Bengals release former starting tackle, could the Patriots pursue to shore up offensive line?
The Patriots offensive lineup looked strong on Sunday protecting Mac Jones in the teams 25-20 loss to the Eagles.
All training camp, the offensive line was an area of concern heading into the upcoming season.
Despite the offensive line looking competent on Sunday, should the Patriots kick the tires on recently released Bengals tackle La’El Collins?
The former Pro Bowler is attempting to comeback after suffering a torn ACL on Christmas Eve against the Patriots last season. He was on the physically unable to perform list throughout training camp and for the first week of the season.
New England has both Trent Brown and Calvin Anderson at tackle and Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow were solid at guard. Collins could provide much needed depth behind Brown and Anderson.
The Patriots are also without Cole Strange and Michael Onwenu out due to injury, adding the veteran Collins could add to the overall depth on the line.
The 30-year-old provides NFL experience, starting 86 games. Collins could provide protection and eventually start at right tackle, keeping the two rookies at guard.
Patriots offensive line coach Adrian Klemm was pleased with the play of his two young rookies on Sunday.
“The one thing I left with feeling good about is they had a competitive spirit,” Adrian Klemm told reporters on Tuesday. “They were never broken. Sometimes you worry about that a guy coming into his first game as a rookie — and I’ve been there before — if things don’t go well at a certain moment that maybe it will snowball. Those guys just kept trucking away. They struggled a little bit at times, but for the most part they were up for it.”
The Patriots offensive line only gave up two sacks to the Eagles defense on Sunday. Anderson had a key penalty called on him on the team’s two-point conversion where Jones scored.
The running game was held in check generating 65 yards on 20 carries, a 3.3 yards per carry average.
Collins at the very least serves as great insurance on the offensive line, but considering he’s spent his entire career as a starter, it’s unknown if he’s willing to come to the Patriots and serve as depth.
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Signing Collins would be a great indicator that Belichick and co. are serious about making noise this season. During the Brady era, it felt like every established starter that got cut was destined for the Patriots ... that hasn't really been the case since 12 left.