Ever since David Andrews went down with a head injury, things have been rocky for New England Patriots rookie first-round draft pick Cole Strange.
After having his protection blown up in a head-to-head meeting with New York Jets’ defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in Week 8, he ran into another wall against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Things got bad enough where coach Bill Belichick was forced to bench him in back-to-back weeks.
Offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn has stepped in and made contributions at left guard in Strange’s stead.
After the game, the rookie offensive lineman admitted he needed to clean up some “fundamental stuff” with his game. Belichick was asked about it as well and leaned into the same response.
“I think Cole’s a good player, and he’s going to be a better player as he gains experience and learns how to play in the league,” said Belichick.
Bill Belichick on Cole Strange, who's been benched in back-to-back games: "I think Cole's a good player, and he's going to be a better player as he gains experience and learns how to play in the league.
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) November 7, 2022
It’s never a good thing to see a team playing musical chairs on the offensive front this late in the season.
Granted, the Patriots have been put in a precarious situation due to injuries, but even with their line fully intact, the unit has struggled with penalties and adapting to the zone-blocking scheme.
Strange got off to a hot start early in the season, and there’s hope he can get back to that point, especially when Andrews returns and the communication improves.
The Patriots’ season might be counting on it.
