Patriots: How OL can still thrive after losing Dante Scarnecchia

How the Patriots offensive line can still flourish after losing Dante Scarnecchia.

The Patriots endured an alarming volume of roster turnover this offseason.

In addition to Tom Brady leaving in free agency, they watched the likes of 2019 starters Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, Danny Shelton and Ted Karras move on to other teams.

While there’s no denying that it will be difficult for New England to overcome those losses, what doesn’t get talked about enough as a glaring obstacle for 2020 and beyond is the departure of longtime offensive coach Dante Scarnecchia, who retired this offseason after spending 36 years in the NFL.

The 78-year-old is largely considered to be the best OL mind in the league, but we fully believe that the Patriots hog mollies will still be able to prosper after losing him. Here’s how they will be able to make it work.

It starts with the arrival of Cam Newton, whose mobility will only make the job of New England’s offensive line easier. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels should design plays that not only cater to the former MVP’s unique ability to run the football, but the positives of the offensive line as well.

Additionally, the health of Isaiah Wynn could be what separates them from being a middle of the pack group of blockers to garnering elite status. Thanks to a torn Achilles suffered during the 2018 preseason, the former No. 23 overall pick has been limited to just eight games across his first two NFL seasons. His availability this year will be imperative in determining the ceiling of the Patriots’ offensive line.

There’s also the return of center David Andrews to consider. As we know, the 28-year-old stud missed the entirety of the 2019 season with blood clots in his lungs. He’s the engine that makes the Pats offensive line function, so his clearance couldn’t come at a better time following Scarnecchia’s retirement. After all, he’s learned a good portion of the old man’s tricks over the years.

A rejuvenated and healthy offensive line coupled with the arrival of a dynamic quarterback is precisely how New England will get by in the post-Scarnecchia era. If 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham — who doesn’t yet know how to properly maneuver around an NFL pocket — was projected to be under center this season, well, then we would be forced to press the panic button.

Luckily for the Patriots, that isn’t the case.