How the New England Patriots Have Hit a Turning Point

Last season for the New England Patriots was another forgettable season. No buy in or energy by this team that only won a couple of games last season. It led to the firing of first year coach Jerod Mayo and the hiring of Mike Vrabel. The results of that decision have exceeded expectations so far as the Patriots have an 8-2 record as of this writing. Vrabel’s hiring has reenergized a team that has not felt this way since the Tom Brady era.

Vrabel’s unique coaching style was introduced to the world during the offseason and preseason practice as he was hands on with the players during the practices. Vrabel apparently values personal relationships with the players which was not seen in the brief Mayo era.  Vrabel engaged with the players so much that at one practice, there was a melee between two players. Vrabel got in the middle of it to break up the fight and was bloodied as result of the skirmish. Also, unlike the Tom Brady era, Vrabel is allowing the team to introduce players on an individual level before the games. This demonstrate that his physical presence when engaging with the players is on a different level and it seems that the players respect him as result of it.

Perhaps that was missing from the New England Patriots last season was a “turning point” during season or during games. For example, the victory over the Buffalo Bills earlier in the season can be consider a “turning point” for the team’s season. The Patriots went into that game which was in Buffalo with the public perception they were going to lose. Thanks to losses to a terrible Las Vegas Raiders team and a mediocre Pittsburgh Steelers team. However, they shocked the country and won the game in a hostile environment. The team has continued to used that victory’s momentum as of this writing which has led to successful victories. The use of a “turning point” has not just been limited to the overall season the Patriots have been having. The use of a “turning point” can be clearly seen during Patriots games. For example, during the New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, Vrabel did a risky move by surrendering a down on 1st & goal to keep the clock rolling to avoid Baker Mayfield from getting the ball back before halftime. The Patriots scored the touchdown on 4th & goal with no time left on the clock, got the ball to start the third quarter, and scored another touchdown. If the Patriots did not score the touchdown on 4th& goal, the Patriots gameplan would have been messed up for the rest of the game. The Buccaneers could have won the game if those two drives did not go as planned. Thus, Vrabel is demonstrating that, unlike past seasons, he is seizing on more risky opportunities for the Patriots during games than previous Patriots coaches would hesitate doing in the past. The turning point for the Patriots continues to define the team and Vrabel’s early tenure.