PATS HAVE TO REPLACE
Vollmer, who was on the team for that first transition from Scarnecchia, explained part of the difficulty was due to DeGuglielmo attempting to change the blocking scheme and players weren’t necessarily on board.
The other issue leading to DeGuglielmo’s demise dealt with the obvious: trying to replace an irreplaceable coach.
“Scar, in my opinion, is the best offensive line coach who has coached anybody,” said Vollmer, who currently serves as an NFL ambassador to Germany. “His technique that he developed, and the way he coached, will make you the best football player and offensive lineman you can be. So it’s kind of like when Brady leaves, there’s no one who can replace a guy like that. Or with Bill (Belichick).
“When you have someone who’s great at something, the next guy, it’s really not fair to compare,” Vollmer went on. “However, when Gug came in, he tried to change the offensive line to his blocking scheme … and it wasn’t fair to him either, that players maybe didn’t buy in.”
That’s an interesting acknowledgement from Vollmer. So there was a bit of clashing between DeGuglielmo and players who were weaned on Scarnecchia’s way, and were successful. It was hard to move away from something that worked, even if the new coach was simply putting in his own system, which is usually how it works.
“You go from being coached by one of the greatest,” said Vollmer, “now you’re telling me I need to change, especially the older guys who were six and seven years in, and been to Super Bowls and stuff like that (with Scarnecchia)? It’s not the right attitude, but it happens. When push comes to shove, you go back to a technique that you’re more comfortable with.”
Needless to say, it completely unraveled the second year. Injuries to key players, and not fully embracing the new techniques led to sloppy play.
The point?
Given Popovich has been with the team five seasons, four under Scarnecchia, and Bricillo spent his first NFL season last year working with Scar, Vollmer anticipates the system and blocking scheme will primarily remain the same — mobile quarterback not withstanding.
So some of the difficulties DeGuglielmo endured won’t necessarily be on the table for Scarnecchia’s replacements this time around, especially if the transition with the blocking schemes remains constant.
“It won’t be as dramatic,” said Vollmer. “If it’s the same technique that continues, they’ll be good. I worked under Cole. I think he’s going to be a good coach, plus they have a lot of talent on that offensive line, as well.” Woody agreed. “Again, looking at them dealing with the pandemic, the last thing you want is wholesale changes,” said Woody. “If they don’t deviate from what the players have already learned, that’s going to be a big help. Nobody’s going to replace Dante. You can’t replace that amount of knowledge and experience. But keeping things in place, things the players have familiarity with, is going to help them.”
The biggest adjustment for the players might prove to be getting used to having a quarterback who takes off when the moment suits him. That was not something that was in Brady’s repertoire. But with Newton, it’s now a feature the O-line has to get comfortable with, largely through repetition.
Before arriving in New England, Popovich was the offensive line coach/co-offensive coordinator at Minot State from 2014-15. Prior to that, he had stints as the offensive line coach at Fresno City College (2012-13) and Los Angeles Valley College (2011).
He was an offensive lineman at Fresno State, earning All-America honors in 2004.
Bricillo, meanwhile, was the offensive line coach at Youngstown State for nine years before landing in Foxboro and joining Scarnecchia’s staff as an assistant. Bricillo was a center at Duquesne.
So both men have played on the offensive line, and have prior experience being the top gun managing the line.
At the very least, that makes them relatable to the players. And, along with maintaining the continuity of the system, Vollmer cautioned against Popovich and Bricillo trying to mimic Scarnecchia, who had a distinctive persona. That was part of the former lineman’s advice to the new coaches.
“It’s kind of like Bill (Belichick). If you’re trying to be Bill, that’s not going to work out. You’re not Bill,” said Vollmer. “And Scar, he’s just unique. You can’t be him. His way worked for him, and I have nothing but gratitude for that man. But I don’t think you have to coach that way.”
With David Andrews returning at center after missing last season with blood clots in his lungs, and the rest of the starting line intact, assuming Joe Thuney ($14.7 million franchise tag) isn’t traded, that should help Popovich and Bricillo with the challenges that lie ahead.
The starting unit, as is, stands as one of the best lines in the league. Taking thirdyear left tackle Isaiah Wynn out of the equation, the other four (Thuney, Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon) have been together four seasons and won two Super Bowls. The biggest question marks with the line come with the new coaches having to decide the best assembly of personnel to fill the backup roles.
Obviously, good line play is a must with a new quarterback to the system, or a young quarterback starting out. If the unit helps launch an effective run game, and gives Newton, Stidham or whoever ample time when dropping back to pass, it’s hard to ask for more.
“Tom Brady has the ability to make an offensive line look better, or look good,” said Vollmer. “He gets rid of the ball fast, his reads are fast, he knows the protections. That luxury is probably gone.”
If Stidham, who has registered just four NFL pass attempts, wins the job, that would likely be the case. His inexperience will lead to some hesitation and indecision.
That won’t be the case with
Newton, who has a pretty good trigger, and yet, isn’t in Brady’s league when it comes to making reads and delivering the ball in lightning-quick fashion. He’s also getting used to a new offense, so there might be some hesitation initially.
Bottom line: If the starters on the offensive line can stay healthy, and perform up to past standards, that’s the best recipe for success for any of the quarterbacks. It’s also the ticket for Popovich and Bricillo to succeed following a legend.