursday, with Jacoby Brissett and Maye each playing a possession with them. In the very small sample size, Lowe and Okorafor allowed a pressure, per Pro Football Focus.

Third-round rookie offensive tackle Caedan Wallace, who’s played on both sides in practice, played both sides in Thursday’s game. He allowed a pair of pressures, per PFF. Calvin Anderson, who was the other top reserve tackle, didn’t allow a pressure, but was called for a holding penalty. In the interior, guards Layden Robinson and Michael Jordan along with center Nick Leverett got the majority of the snaps with the second unit.

There could be some new names joining the fray for the depth competition along the offensive line.

“We’re always trying to get better,” Mayo said. “We’re bringing in some linemen today for a workout, so we’re always trying to get better and improve the front.”

Mayo didn’t reveal who the team worked out, but the league’s wire later showed that rookie center Mike Novitsky was among the group of players who worked out with the team on Friday.

As the Patriots prepare for a joint practice with the Eagles on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s preseason game, Mayo has indicated that the upcoming week is an important one for Maye. It seems like that’s the case for the offensive line as well.

“Hopefully when we get out of this Eagles week, we’ll have a better idea of what that five looks like,” Mayo said.

The Patriots’ offensive line might have been the weakest positional unit on the team last season. They ranked last in pass-block win rate as they struggled with injuries and inconsistent play at both offensive tackle positions.

Mayo’s hoping that the unit will perform better in 2024 whenever the construction ends.

“It all starts there with the offensive line and defensive line when it comes to winning football games, so definitely an important part.”