Coming off consecutive 4-13 seasons, the New England Patriots are hoping to show the web page shortly below new head coach Mike Vrabel.
“I believe there’s an pleasure. There’s an vitality,” Vrabel advised reporters Tuesday because the workforce’s offseason program received underway. ” I believe there is a willingness of gamers that stroll in and wish to enhance, wish to get to know the brand new gamers and those that they are aware of from final 12 months, the coaches and every little thing else. We’re simply continuously attempting to construct that every day.”
Vrabel, who performed for the Patriots from 2001-08 and coached the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23, replaces Jerod Mayo. Mayo solely coached one season after succeeding six-time Tremendous Bowl winner Invoice Belichick.
Proper now, Vrabel mentioned the Patriots try to combine second-year quarterback Drake Maye and the remainder of the roster into a brand new system forward of subsequent month’s necessary minicamp.
“I believe everyone’s labored extraordinarily onerous, together with Drake, to choose up what we wish to do offensively and defensively,” Vrabel mentioned. “Now that has to begin to translate onto the apply area in a spring setting, with out pads, and I believe that we’re off to a superb begin. We had a constructive day. We have been in a position to combine some pace stuff in and aggressive stuff to some extent.”
Though these are non-contact classes, Vrabel mentioned there are nonetheless issues he needs to see in each apply.
“That we’re out and in of the huddle, that there are clear substitutions, that there is communication,” he started. “You hear the protection making checks when anyone on the offense strikes or motions. There’s coordination, and that the offense is shifting with urgency and that the play clock is not sitting at zero for 4 seconds. The entire operational issues.
“After which there’s clearly received to be a degree of execution once we’re within the pace, after which once we get to the jog-through, can we apply at a tempo that is lower than 100-percent and nonetheless get one thing out of it.”
Vrabel confirmed that the Patriots will maintain joint practices throughout coaching camp later this summer time with each the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings.
He additionally gave an replace on working again Rhamondre Stevenson, who’s coping with the passing of his father in March.
“We’re extraordinarily excited to have him with us. I have been in fixed communication with him, and clearly our ideas and prayers are with him and his household as they heal they usually grieve, and I wish to be part of that to assist him, and get to know him,” Vrabel mentioned of Stevenson, additionally praising his on-field effort and efficiency from final season.
“He’ll be a big a part of what we do, and we’ll simply have to find out the place he is at when he is again right here,” Vrabel mentioned of Stevenson.
New England opens the common season at dwelling towards the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 7.
–Subject Stage Media
