The Patriots are off and running with the start of training camp and Mike Vrabel has already put his stamp on the proceedings.
More to the point, he's established his presence with the players.
Special teams ace Brenden Schooler put that into context earlier in the week.
“It’s not that you’re not scared, but you know he’s not messing around,” Schooler said of Vrabel. “Like, if you’re not on your P’s and Q’s, you’re not doing exactly what you’re asked to do, how you’re supposed to do it, I don’t think guys are gonna be sticking around long.”
That's just one part of the Vrabel Way.
“There’s also the excitement that he brings, and the energy that he brings," Schooler said. "Because being a former player, he knows the difficulties that we have to go through. And so to have him at the helm, I think it’s going to be beneficial for us.”
At this stage, Vrabel has been ramping up the workouts each day to prepare for when the pads come on (Monday), which will be another litmus test for where things stand.
Before the players took the field Wednesday, Vrabel laid out his vision, and and set a course for his hopes and expectations going forward.
In Vrabel's mind, there are three objectives the Patriots need to achieve to have a successful camp.
1. Build a team.
2. Earn a role.
3. Prepare to win.
"So, if it looks like we build a team, and there's some cohesion, and guys are enjoying being around each other. Are they competing? Are they taking care of each other?" Vrabel said. "And then, are guys starting to figure out, 'Hey, this is going to be my role, I'm going to go try to dominate that, whatever that may be.' And then ultimately, are we understanding these situations, and can we try to win a football game? So, that's what would be successful."
Vrabel's ultimate goal is to get the team good enough to take advantage of bad football. That's what he said right after being hired in January.
Six months later, after early camps and the start of training camp, are they any closer to achieving that goal?
"We're closer than where we were in March or April, when we got here. I think we are," Vrabel said. "I think the players start to understand, you know, we talk about the good, the bad, and the (expletive) that gets you beat. And I think that they can tell the difference between those three now."
Here are some links from the week …
As Stefon Diggs goes, so will the 2025 Patriots
Fear for jobs motivating receivers not named Stefon Diggs | Guregian
Patriots QB Drake Maye describes how Mike Vrabel challenges him
One Patriot veteran explains how Mike Vrabel brings a ‘different vibe’ from past regimes
Mike Vrabel’s a fan favorite at Patriots training camp
Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs had Patriots fans at hello | Guregian
‘Extremely happy,’ Stefon Diggs off to great start with Patriots
Stefon Diggs being a full-go for training camp changes receiver outlook| Guregian
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel says no limitations on Stefon Diggs for training camp
Drake Maye continues to look improved in second Patriots training camp
What excites Drake Maye the most about this Patriots football team?
This unusual training method has Patriots’ $104 million man ready to dominate in 2025
Patriots’ Christian Barmore is in best shape of his life
Morgan Moses makes surprising admission about Patriots rookie Will Campbell
Rookie receiver shines on first day of Patriots training camp
Hoops, Spikeball and bonding: Inside Drake Maye’s throwing sessions with Patriots pass catchers
Drake Maye organized extra throwing sessions with Patriots receivers
Patriots All-Pro cornerback is already being helped by Stefon Diggs
Patriots defensive coordinator returns after health scare
Patriots All-Pro CB Christian Gonzalez ‘excited’ to get going with his new sidekick
Patriots All-Pro special teamer has bigger goals for upcoming season
