It was tricky navigating the end of the Belichick era and the start of what was in hindsight, a simply too early promotion for not even DC Jerod Mayo. And whilst there are still going to be issues, Vrabel returning to New England and being our leader feels fifty shades of right to me.
The confidence that fans seem to have for the Coach isn’t just due to the eight years he played in New England as one of the most versatile linebackers in the franchise history. It’s not even due to the eight regular season passes, two in the playoffs that were all receptions and resulted in touchdowns. Nor is that due to the fact that he played tight end… okay that one is kinda just for me really. It’s the dynamic mind set, experience, AND the history that Mike Vrabel brings to the table.
Vrabel has 14 years of coaching experience, 11 of those in the NFL, most predominantly at Tennessee. During the six seasons with the Titans he led them to two divisional titles, and three play off appearances. Not to mention he was named the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year in 2021for leading the Titans to a 12-5 record.
I found a quote in a recent article from Conor Roche of Boston Globe Media and it painted an extensive picture of Mike Vrabel. Andrew Berry, General Manager for the Cleveland Browns said how Vrabel had really made his presence felt during the season he was with the Browns in his generally undefined role.
“Mike’s awesome. He has this infectious energy. He’s a ball coach. He loves being on the grass. He loves being with the players. He loves developing young coaches.” Barry told reporters at the combine in February this year.
“He can coach any position on the field, and has more knowledge in his pinky finger than probably most people would in 20 years of football. New England’s very, very fortunate to hire him. I think he’ll do a great job.”
And this is definitely something I witnessed even myself when I was blessed to attend a few of the Patriots practice sessions. Vrabel gets in there, it’s only the pre season and Vrabel is 2-0 on practice fights and pile ups!
But in all seriousness, I appreciate some fans aren’t quite convinced. You need to see to believe and I respect that. I just think as a fan it’s hard to deny the difference that there is in New England now.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine, rainbows and fist fights. There are performance issues with some players, a few of the same old offensive line niggles for now. Not to mention the New England age old issue of the wide receiver room.
Something that Vrabel was able to bring with him that unfortunately Jerod Mayo just didn’t have at his disposal is other experienced coaching staff. Not to mention the behind the scenes right hand man, John “Stretch” Streicher.
So whilst I appreciate reservations about player performance, meld-ability of some of the position groups, I really truly can not help being beyond confident in this team, in this organisation, in this Coach.
And I get you could be reading this and telling me “yeah but Clazz, the proof is in the playing of games” and I wouldn’t disagree. And I wouldn’t tell you to think anything different, I’m just here to give out a bit of information and entertainment and hopefully keep that positivity level up a little!
Go Pats!