Mason knows Pats’ O-line needs to push forward

Want to forget about the troubles the New England Patriots had with their run game last season?

You’re not the only one.

"As an offensive line we always take pride in getting the running game going," guard Shaq Mason said. "Last year I can say we were a bit disappointed in it but last year is last year and we’re looking forward to our best foot forward."

Optimism flows in training camp more freely than sweat off a left tackle’s brow during wind [...]

Want to forget about the troubles the New England Patriots had with their run game last season?

You’re not the only one.

"As an offensive line we always take pride in getting the running game going," guard Shaq Mason said. "Last year I can say we were a bit disappointed in it but last year is last year and we’re looking forward to our best foot forward."

Optimism flows in training camp more freely than sweat off a left tackle’s brow during wind sprints, but there’s a reason why the Patriots should feel confident about re-establishing the ground-and-pound attack that was a key component of the offense in their Super Bowl run two seasons ago.

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The Patriots’ journey from force to farce came on thanks to a combination of free agency and freak injuries.

After running over the Los Angeles Rams to win the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl, the Patriots lost left tackle Trent Brown to free agency. Then David Andrews suffered a pulmonary embolism in his lungs, something no team could prepare for. When All-Pro fullback James Develin went down, it didn’t help matters and the run game never really recovered.

As Phase 2 of training camp starts, it’s a difference scene in Foxboro.

All-Pro guard Joe Thuney is back and Mason is fully healthy. Isaiah Wynn enters his second season at left tackle after an impressive, albeit injury-filled, rookie season.

But getting Andrews back is a game changer. While he didn’t step on the field last year, he didn’t abandon his team. Andrews was at meetings, was watching film and offering whatever help possible. Now he’s back, presumably healthy, and the Patriots are better off for it.

"He’s an unbelievable player, not only just a player but a captain for this team, leader for this team and what else he brings," running back Rex Burkhead said. "He’s a master communicator up front to get everyone in the right position, moving on the same page and he does it every single day with consistency. He’s a great guy to follow for those young guys in that room to really go to if they have any questions."

"Now having him back out there on the field, we’re excited to work with him just like we’re excited to work with all of these guys," New England offensive line coach Cole Popovich said. "It’s a new season this year. We’ve got to figure out who the best five are to help our team win."

Now there’s no question New England is going to miss Marcus Cannon, a cancer survivor who opted out because of COVID-19 concerns. Since being drafted by the Patriots, Cannon’s turned himself from a valuable depth piece to one of the NFL’s best right tackles. You don’t just replace him, much like you don’t replace the old guy who went South to continue playing instead of joining a retirement community. You try and fill the void as best you can.

No one knows this better than the man who’s played beside Cannon.

"For five years Marcus has been right there, but I’m eager to have guys step up and see what we can bring," Mason said. "Marcus for example, I don’t fault him at all for making the right decision for him and his family. We’ve got to do our best job moving forward."

One of the popular names that could fill Cannon’s spot is Yodny Cajuste, a third-round pick last year who was placed on the non-football injury list before the season started.

"Yodny, like anyone in this group that was here, bought full into what this offseason was as far as the virtual meetings and really, because of his situation," offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo said, "… put in the necessary work to get here now."

"I’m excited to see what Yodny can do out there," Mason said. "He came in and he’s been hurt, he’s been paying attention, been hands on and he’s looking ready along with the other guys I’m looking to see all of them compete."

Many of the faces competing for jobs on the O-line in New England are young, new or both. The core of the line — Andrews, Mason, Thuney and even Wynn — gives the Patriots the edge they need in development so if something does happen, there won’t be a repeat of last season.

"Continuity is big. We’ve told all those guys lean on us and we’ll bring everybody up to speed. We’re counting on them just like they’re counting on us," Mason said. "The biggest thing with us four is holding each one of us accountable. That’s what we’ve been doing, bringing the other guys along as we’re progressing as well."

With no preseason games, a lack of game film is going to make it tough to judge progress. Now, with assistant coach Dante Scarnecchia retired, that’s up to Popovich and Bricillo — as well as Bill Belichick — to figure out.

"It’s a whole new year and we haven’t even taken our first step yet," Mason said, "so we’re looking forward to getting all of us going in the right direction this year."

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