The Patriots head into the 2020 NFL season without a few of the people who have been fixtures in New England during previous championship seasons.
Beyond the most obvious example — Tom Brady, as well as other free agent departures — the Patriots will also be playing without a growing number of those on the team who have decided to opt out due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Yet one of the most impactful losses was the retirement of a coach: Dante Scarnecchia. For 34 years, Scarnecchia was an assistant in New England, most notably as an offensive line coach.