Mike Vrabel is changing the culture in New England as he has Drake Maye and the Patriots off to a
Mike Vrabel is changing the culture in New England as he has Drake Maye and the Patriots off to a 3-2 start heading into their Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. WEEI Patriots insider Tom Carroll says the new head coach is treating players like “human beings” — something that didn’t happen under Bill Belichick or Jerod Mayo.
Vrabel took over for Mayo, who lasted just one season after going 4-13 in 2024. Mayo had succeeded Belichick after the Patriots parted ways with their longtime coach following the 2023 season.
Vrabel’s Approach Creates ‘Night and Day’ Difference
Carroll explained to Sportsnaut’s Evan Groat how the culture instantly changed under Vrabel.
“I feel like Vrabel’s influence on this organization was evident from the day he took the job and it was a night and day thing from when Jerod Mayo was here,” Carroll said. “Like Jerod Mayo didn’t know what he was doing; he was lost and the stories of that guy and the less than a year he was in on the job are endless for how bad it was.”
Carroll also pointed to how Vrabel treats players compared to his predecessors.
“I think guys really appreciate the fact that Vrabel treats them like human beings and that’s not something that was common for 20-plus years here in New England and look, it worked for a long time until it didn’t,” Carroll said. “Vrabel is a guy that cares about the whole approach — it’s not just the on the field thing; it’s the off the field — it’s having your mind and body right. And I think that that has worked tremendously for this team.”
The new approach has helped unlock Maye’s potential. After being selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the rookie is turning into a franchise quarterback. Through five games, Maye has completed 73.9% of his passes for 1,261 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also rushed 27 times for 110 yards and two scores.
The Patriots are coming off an upset win over the Buffalo Bills last Sunday night and look to continue their momentum on the road against the Saints in Week 6.
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