A word or two about Solder. I think it will be interesting how he gets treated over the coming months by the Pats. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a good player and he just received a great endorsement from Googs after the Superbowl, which suggests that he will be well-treated. I just find him to be a fascinating player. He's obviously huge, but plays a nearly passive brand of football. Check out the brawl sequence at the end of the Superbowl, or more tellingly, the business with Jernigan and Brady in the Ravens game. Several players go after Jernigan and other Ravens as they try to protect their quarterback (who had been poked in the eye), but Solder remains passive and avoid the fray. For the largest man on the field, it's a little odd.
I think he is a solid left tackle, but he really is a 6'8" 325 pound pure technician. He plays with little aggression (at least since his first year or two under Mankins tutelage) and derives his success almost solely through solid technique. I think that's why he played so poorly at the start of the year; when his technique fails or gets out of sync, he really can't rely on overpowering his opponent at all. Ironically, Wendell, the "midget" is much more capable in that regard. It's an unusual combination, his massive frame and passive nature.
The Pats now have Vollmer, Cannon (who they must like given his recent contract) and Fleming, who they also appear to like. If they wanted, they could move Vollmer to the left, Fleming to the right and use Cannon as a swing tackle. I doubt they will, but it will be interesting how much they will be willing to invest in Solder after next year. He's just kind of an odd, albeit, effective player.
