I bet when you heard the news this morning that the Patriots were releasing Bryan Stork, you were surprised. Well…I’m not. In fact, I am more surprised they released Donald Brown than Stork.

Stork didn’t quite jive with new offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Sure, Scarnecchia liked him when he scouted him but he wasn’t the one banging the table for the Patriots to draft him. It was former offensive line coach Dave DeGugliemo. Stork wasn’t Scarbecchia’s guy because he lacks the athleticism Scarnecchia looks for in his lineman. A phone booth brawler and nothing more.

Stork’s temper and attitude were also an issue within the Patriots locker room. His schtick was wearing thin on his teammates and the coaches. It’s great that Stork is tough but if he’s injury prone and undisciplined, he doesn’t help the team. He only hurts it.

Now that Stork is gone, that opens up the door for David Andrews to start but it also opens the door for rookie Joe Thuney to start at left guard, which is what the Patriots want. 

For what it’s worth, the Patriots aren’t done cutting offensive lineman. Don’t be surprised if they cut another note worthy lineman. Keep an eye on Tre Jackson and Cam Fleming. One of them could go.

 I also wouldn’t be surprised if they cut Sebastian Voller (I.R candidate) and saved $2.675 million against the cap this season. You just never know with Bill Belichick.