Stork’s Health Vital To Patriots Success

Friday, January 16, 2015

Matt LaPan, Go Local Sports Reporter

The Patriots offensive line has been stabilized by Bryan Stork, but injury might force him to miss Sunday's AFC Championship

Injuries are part of the game in the NFL. Every team deals with injuries to major players every season. When an injury happens in the playoffs, it is even more devastating. This is what the New England Patriots are currently dealing with following the injury of center Bryan Stork’s knee in Saturday’s AFC Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens.

While many look at the injury and wonder how the loss of a rookie center could be a major injury, the potential loss of Stork could be devastating for the Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

Stork Misses Practice

The worry continues to grow as Stork misses practice time. Stork has been listed as a “DNP” or did not participate, at practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. With only one more practice before the game, the outlook is bleak for Stork. Generally, when a Patriots play misses two practices in a week he does not play on Sunday — even though the stage is elevates, Stork should be looked at as unlikely.

What He Changes

If Stork does not play, the entire Patriots offense changes. With Stork in the lineup the Patriots offensive line can play with Nate Solder and Dan Connolly on the left side and Sebastian Vollmer and Ryan Wendell on the right side.

When Stork is not in the game Wendell has to move inside to center and Josh Kline moves into the lineup. Kline has struggled throughout the season and does not bring the same bunch at guard that Wendell does.

How Good The Line Has Been

With Stork in the game, the Patriots offensive line is cohesive and does a great job in opening up running lanes for the Patriots running backs. In the Patriots midseason, six game stretch against the best the NFL had to offer, Stork and the offensive helped lead the Patriots to 115.8 yards per game. This included the Patriots 246-yard game in a 42-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

The line also protected Tom Brady against some of the elite pass rushers in the NFL. The Patriots kept the likes of Von Miller, Clay Matthews, Ndamukong Suh and Julius Peppers away from Tom Brady. They allowed the Patriots to average over 31 points per game.

Without Stork the Patriots would have to start mixing and matching on the interior, something that has not worked well for the Patriots this season. Whether it is Kline at guard, or Marcus Cannon or Cam Fleming at guard — none have worked. The mixing and matching has also hurt the play of Nate Solder, who is forced the check inside before taking care of the outside rush. All of this is fixed when Stork is in the game.

With or without Stork, expect a Patriots win. Without Stork, however, it will be much tougher and Tom Brady could get hit a lot more. Never has the center of the Patriots been so important to the Patriots playoff chances.

Related Slideshow: Fun Places in Central Massachusetts to Watch Football

Prev Next

The Banner

The Banner Bar and Grille

112 Green St., Worcester, MA

Come enjoy a delicious burger piled high with all your favorite toppings, and 20 cent wings during a Sunday game!

Photo: The Banner Bar and Grille

Prev Next

Compass Tavern

The Compass Tavern

90 Harding St., Worcester, MA

The Canal District's Compass Tavern puts an upscale twist on your average neighborhood bar. Not to mention, it houses the largest bar in Worcester!

Photo: The Compass Tavern

Prev Next

Funky Murphy's

305 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA

Funky Murphy's is the Irish bar to go to for your team's next game. Featuring 9 plasma televisions and 2 high-definition projectors, you will be able to immerse yourself in NFL Sunday ticket, beer, and food!

Prev Next

The Parkway Bar and Restaurant

148 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA

Boasting 8 flat screen televisions with surround sound, The Parkway is a must for game day food and fun!

Prev Next

The Boynton

The Boynton Restaurant and Spirits

117 Highland St, Worcester, MA

The Boynton offers an extensive list of on tap beers to choose from while you chow down on a scrumptious meal.

Photo: The Boynton

Prev Next

Perfect Game

Named "Worcester’s Best Sports Bar 2012", by the readers of Worcester Magazine, Perfect Game has a huge 110" HD projection screen to watch your favorite team on as well as an extensive collection of craft beers.

64 Water St., Worcester, MA

Photo: Perfect Game

Prev Next

Lakeside Bar and Grill

97 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA

Come watch the game at an upscale version of your average sports bar. Lakeside offers all the best game day foods from potato skins to wings but you can feel comfortable about bringing your family or girlfriend with you to watch some professional football.

Photo: Lakeside Bar and Grill

Prev Next

JJ's Sports Bar and Grill

380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough, MA

Mondays and Sundays are the perfect nights to watch football at JJ's, come in for specials on burgers, pizza and more while you watch all the action!

Prev Next

Park Grill and Spirits

257 Park Ave., Worcester, MA

This "American grill with Mediterranean flair" will not disappoint the sport junkie or foodie in your family. The Park Grill also has live entertainment on Tuesday and weekend nights!

Photo: Park Grill and Spirits