New England Patriots - NESN.com
Mike Vrabel has transformed the New England Patriots’ defense into a formidable unit. A long-running AFC dynasty allegedly wants no part of him.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have told people around the league, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, that they “truly hate” opposing two coaches. The iconic duo doesn’t like facing Vrabel and their Week 12 opponent, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
The Chiefs split their four games against the Tennessee Titans during Vrabel’s tenure as head coach. Kansas City advanced to Super Bowl LIV with a 35-24 win over Tennessee in the AFC Championship Game, but the subsequent encounter didn’t go as well.
Tennessee earned a 27-3 victory over Kansas City during the 2021 season. Mahomes got sacked four times and coughed up two turnovers before exiting the rare blowout loss early.
Vrabel’s defense completely neutralized Kansas City’s running backs three years ago, but Mahomes amassed 446 passing yards on 68 attempts and 63 of the team’s 77 rushing yards in a 20-17 overtime win.
Luckily for Reid and Mahomes, the Patriots aren’t on their 2025 schedule. However, a postseason encounter remains possible.
The Patriots enter Sunday with a two-game lead in the AFC East, and the Chiefs can help New England’s pursuit of the No. 1 seed by defeating the 8-2 Colts. Yet the playoffs are far less certain for Reid and Mahomes.
Kansas City begins Sunday ninth in the AFC standings at 5-5. A Week 12 loss puts the Chiefs in serious jeopardy of missing the postseason for the first time since 2014.
