Matt Light, Logan Mankins Guiding Patriots’ Offensive Line Through Transitional Phase

FOXBORO, Mass. — Even though the Patriots have made some high-profile additions to the offensive line this season, they're playing with a level of continuity up front that has been similar to past seasons.

The Patriots have used three different starting combinations through nine games, which is on pace for similar outputs in recent seasons. Since left guard Logan Mankins was drafted in 2005, the Patriots have used as many as six starting combinations and as few as three (five in 2005, five in 2006, five in 2007, three in 2008, six in 2009 and four in 2010).

While the look of the Patriots' offensive line has been different this season — using a first-round pick on tackle Nate Solder, signing All-Pro guard Brian Waters and losing center Dan Koppen to injury — the continuity has been relatively standard in terms of numbers.

"I've been around for a while, so I've seen that happen several times," left tackle Matt Light said. "It's always that way. You're lucky if you can get through a season with all five guys."

The Patriots had the same core of starters from 2006-09, when they primarily used Light, Mankins, Koppen, right guard Stephen Neal and right tackle Nick Kaczur, though they obviously didn't get through any of those seasons unscathed from a health standpoint.

This season has symbolized a change on the line with the addition of Solder, who has rotated at right tackle with Sebastian Vollmer. At some point, whether it's next season or 2013, Solder figures to take over for Light on the left side. And rookie Marcus Cannon might eventually become the right guard of the future.

The Patriots have plenty of talent up front, but the challenge at this is maintaining a high level of communication.

"You should get better because a lot of it comes down to communication," Mankins said. "[If] one guy is off, everything is going to break down. We've rolled a few guys in and out of there, so you just have to make sure you know what the guy next to you is going to do and that way you can know what you have to do."

Through it all, the Patriots' offensive line has played well while balancing present production and future growth. They've surrendered 16 sacks, which is tied for the seventh fewest in the NFL. And while the Patriots haven't exactly been a juggernaut on the ground, they're averaging 4.2 yards per carry, which is tied for 16th.

"We've had our ups and downs," Light said. "It hasn't been stellar by any means, but I think as long as we continue to improve, and we've had a lot of guys coming in and stepping up, had to fill in for guys who are injured, or a week-to-week thing. But I think we're all working hard trying to get there."