Interesting question, and one that I had been poking through some stats on. The first place you have to look regarding the vertical passing game is Brandon Lloyd. Prior to coming to the Patriots he was one of the most targeted downfield receivers in the NFL. His yards per reception was the lowest of his career with the Pats.
The Pats had the same vertical problem last year, so it makes you wonder how much of it was tied to Wes Welker’s ability to get open almost every time.
Some will say it’s the Patriots dink and dunk offense, or that Brady can’t throw deep anymore, but Brady’s favorite receiver has always been the open one, and Welker was pretty much always open.
So this year, without Welker, and more speed at the position, we might finally see the Pats open things up downfield.
As for the offensive line, I think we should expect a really stellar year from them. I’m watching Ryan Wendell to make progress in his pass protection, and whether Dan Connolly gets challenged for the starting right guard spot by Marcus Cannon. Mankins and Vollmer should be more healthy, and Solder now has a full starting year under his belt.
You can never under play continuity, and I think we’ll see the benefits of it on the offensive line and in the defense.
