Tom Brady will head into the 2019 season with the best interior guard tandem, according to Pro Football Focus.
Shaq Mason and Joe Thuney are the reason for this, after their incredible seasons in 2018. Mason has been with the New England Patriots since 2015, and Thuney has been with the team since 2016. They have provided reliability and security for their 41-year-old quarterback.
Mason signed a five-year, $50 million contract in the beginning of last season and will be an anchor on this offensive line for years to come. Thuney is at the end of his rookie contract, and will likely find money elsewhere in the league after this season — but for now, they will dominate the trenches.
In 2018, Mason finished the season first among all offensive guards with a rating of 85.0. Out of 503 block attempts, he only allowed one sack, six quarterback hits and nine hurries. He also played an incredible factor in the Super Bowl when it came to containing Aaron Donald.
Thuney finished the season top-five in both pass and run blocking. In 2018, he only allowed five quarterback hits, 21 hurries and didn’t give up a single sack. He also hasn’t missed a game since he began in 2016 — which is a testament to his resiliency.
Although the Patriots still have some question marks with their exterior blocking — they know that the inside will be covered in 2019.
