Patriots’ Sebastian Vollmer ‘Can’t Praise (Dante Scarnecchia) High Enough’

FOXBORO, Mass. — Of all the New England Patriots’ 2016 additions, Dante Scarnecchia might be under the most pressure.

The Patriots’ 68-year-old offensive line coach, who’s back after retiring following the 2013 season, is expected to pull together a unit that struggled to protect quarterback Tom Brady for much of 2015. Right tackle Sebastian Vollmer is excited to have Scarnecchia back.

“Obviously, I had him my first five years,” Vollmer said. “I can’t praise him high enough. Obviously, us as players, you can only do what we’re asked to do to the best of our abilities. We’re going to keep that approach the same, and we’re expecting good things. …

“I think he expects the best of us and himself and just the way he coaches. He’s very detail-oriented. … He just gets the best out of you.”

The Patriots’ offensive line allowed 38 sacks last season (14th most in the NFL) and 97 quarterback hits (12th most in the league). The Patriots’ O-line was at their worst in the team’s AFC Championship Game loss to the Denver Broncos, when they let up four sacks and 17 quarterback hits.

Starting left tackle Nate Solder was on injured reserve for most of last season, however, which forced Vollmer to left tackle and Marcus Cannon to start on the right side. Vollmer, Cannon and starting guard Josh Kline were banged up by the end of the season, and rookie guards Shaq Mason and Tre’ Jackson were inconsistent.

The Patriots must hope Scarnecchia can mold Mason, Jackson, second-year center David Andrews and third-year pro Bryan Stork into more consistent players. The Patriots also brought in third-round offensive lineman Joe Thuney, sixth-rounder Ted Karras and Jonathan Cooper, a former first-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals, this offseason to boost their depth.

The Patriots will have plenty of competition along the offensive line in organized team activities, minicamp and training camp. They’ll have to hope the tutelage of Scarnecchia and some added experience will propel the unit in 2016.

Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images