Some New England Patriots players might be in for a reality check now that Mike Vrabel is their new head coach.
The Patriots announced the hiring of Vrabel on Sunday and by all accounts, he’ll bring a much different approach to the head coaching spot than his easygoing, in-over-his-head predecessor Jerod Mayo.
Former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, who was coached by Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans, already issued a warning to those who wear a Patriots uniform. And at least one Patriots player is ready for the change in style that Vrabel brings and believes it will do the team a world of good.
“I already did my homework. I know he can be an (expletive),” one player told Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Girardi. “This year proved we need that. There are a lot of guys on this team who don’t know what it takes to be a pro and how hard you have to work to win. Mike will make sure there’s a standard. I’m sure of it.”
The standard certainly slipped after back-to-back 4-13 seasons in which the Patriots didn’t resemble the New England teams of the past that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.
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They were an undisciplined bunch both on an off the field — it didn’t help that Mayo didn’t know how to dole out punishment, either — and Vrabel should clean that up.
Vrabel has similarities to Bill Belichick’s coaching style, but brings his own flair. He won’t be afraid to call out players as he had no problem jawing with Tom Brady during their days on the practice field together.
“I know he holds his players accountable. I know he will have us prepared,” a Patriots player who played for Belichick and Mayo told Girardi. “The rest, they say, is up to us.”
