Patriots, offensive line coach part ways after AFC Championship game loss

New England Patriots offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo on the field before the start of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.

The New England Patriots apparently don’t take losing well.

Tom Brady was hit at least 20 times by Denver defenders during Sunday’s AFC Championship game, a 20-18 loss to the Broncos.

While the Patriots offensive line undoubtedly failed yesterday, not all of the blame should be laid at DeGuglielmo’s feet.

Aug 9, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia talks with the offensive line on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots were 19th in the National Football League with 38 sacks allowed, and their 1,404 rushing yards ranked 30th. Defensive end DeMarcus Ware described how he and his teammates rattled Brady, per Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.

The NFL is going with 20 hits, and it is claiming that not only are they the most hits any quarterback has taken in any game this season, they’re the most since 2006.