The New England Patriots lost in the AFC Championship game to the Denver Broncos 20-18. On Monday, the Patriots decided to part ways with Offensive Line coach Dave DeGuglielmo.
The New England Patriots couldn’t stop the Denver Broncos pass rush from getting to Tom Brady on Sunday. According to Foxsports.com, Brady was hit 20 times and sacked four times. The Patriots offensive line never adjusted to the Broncos’ pass rush. It was Dave DeGuglielmo’s job to figure out ways to protect Tom Brady but it wasn’t all his fault. Bill Belichick, who is one of the best coaches in the NFL at making modifications during the game, didn’t seem to help Dave DeGuglielmo. DeGuglielmo has been the Patriots’ Offensive Line coach for the past two seasons.
Instead of blaming Bill Belichick for the loss, the Patriots are putting the responsibility on DeGuglielmo. That is not fair. The Patriots win and lose as a team. It isn’t just one person’s fault.
This is not the first time the Patriots have dismissed someone when the result isn’t to their liking. On November 29th, New England lost to the Denver Broncos in overtime 30-24. The Broncos were down 21-7 with 14:20 left in the game. The Patriots were about to receive the ball back as Denver lined up to punt. Punt returner Chris Harper muffed the punt and Denver recovered. Denver would score 17 unanswered points after that before the Patriots forced overtime. The following Monday they cut Chris Harper, apparently due to the fumble.
The Patriots are always finding a scapegoat for the reason they lost. This is not the best way to run a team. They lost the AFC Championship game because the Broncos made one more play and the Patriots had their opportunities to either win the game or tie. It shouldn’t have cost Dave DeGuglielmo his job.
What do you think of the Patriots firing Dave DeGuglielmo?
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