When the Patriots lost last year's AFC title game to the Denver Broncos, one position group stood out for New England: the offensive line.
Not in a positive way, either, as Tom Brady absorbed four sacks and a game-plan-crushing 17 hits -- many of them brutal.
That beaten up line endured an injury-plagued season that saw New England set a league record with 13 different starting lineups.
It's unfair to blame then-position coach Dave DeGuglielmo for every issue -- New England's line was a M.A.S.H. unit. The Patriots, though, made it a priority after the season to lure back a man who coach Bill Belichick innately admires and trusts: Dante Scarnecchia.