New England Patriots - NESN.com
In the modern NFL, the best head coaches have to be aggressive. They’re not reckless, but they must play to win rather than play not to lose.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel falls into that category, as he’s not afraid to make bold, gutsy decisions during critical moments.
One of those calls paid off at the end of the first half during the Patriots’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Down 10-7 on the road, New England was stuffed repeatedly on the Buccaneers’ one-yard line, setting up a fourth and goal with two seconds left.
Rather than kicking a field goal to tie the game before halftime, Vrabel trusted the analytics and went for it, risking the drive coming up empty-handed.
The gamble paid off, as Drake Maye found Stefon Diggs in the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown. It was a clear turning point in the game, as the Patriots never trailed again and surged to a 28-23 victory.
After the game, Maye praised Vrabel for his willingness to be aggressive in that spot.
“That’s who he is. He’s aggressive. He’s not gonna change,” Maye said during his postgame press conference. “It’s fun to listen in on the headset and just hear kind of what his thought process is. He’s the best in the business, and I’m just thankful I get to play for him.”
Vrabel is a big reason why New England is 8-2 and has won seven games in a row. Five of the Patriots’ eight wins have come in one-score games, so he’s often been the difference between winning and losing.
Vrabel’s aggressive strategy has been a marked departure from his predecessor, Jerod Mayo, who was often too timid and cost New England several close games last year with his conservative tactics.
The Patriots will look to stay hot and extend their winning streak this week against the New York Jets at home on Thursday Night Football.
