Mike Vrabel Identifies Patriots’ Biggest Problem After Preseason Tie with Colts image
Jun 10, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holds a press conference before minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The New England Patriots gave Mike Vrabel plenty to evaluate in their 2026 preseason opener. New England forced four turnovers, did not commit one and carried a six-point lead into the fourth quarter Thursday night at Gillette Stadium. None of that was enough to produce a victory, as the Indianapolis Colts rallied to secure a 13-13 tie.
Vrabel made it clear during the Patriots’ postgame press conferences that New England must do a better job of capitalizing on the opportunities it creates. That was the defining issue against Indianapolis.
Patriots squander favorable turnover margin
The Patriots intercepted Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard once apiece. They also recovered two Colts fumbles, giving New England four takeaways without surrendering the football once. A plus-four turnover margin normally produces a comfortable victory. Instead, the Patriots generated only 13 points and 275 total yards.
New England’s inability to consistently move the football prevented the defense’s biggest plays from changing the game. The Patriots averaged 4.1 yards per play, went scoreless in two quarters and managed only one touchdown.
Tommy DeVito connected with Kyle Williams for a 25-yard score in the second quarter, but that was New England’s only trip to the end zone.
The Patriots were especially ineffective on the ground. They finished with 83 rushing yards on 32 attempts, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry. Jam Miller produced 55 yards on 14 carries, but the rest of the team combined for only 28 yards.
Vrabel entered the preseason wanting to assess New England’s depth and execution. The opener showed that the Patriots have defensive players capable of creating turnovers, but the offense must be far more efficient when presented with short fields and additional possessions.
MORE: Patriots settle for preseason tie after late Colts rally at Gillette Stadium
Special teams leaves points on the field
Andy Borregales’ difficult performance contributed significantly to the disappointing result. Borregales made field goals from 40 and 52 yards, but he finished only 2-for-5 on his attempts. Those three misses represented nine potential points in a game that ended tied.
The struggles were surprising after Borregales made 27 of 32 field goals as a rookie in 2025. He also converted 53 of 55 extra-point attempts and played an important role in New England’s run to Super Bowl LX. One preseason performance should not create a kicking controversy. It does, however, provide an immediate area for Vrabel and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer to address.
New England also was unable to close the game after taking a 13-7 advantage into the fourth quarter. Indianapolis scored twice in the final period while the Patriots’ offense stalled. The tie will not count toward the regular-season standings, but Vrabel’s message remains relevant. Creating opportunities is only the beginning. The Patriots must finish drives, convert kicks and capitalize on takeaways if they want to compete for another AFC championship.
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