The New England Patriots have posted the Sights and Sounds video from their 27-0 shellacking of the Houston Texans. It’s 4 minutes and 29 seconds long and it’s all worth watching.
There’s one key storyline that I want to highlight from the video, though, and it’s about offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. He has saved this Patriots offensive line after one offseason and it’s clear that his influence has spread into the run game as the rushing offense coordinator.
“It’ll get better as it goes,” Scarnecchia says to running back LeGarrette Blount on the sideline after the first field goal drive. Blount had four carries for eight yards through this point in the game.
Blount eventually scored his first touchdown and Scarnecchia is shown congratulating the offensive line. “Good job stuffing that in,” tight end and captain Rob Gronkowski says to Blount.
The Patriots held a 20-0 lead and Scarnecchia is shown leading the offensive linemen in a huddle.
“It’s the big boy league now, no lead’s are safe,” Scar says. “So how can we hold up our end of it? We got to go out there and stay out there. That’s what offenses do.”
The video then cuts to Blount breaking free for his 41-yard touchdown run. Blount is walking back to the sideline and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is freaking out (“THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT, BEAST!”) and so are the other players around them. Scar quietly pulls Blount aside.
“Hey, I told you it would happen late,” Scar calmly says, gently patting Blount’s pads. “Way to go.”
How can you not love this guy? He’s right about all of it. It’ll happen, he tells Blount. Stay in control, he tells the offensive line. And they do it and they do it well. He’s a true coach, through and through.
Hopefully Cole Popovich is taking notes.
The video is fun to watch. Bill Belichick gives some love to right guard Shaq Mason for throwing the key block to spring Jacoby Brissett’s long touchdown run, and the defense- players and coaching staff together- is full of so much energy.