By SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Journal Sports Writer

While the focus of many stories today in the aftermath of the Patriots' loss to New Orleans is on the defense -- and rightfully so -- the offensive line did not exactly bathe itself in glory on Monday night either.

The Saints were credited with two sacks, though only one of those was on Tom Brady; the other came on the last play of the game, when Will Smith took down Brian Hoyer.

But Brady was hit at least six other times, and there were numerous occasions when the pocket closed quickly or he was forced to scramble away from pressure, as when he threw his first interception of the night.

Tackles Matt Light, playing his first game since suffering a knee injury in Denver, and Nick Kaczur were those primarily responsible for keeping Smith and fellow end Bobby McCray at bay.

Perhaps the biggest lesson learned is just how good rookie Sebastian Vollmer is on that left side -- one can only wonder how well he may have handled Smith, particularly in light of his ability to contain the Colts' Dwight Freeney.

Vollmer missed the game with a head injury (concussion).

It is unknown at this point whether Vollmer will return for Sunday's game again Jason Taylor and the Dolphins.