But the line’s deficiencies were never more costly than against the Broncos, who hit quarterback Tom Brady 25 times while sacking him twice.
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The Patriots also have added a quartet of fourth-round draft picks since DeGuglielmo took over: center Bryan Stork and tackle Cameron Fleming in 2014, and guards Tre Jackson and Shaq Mason in 2015.
DeGuglielmo was sacked after two seasons with the Patriots.
The NFL is going with 20 hits, and it is claiming that not only are they the most hits any quarterback has taken in any game this season, they’re the most since 2006.
Brady was sacked 38 times in the regular season, which was the third most of his career. No. 18 ended up making just enough good throws and protected the ball well but otherwise couldn’t score on the Patriots defense, unless handed a short field.
The Denver Broncos were able to wreak havoc on the Patriots’ offense despite rushing just four players for much of Sunday’s contest.
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Von Miller of the Denver Broncos rushes against Cameron Fleming of the New England Patriots in the second half in the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Defensive end DeMarcus Ware described how he and his teammates rattled Brady, per Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
