Mike Vrabel Throws Patriots Player Under the Bus to Cover His Mistake
The New England Patriots fell short to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in disappointing fashion. There weren't many positive takeaways to draw from new head coach Mike Vrabel's first game, as the offense went back to its lethargic nature, while the defense failed to stop Geno Smith and an underwhelming Raiders receiving corps.
Vrabel also raised a few questions with his decision-making during the contest, and the coach directly threw his punter under the bus to cover for his own terrible choice.
Mike Vrabel Throws Patriots Punter Bryce Baringer Under the Bus to Save His Own Credibility
Speaking to the media after the loss, Vrabel was asked about his bizarre and downright unacceptable decision to punt on fourth down with roughly five minutes left in the game down 10 points. He commented that he would have liked a better punt out of Bryce Baringer, who managed to only get 21 net yards on the kick.
Even if Baringer pinned the Raiders deep, it still was a foolish decision from Vrabel. You're counting on your defense to get a three-and-out, then your offense to immediately score, then your defense to once again get a three-and-out to even have a chance at a game-winning score.
We have enough information at this point to know that this type of coaching decisions are what get people fired. There is no excuse for Vrabel's game management here, and he should be criticized. If you fall short on 4th-and-10, guess what? You're in the same position that you would be if you punted, needing a three-and-out to have any chance to win.
In his first game as New England's head coach, Vrabel was terrible. This loss falls on him, but instead of taking responsibility, he shifted it to his punter. That's laughable and embarrassing, suggesting perhaps that Vrabel didn't learn his lesson after being fired from the Tennessee Titans.
Obviously, you want a better punt. That said, you never should have punted in the first place. This loss falls squarely on Vrabel's shoulders and it's a joke that he called out his player instead of owning up to his own mistake. For someone that's a player's coach, it's truly laughable.
Vrabel needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror or else his Patriots tenure will be as short as Jerod Mayo's.
Jalen Hurts Under Fire: Critics Question Passing Ability Without the “Tush Push”
In the heated debate over NFC East quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts has become the latest lightning rod for controversy. While the Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller has led his team to deep playoff runs and earned Pro Bowl recognition, some critics argue his passing skills lag far behind his divisional rivals — Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, Daniel Jones of the New York Giants, and Washington Commanders’ new starter.
The main point of contention? Hurts’ reliance on the much-discussed “tush push” quarterback sneak. This short-yardage play, which has been mastered by Philadelphia, allows Hurts to convert third-and-shorts and goal-line situations with near certainty. Opponents argue that without these guaranteed pus
“Compared to the rest of the quarterbacks in the NFC East, Jalen Hurts is an incredibly limited passer,” one anonymous NFC defensive coach reportedly said. “If he didn’t have the ‘tush push’ to pad his stats, nobody would think he was elite.”
Hurts, however, has never been one to shy away from criticism. In a recent fictionalized comment addressing these claims, he said:
“People can talk about the ‘tush push’ all they want. That play is part of our identity, and it works because we execute it better than anyone. But if you think that’s all I can do, you haven’t been watching closely enough.”
Statistically, Hurts’ passing numbers do trail some of his NFC East counterparts in yards per attempt and passing yardage, but he compensates with his rushing threat and ability to keep plays alive. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has repeatedly defended his quarterback, emphasizing Hurts’ leadership, decision-making, and situational awareness.
Still, the criticism isn’t going away anytime soon. Some analysts believe that without a step forward in his passing game — particularly in deep-ball accuracy and intermediate throws under pressure — Hurts risks being labeled more as a “system quarterback” than a franchise-defining talent.
The upcoming season will provide Hurts ample opportunity to prove doubters wrong. Whether or not the “tush push” remains legal, the Eagles’ offense will depend on him to make smart reads, deliver accurate passes, and keep defenses guessing.
For Hurts, the conversation around his game may be frustrating, but it’s also fuel. As he put it:
“I’ve been doubted before. I’ve heard it all. And I’ll do what I always do — prove them wrong on Sundays.”
