I think the run game would be better with Mankins, but I am still okay with the trade. Simply put, I think Connolly and Wendell are upgradeable and I wanted to try to replace both of them last offseason. They did draft Stork, someone I mocked to them, and I love that move. He’s still a rookie but he’s shown a lot of promise.
The problem is that without Mankins, Connolly had to slide to left guard and Wendell, who was just a center before this year, was the best (or only legit) option at right guard.
Part of the recent struggles could be related to Connolly’s ankle injury. We tend to not talk about injuries unless they keep guys out of the lineup, but I think that has been a factor. I can’t totally kill Connolly/Wendell, both have had their moments this year and I think Wendell has far exceeded my expectations as a guard.
Still, they’re upgradeable.
Overall they just aren’t getting much push, nor are they getting the second level with any consistency. The running backs are getting hit in the backfield and need to make something out of nothing.
This offseason I’ll be back beating the drum to acquire multiple guards.