FOXBOROUGH – Mike Vrabel understands why the Patriots won four games.
It was never about revenge.
That’s why the Patriots coach has downplayed his return to Tennessee this weekend when his team takes on the Titans. With a roster having several former Titans players and coaches, the Patriots are saying this week has been business as usual in Foxborough.
“That’s his message, too,” said current Patriots and former Titans linebacker Jack Gibbes. “It’s not about him. It’s not about me or any other guys from Tennessee. That’s the next opponent we’ve got, and we’re going to try to win it just like any other game.”
Vrabel spent six seasons as the head coach of the Titans. Under his leadership, the Titans made three straight playoff appearances. In his first four years, from 2018 to 2021, Tennessee finished with a winning record.
The last two seasons, however, were less than desirable due to a shaky quarterback situation. In 2022, the Titans started three different quarterbacks en route to a 7-10 record. One of those quarterbacks is Joshua Dobbs, who is now the Patriots backup quarterback.
“I got to play. The situation was a unique situation looking back on it,” Dobbs said. “I think it was a blessing to spend time with Vrabes and his staff and ultimately end up here because of that time I was able to spend time with them.”
The Titans also didn’t have Pro Bowl receiver AJ Brown, who was traded in the offseason. The offense didn’t regain its form in 2023. That year, Vrabel’s team started two quarterbacks, including rookie Will Levis. Tennessee finished 6-11, and Vrabel was fired at the end of the year.
Tight end Austin Hooper was with Vrabel in Tennessee during the 2022 season. The veteran said the team is downplaying their coach’s return because they’re focused on what’s important.
“There are new faces over there, too. It’s not like you’re going against the same team minus a few people,” Hooper said. “It’s a whole cast of new faces over there, just like it is over here. For us, internally, no, we’ve got to prepare for an NFL football team with stout players on defense.
“It’s just the next challenge ahead of the football team. It wasn’t about (Vrabel). It wasn’t about any of the coaches or players that have played for that organization. It’s having the ability to go on the road again and execute together.”
Vrabel’s ability to get his team focused has seen the Patriots achieve new heights this season.
In six weeks, the 4-2 Patriots have already matched the win total of their last two seasons. Vrabel’s team has won three games in a row, which is a first in New England since 2022.
Those four wins are the same number of victories that the Titans organization has had since firing Vrabel in 2024. It was a move that has worked out for New England.
Robert Spillane, who played for Vrabel’s Titans team in 2018, said the team’s motivation goes beyond their former team.
“This is a win for the team, win for your future in the league, win for your children or your unborn children if you don’t have them,” Spillane said. “We’ve got a lot to play for.”
This season, multiple players have had strong games in familiar environments. Stefon Diggs caught 10 passes for 146 yards against his former Buffalo Bills. Last weekend, Kayshon Boutte caught five passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns in his home state of Louisiana.
This week, Vrabel, along with several players and staff members, returns to Tennessee to take on the Titans. Players say they need to do what they’ve done all season to win their fourth-straight game.
“We all obviously know,” Dobbs said. “Several of us spent time there. He spent time there. It’s just another game. We’ve got to lock in and take it one week at a time and not get caught up on outside stories. We’ve got to get ready to play and play a good game on Sunday.”
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