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08:02 AM ET 07.02 | The Patriots have a host of players on the spot for one reason or another -- Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Brandon Lloyd and Brandon Spikes -- but none will be easier to find on the field than hulking, 6-foot-8 left tackle Nate Solder. The Patriots drafted him to be a franchise tackle, and now he gets his first chance as a full-time player. Solder had some good performances in spot duty as a rookie, but there's a lot more pressure on him now. If left guard Logan Mankins is slow out of the gate due to knee surgery, it'll be an even tougher job for Solder. Obviously, Brady is one of the game's most prolific passers, but he needs to be able to trust the linemen who protect him. That starts with Solder.

Tom Brady, Getty Images

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July 2, 2012 08:11 AM ET

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The kid has all the physical skills. He will improve with time. And, he's pretty good already.

Before the first game against the Dolphins last year, the pundits were saying Solder would have his hands full dealing with Cameron Wake. As it turns out, Wake spent much of the afternoon on his back, with 319 pounds of Solder on top of him.

But, once again, this is what you get when you take your news from the Herald.

Debbie Does

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July 2, 2012 08:23 AM ET

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He's got some great People to teach him the Ropes!!!!!

Not4Nutten

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July 2, 2012 08:39 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:11 AM ET 07.02 by Debbie Does

The kid has all the physical skills. He will improve with time. And, he's pretty good already.Before the first game against the Dolphins last year, the pundits were saying Solder would have his hands full dealing with Cameron Wake. As it turns out, Wake spent much of the afternoon on his back, with 319 pounds of Solder on top of him.But, once again, this is what you get when you take your news from the Herald.

I agree. As a Pats fan, Solder is the least of my concerns.

THE BISHOP!

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July 2, 2012 08:47 AM ET

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If he is a worry, then that is one heck of a team going in to the season. Guess I am stupid, I thought the spotlight would be on their pass rush.

50yearfan

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July 2, 2012 08:55 AM ET

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Just more media hype. Maybe a lesser player stepping in for Mankins would create concern.

Lightly Salted Nuts

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July 2, 2012 09:00 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:11 AM ET 07.02 by Debbie Does

The kid has all the physical skills. He will improve with time. And, he's pretty good already.Before the first game against the Dolphins last year, the pundits were saying Solder would have his hands full dealing with Cameron Wake. As it turns out, Wake spent much of the afternoon on his back, with 319 pounds of Solder on top of him.But, once again, this is what you get when you take your news from the Herald.

Hmm..Brady threw for 500+ that night. Seems like the line did quite well.