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New England Patriots: Dante Scarnecchia seeking better quarterback protection

By Kenneth Teape

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Desmond King #20 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Desmond King #20 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots offensive line coach, Dante Scarnecchia, discussed their performance from the first half of the season.

The New England Patriots are heading into their bye week with a 6-2 record. They are atop the AFC East and tied for the best record in the conference as well. Despite the strong record, the Patriots have some stuff to work on in the second half of the season.

One of the areas that the Patriots have to improve upon is their offensive line play. Thus far this season, the offensive line has been inconsistent, at best. Tom Brady is so good he is able to overcome some of the deficiencies of the offense, but the offensive line struggles could really start to catch up to him.

Brady absorbed has already absorbed more sacks this season, 21, than he did all of 2016 in 12 games. Brady was actually sacked more the first six games of this season than he was all of the last season.

The offensive line cannot be blamed for all the sacks. Sometimes a defense does its job in coverage and a sack is inevitable. Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia knows that, but still wants to see more from his unit.

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"“Clearly, for having the same five guys, we’re not pass blocking as well as we did last year,” Scarnecchia said. “I think I have to do a better job of coaching them and getting more out of them."

Nate Solder, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason and Nate Solder have started every game this season. Usually, continuity along an offensive line results in improvements, but that has not been the case for the Patriots this season.

Scarnecchia wants to see better protection for the quarterback and notes that they have improved as the season has gone on.

"“We should protect our quarterback better than what we have been doing. We’re trending in that direction over the last two weeks. We’ve seen some good rushers out there and guys have done a much better job. Tommy seems to be a little more upright than he was in the first six games. Hopefully we are trending in that direction where we can really throw up a wall in front of this guy and help him.”"

According to Scarnecchia, Solder has improved in the two games leading into the bye week. The interior of the offensive line has not missed a snap this season, while LaAdrian Waddle stepped up against the Los Angeles Chargers when Cannon went down with an injury.

The offensive line is more of a work in progress than the team had thought it would be, but they are at least heading in the right direction. Scarnacchia likes the work ethic they are putting forth, but also notes that no one is satisfied with how things have gone thus far and get things done.

While plenty of focus has been on the offensive line in terms of pass blocking, their run blocking has improved.

Scarnecchia said that the run blocking the first two weeks of the season was terrible, but they have gotten things on track since then.

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Dion Lewis has taken control of the backfield, which should help the Patriots offense. If they want to reach their full potential, they will need to protect Brady better to get the passing game truly on track.

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