New England Patriots: Dante Scarnecchia likes the offensive line group
New England Patriots offensive line coach, Dante Scarnecchia, likes the group of players he will be working with this season.
The New England Patriots are in for some change in 2018. Some regulars from the coaching staff and roster from the past few seasons moved on to other organizations this offseason.
New England never overpays in free agency, which was a big reason some players integral to their success left in free agency. Malcolm Butler and Dion Lewis signed with the Tennessee Titans. Danny Amendola signed with the Miami Dolphins. Left tackle Nate Solder signed a record-breaking deal with the New York Giants.
All four players will be missed for a variety of reasons. However, some are easier to replace than others. Competent left tackles are tough to come by, making Solder arguably the biggest loss this offseason.
The Patriots did what they could to address the issue. They signed a few players in free agency, such as Matt Tobin and re-signing LaAdrian Waddle. New England used their first of two first-round picks on an offensive lineman, selecting Isaiah Wynn No. 23. During the draft, they also swung a trade for Trent Brown from the San Francisco 49ers.
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There are plenty of options to choose from, but there are questions as to how well they can play left tackle. Don’t tell that to offensive line coach Dante Scarecchia, who really likes the group that he will be working with this season.
"“I’m just gonna make this really clear, OK? I really like the guys we have here right now,” Scarnecchia said. “OK? I mean I really like the guys we have here right now. That’s the good news."
The bad news that Scarnecchia followed with is that a lot of them are dealing with injuries. As a result, he will not be able to get his hands on some of them until training camp in August.
Finding a five-man group will be integral for the Patriots. An offensive line needs to find chemistry and continuity, playing as if they are all attached to one string. The earlier that Scarnecchia finds a group he is comfortable with, the better.
While nothing seems to be set in stone, Scarnecchia did say that the team is hoping to keep Marcus Cannon entrenched at right tackle. At left tackle, it seems Wynn and Brown will be competing at the start.
Wynn could be at a disadvantage, as his arms were measured at 33-inches long, which is considered short for a left tackle. However, that does not seem to phase Scarnecchia.
"“I think that [expletive]’s way overrated,” Scarnecchia said. “I really do. I’m not saying every tackle you have should have 20-inch arms but I’m saying maybe there are some minimums. We think we have the guys that we have that we are training at that position all fall within those standards. Matt Light’s arms were 33 inches and he played 10 years in this league.”"
If Wynn or Brown has a career like Matt Light did, the Patriots are in good shape. Light will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame this year.
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While they may have their shortcomings, Scarnecchia is confident they can figure it out. He is excellent at his job and the Patriots offensive line, despite the impending change, is in good hands.