The New England Patriots have enjoyed one of the most impressive turnarounds in NFL history, going from four wins last season to the Super Bowl this year.
They improved dramatically on both sides of the ball in their first year under Mike Vrabel, especially on defense.
The Patriots had one of the league’s worst defenses a year ago, ranking 22nd in both points and yards allowed. This year, they’ve shockingly been one of the best, ranking fourth in points allowed and eighth in yards allowed.
They’ve been even better in the postseason, too, carrying New England to the Super Bowl as Drake Maye and the offense have struggled.
The Patriots completely overhauled their defense under Vrabel, bringing in a new defensive coordinator and new personnel. Of their 11 defensive starters this season, only Pro Bowler Christian Gonzalez was a full-time starter last year.
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“I think that is like, a little bananas,” FanDuel’s Kay Adams said on Friday’s episode of “Up And Adams.” “And it really speaks to, and it’s kind of like in a poetic way, Mike Vrabel…because this is all formed in his likeness, in his image.”
Adams attributes much of New England’s defensive success to Vrabel, who became an All-Pro linebacker and won three Super Bowls with the Patriots in the 2000s after being cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was able to maximize his ability as a player under Bill Belichick, and he’s passed that knowledge and work ethic down to his players, many of whom are castoffs as well.
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New England’s defense has been described as a “no-name” unit this season due to its lack of star players, and that’s by design. Vrabel has underdog players who are hungry and willing to do whatever it takes to win, and he’s getting the most out of them.
If they win the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks next week, it will be the final touch on Vrabel’s masterpiece.
Featured image via Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images
