He was injured when he got entangled in a practice scramble between plays during a multi-team practice with the Washington Commanders in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Running back TreVeyon Henderson had a huge game-saving play here, securing the blitz pickup for McCord. This move resulted in several offensive and defensive players stacking up on the field.
Vrabel didn’t shy away from the action, showing us all his hands-on approach to coaching. He came out of the scrum with a bloodied cheek. Not long after the incident, he was spotted with a bag of ice on his right flank. This moment said a lot about Vrabel’s effort to create an edge within the organization.
Drake Maye, a member of the Patriots, noted what a difference it made having Vrabel there. “That’s what we’re trying to build, and it starts with the head coach — intensity, bringing it every day, taking no crap when we’re out there on the field,” he stated. Maye further emphasized, “Pass pro is physical. It’s a physical game. Things happen out there.”
Vrabel’s actions definitely hit home on the practice field, as they served as a glaring example of his commitment to get his jersey dirty. Hunter Henry remarked, “He’s right there with us, man. I think that player comes out in him a little bit too.” This depressing sentiment lies at the heart of the team’s faith in Vrabel’s physical approach to bring out a tougher work ethic in players.
Morgan Moses added to this perspective by stating, “He loves what he does. Any time you got a coach you see out there wearing pads and getting punched by guys and doing drills, it makes you want to go harder.” Such comments underline the respect players have for Vrabel’s approach as they prepare for the upcoming season.
After the confrontation, DeMario “Pop” Douglas described a funny post-practice word with Vrabel after the formation debacle. “I said, ‘Coach, what’s wrong with you?’ And he said, ‘You should have seen the other guy,’” Douglas recounted, highlighting the coach’s light-hearted demeanor even in tough situations.
As the Patriots get focused on their next test, analysts such as Booger McFarland are quick to tout confidence in Vrabel’s command. McFarland was hired with the intention to bring a culture that would see the Patriots being very disciplined and fundamentally sound.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss, who has covered the Patriots since 1997 and was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. Phillips said that’s what makes Vrabel a players’ coach—to a fault, at times. Aside from the intimidation aspect, his direct participation in practice serves to inspire competitors and further establish the culture of toughness.
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