Despite moving parts, offensive line remains strong

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FOXBORO -- With Sebastian Vollmer inactive for Thursday night's game against the Jets, Marcus Cannon made the start at right tackle for the Patriots.

And Bill Belichick was pleased with what he saw.

"Marcus did a real good job filling in there at right tackle," said the Patriots' coach in a conference call on Friday. "I thought he did a good job in the passing game. He also had some strong run blocks. We all know he's a very athletic and powerful man. And he played to that a number of times, which I thought he did for us in preseason and then in training camp as well. He showed a very good presence on the field at that spot."

Belichick went on to praise the entire offensive line this season, for being a reliable group, even with all the moving parts.

"I think it's a real credit to the way that group works together, the way they practice together, and certainly the way that Dante Scarnecchia has molded them as a group and as a very respective offensive line unit," said Belichick. "That's even at practice when we move those people in and out of the lineup. Different guys play center. Different guys play the guard positions. We roll the tackles through, and so forth.

"It's a very comforting feeling to know that whichever guys have to go in there and play, they've all played with each other, the communication is good, and they can physically and functionally do the job that they're asked to do, and do it at a high competitive level.

"It's been a strength for us through the years, and it continues to be this year so far."

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