Ex-Titans player tells Patriots what to expect from Mike Vrabel

Patriots

“I swear to god it’s going to get tough at times. He can be nasty. But you’re going to win some games.”

Former Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan saw firsthand Mike Vrabel’s impact in Tennessee when it came to establishing a culture and building a winning program. 

And now, Lewan expects that to continue with Vrabel in his new spot as Patriots head coach — even if it might lead to some growing pains along the way for New England.

Lewan, who played for Vrabel for five seasons with the Titans, took to X on Sunday to deliver a message to Patriots players about what to expect under Vrabel moving forward.

“The culture is going to be incredible. You guys are going to win games. Those tough, one-score games, you’re going to win them,” Lewan said in a video. “That’s how Mike Vrabel works. That guy is going to have his team knowing the ins and outs.”

Accountability and discipline have regularly been tossed out when it comes to Vrabel’s reputation with the Titans. Lewan stressed that New England’s locker room might need some time to adjust to the high standard their new head coach will set this spring. 

“You need to keep your (expletive) head on a swivel. You need to understand that (expletive) is going to be really hard for a little bit,” Lewan said. “And it’s going to be okay. But just know, you’re about to go into hell for a little bit. You’re going to be sitting there in the locker room, you’re in small groups, ‘Who the (expletive) is this guy?’ ‘Why is he talking to us like this?’ ‘Who does he think he is?’

“Yeah, he played in the league, whatever … By the way, in that first team meeting, he’s going to tell you how many years he played in the league. And he’s going to reference it forever. Not a bad thing, boys. I’m telling you, it’s going to work out. I was a part of it. While I was in those small little groups, and you start to get away from it, and it’s ‘Yeah, this dude knows what the (expletive) he’s talking about.’” 

Lewan added that Vrabel focuses on attention to detail — be it the X’s and O’s, game tape, or even the personnel around the stadium — will become evident in record time.

“Especially if you’re a rookie, and you’re at the Combine right now, and you get drafted by the Patriots, congratulations,” Lewan said. “But also, keep your (expletive) head on a swivel. You need to dial that thing back in …  “He’s going to have you stand up, ‘Who’s this, Who’s that?’ Learn the janitor’s name. Learn everybody’s name. Learn everything.”

Bill Belichick became known for his exacting nature as Patriots head coach

Lewan noted that Vrabel preaches a system where the entire roster memorizes every facet of the game — be it offense, defense, or special teams — or else. 

“This is how you’re going to win the game. He’s going to paint a beautiful picture for you,” Lewan said of Vrabel’s game prep. “The guy’s stage presence is top tier for a coach,” Lewan went on. “He thinks he’s a comedian, so laugh at the jokes. They’re not always going to be great, but laugh at the jokes anyway.

“He is going to burn the team keys in your head. But if you play offense like I did, you need to know defense and special teams, as well. There’s not a worst feeling sitting in that team meeting, and not having all the answers when he calls on you.”

Even with those growing pains as Vrabel tries to establish his own culture in Foxborough, Lewan added that those learning curves will lead to wins in short order.

“I swear to god it’s going to get tough at times. He can be nasty,” Lewan said. “But you’re going to win some games … you guys are in a good spot. Good luck, Patriots.”