The Patriots began to address the issue by firing offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo, the NFL Network reported Monday.
Advertisement
One day after Tom Brady was battered by the Broncos defense, it appears the Patriots have found a scapegoat in offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo.
DeGuglielmo held the position for the past two seasons, after replacing longtime assistant Dante Scarnecchia.
Brady was sacked four times and hit a total of 23 times, a total many were saying was the most hits any quarterback has taken in any game this season.
Using a NFL-high 37 different offensive line combinations – and 13 different starting groups – the Pats’ offensive line struggled for most of the year, particularly after the loss of left tackle Nate Solder on October 11. “I got hit pretty hard today”, Brady said after the game. While the Pats only allowed 21 sacks during the regular season, the Denver Broncos’ defensive line ripped up the Pats in 20-18 win to advanced to the Super Bowl.
Advertisement
DeGuglielmo feels like a victim of circumstance more than anything.
