The [Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots)’ start to the season wasn’t ideal, but the team may have turned things around. With two straight wins, New England is on a mission to make a second straight Super Bowl appearance.
During a weekend honoring the Patriots’ past, coach Mike Vrabel believes the current team should emulate that era.
The Patriots’ dynasty started during the 2001-02 season. It was the beginning of the Tom Brady–Bill Belichick connection and when several legends put on a New England uniform. It was also when Vrabel joined the team as a free agent.
Honoring Adam Vinatieri this weekend, part of the “Tuck Game” and Super Bowl-clinching kicks, Vrabel talked with former teammate Tedy Bruschi. They discussed the 2001-02 Patriots team going 1–3 to start the season and ending it 11–5. This year, the Patriots started 1-2.
"I think that’s the blueprint for where we want to be," Vrabel said via [Boston.com](https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2026/10/11/mike-vrabel-tedy-bruschi-2001-patriots-2026-blueprint/). "We know that there’s not much history in sports while we’re playing. There’s history when we’re done playing. This is our own journey that we’re trying to create with this football team, but I remind them that team was 5-5 and won nine games after Thanksgiving."
The Patriots started the season with a loss to the Seahawks, a team that beat them in last year’s Super Bowl. After getting blown out against the Jaguars in Week 3, the team beat the Bills. In Week 5, they decimated the Raiders.
QB Drake Maye impressed against Las Vegas, the defense stepped up despite various injuries, and several receivers shined. Vrabel emphasized a “next man up” approach and believes this team can do anything.
"I think it’s a lot of just saying, 'This is what you’re capable of doing, and that you are the answer,'" Vrabel said. "We talked a lot about everyone trying to be the answer and the reason why we were going to get back in the race, and that’s got to continue. Last week is not going to help us today. I think we’re excited."
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