New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots have plenty to celebrate. They’re off to an 8-2 start, have broadened their divisional lead on the Buffalo Bills, and just completed a sweep over the NFC South portion of their schedule.
In a 28-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams had his long-awaited breakout moment, TreVeyon Henderson performed like a true lead running back, and Drake Maye continued to build a case for league MVP.
But the Patriots’ leader is not ready to celebrate.
In a video posted by the Patriots’ social media team, head coach Mike Vrabel is seen leading a jubilant locker room after New England’s seventh straight victory.
“The great thing about this league is there’s one waiting for us,” Vrabel said.
The “one” Vrabel is referring to is the New York Jets, whom the Patriots face Thursday night.
“There is another one waiting for us. And the most important one is the next one,” he said.
One of Vrabel’s strengths as a head coach is his handling of a locker room’s culture. Beating a six-win Buccaneers team in a down-to-the-wire victory would cause any team to celebrate.
For the Patriots, Vrabel is allowing them to enjoy the win but continues to keep their focus on the bigger picture of being a division winner.
