Patriots
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Keion White shouldn’t be attempting to follow in Matthew Judon's footsteps: “I see myself doing my own thing”
During training camp and the two-week preseason, the Patriots' offensive line was one in all the weakest spots on the team.
The important reason for that is the shortage of a real, solid left tackle and the inconsistency of getting five linemen represent the primary team – and which position on the road they play.
Mike Onwenu is attempting to prove his reliability in all positions. In his short time in New England, Onwenu has already excelled as right guard and right tackle.
This preseason, he's done somewhat of each. And on Saturday, he reiterated his confidence that he can play anywhere along the road, even at a position he's never played before: center.
“I’m sure I could,” said Onwenu when asked if he had ever played center. “I haven't done it yet, but I know how to snap and stuff. So I'm sure. … Every summer I practiced snapping, just in case. Kind of a last resort.”
Fortunately for Onwenu, the middle position is one in all the few positions on the Patriots' offensive line that’s already set, with eight-year NFL veteran David Andrews set to take over those duties again in 2024.
As for the road as a complete, Onwenu knows it's a piece in progress. The 2023 Patriots had one in all the worst offensive line groups within the NFL, and despite all of the work Eliot Wolf and New England put into rebuilding in the primary yr after Bill Belichick, the offensive line hasn't been significantly improved.
The Patriots drafted Chukwuma Okorafor and Caedan Wallace, but each are primarily right tackles – or no less than they were until this offseason. Vederian Lowe has seen numerous motion at left tackle, but he still lacks consistency because the preseason draws to a detailed.
However, Onwenu trusts that the group at his side will take the crucial steps in practice to enhance as a unit.
“Every day has been good, some days we've gotten worse, but every day is a day to try new things, get better and compete,” Onwenu said. “It's more our technique or our own individual thing that's happened rather than us being beaten by the opponent.”
image credit : www.boston.com