FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - From the onset of training camp, the New England Patriots offensive line has been a work in progress, a mix of experience and youth that led to a handful of questions.

There's still uncertainty surrounding who's playing which position each week, but there's little doubt remaining about the level of protection provided to the quarterback.

After surrendering 12 sacks through the first five games, the Patriots' patchwork front five has allowed opposing defenses to sack quarterback Tom Brady just three times in the last six games, and only once in the past three.

``You try and do that as best as you can,'' guard Donald Thomas said. ``So, it's always a bonus when you can try to keep him as clean as possible.

``Nothing's ever going to be perfect. You try to as much as you can, that's our job. You try to do your job and that's what our job is.''

The Patriots (8-3) meet Miami (5-6) on Sunday.