Marcus Cannon has taken his fair share of criticism over the years, but it appears he’s putting that in the rearview mirror this season.
The 28-year-old right tackle is enjoying a very solid season for the New England Patriots, showing significant improvement both in run blocking and in protecting quarterback Tom Brady.
So, how has Cannon transformed himself from a fringe player to one of New England’s best offensive linemen in 2016? Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia believes it all starts with his technique.
“He hasn’t used his length — his arms are really long, but he doesn’t use them like a guy that has long arms needs to use them,” Scarnecchia said Tuesday, via WEEI.com. “The more you keep the defenders out and away from you instead of letting them get into your body and grab things, the better off you’re going to be at tackle. He has seemed to grasp that very well and embrace it. If he continues to play that way, he’ll be fine, and he has been fine.”
Cannon’s improved technique was on full display in the Patriots’ Week 8 win over the Buffalo Bills, in which he didn’t allow a sack, hurry or QB hit as Brady threw for 315 passing yards with four touchdowns.
“I think the improvement that we’ve noticed really has been this year,” Scarnecchia added of Cannon. “We asked him to play a different way and to do things differently. He’s such a good guy and really tries to do them that way. He’s made great strides, I honestly think he has improved over the course of this season and that is all you can ask for of any player.
“He’s a big man that moves very well. He uses his hands much better in pass protection and he can be a real force in the run game. I’m pleased with where he is and neither one of us is satisfied, so we just keep moving forward.”
Thumbnail photo via Scott R. Galvin/USA TODAY Sports Images
