Sportsnaut
The New England Patriots went down to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 7. It marked a return to the city for Mike Vrabel, who was fired after six seasons as the team’s head coach.
Vrabel was asked about his return multiple times during the week and both teams were interested to see how it would play out. Ultimately, Vrabel got the last laugh as his Patriots left Nashville with a dominant 31-13 win, and it could have been much worse.
The Patriots gained 387 total yards of offense and Drake Maye was pretty much perfect. The young quarterback completed 21 of his 23 pass attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Rhamondre Stevenson had his best game of the season, rushing 18 times for 88 yards and one score.
On defense, the unit held the Titans to 255 total yards and just 39 net rushing yards. The Titans also converted just three of 10 third down tries turned the ball over twice.
Several players could have received a game ball for this performance, but Maye had his own idea. Just as Vrabel finished giving his postgame speech, Maye jumped in to make sure his coach was recognized.
“One sec,” Maye said while patting Vrabel’s chest. “Coach Vrabel, we love playing for you. Glad you’re our head coach. We love you, coach.”
The two then embraced with Maye giving Vrabel the game ball.
It was a nice moment, and it showed just how far the Patriots have come in a year. At this time last season, the Patriots were one of the worst teams in the league and there wasn’t much short-term hope. In fact, the Patriots lost to the Titans last season in an ugly overtime game.
Now, the Patriots are 5-2 and firmly in the mix to win the AFC East and host a playoff game in Vrabel’s first year at the helm.
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