FOXBORO, Mass. — A troubling development of the New England Patriots stood out to DeForest Buckner.
“They shuffle round lots,” Buckner advised NESN.com on Sunday when requested what he noticed from New England’s offensive line. “I simply felt like there was not a complete lot of continuity inside.”
I simply felt like there was not a complete lot of continuity inside.
Colts defensive sort out DeForest Buckner
The Patriots began their ninth completely different offensive line of the season in opposition to Buckner and the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
Fourth-round rookie Layden Robinson was re-inserted into the beginning lineup and changed Michael Jordan at left guard. It was Robinson’s first begin since he was benched after getting torched in opposition to the Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons in Week 9.
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New England began 11 completely different offensive linemen in 13 video games, per NESN’s Keagan Stiefel. The Patriots even have rostered 16 offensive linemen in that span. Each are league highs.
With that, it’s simple to know why Buckner entered Indy’s eventual 25-24 victory with confidence.
“It’s onerous, particularly with the O-line, you want that continuity, that chemistry collectively to actually thrive as an O-line,” Buckner mentioned. “They only saved shuffling round guys an excessive amount of.
“It’s undoubtedly a bonus communication-wise, the protections and stuff like that. Some guys don’t have a complete lot of expertise. They did a fairly good job with making an attempt to assist shield sure guys, sliding protections in direction of them to present them somewhat further assist and little issues like that.”
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Buckner, a three-time Professional Bowler, had his typical day on the workplace. He completed with seven tackles, one sack and pressured quarterback Drake Maye 3 times, per Professional Soccer Focus. The 2016 first-round decide was chargeable for Indianapolis’ highest pass-rushing grade, per PFF.
PFF ranks Buckner because the seventh-highest-graded inside defensive sort out (sixth-best pass-rush grade).
New England’s offensive line fared higher within the run sport, however 5 holding penalties and 4 sacks indicated there once more have been shortcomings in cross safety. It was an enchancment, however removed from good.
Robinson allowed a team-high 4 pressures whereas Onwenu allowed two. Buckner went in opposition to each on the inside, beating Onwenu for his third-down sack.
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Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo credited Robinson for his potential to maneuver defenders within the run sport. Robinson possible will proceed to see snaps at left guard as an alternative of Jordan. However the impending return of Cole Unusual additionally may imply the Patriots make one other lineup tweak within the close to future.
Opposing defenses, like Buckner’s Colts, certainly will hold their eye out.
