Patriots' Mike Vrabel Takes a Shot at Bill Belichick's 'Clunkers' Amid Struggles
In the next few days, we’ll come away with a clearer picture of where, exactly, the Patriots‘ brain trust feels the organization is at this point. The team is 6-2, and the good times are rolling behind a five-game winning streak that has thrust Drake Maye into the NFL’s MVP conversation, and not just as a novelty–on the betting markets, he is the No. 2 choice for the award.
While chests can be puffed at that reality, the other reality is that the Patriots have played a marshmallow-soft string of opponents, who have a combined record of 21-41 this season. They’ve been fortunate to avoid injuries and their depth at just about every spot on the roster is not there, the depth chart cobbled together by free-agent signings, but lacking the depth that a string of good drafts brings.
Do the Patriots buy into themselves as a contender? Or do they see themselves still in Phase 1 of a rebuild? Tuesday’s trade deadline will likely give us some indication. But we have learned that, without a doubt, coach Mike Vrabel had little need or respect for the players left behind by his old coach, Bill Belichick.
Mike Vrabel: ‘They Won 8 Games’
Of course, Belichick departed ahead of the 2024 season, and while he has been burning his legacy to the ground on Instagram and in Chapel Hill, Vrabel has systematically rooted out the players who had been brought in by Belichick. This week, the Pats dumped Keion White and Kyle Dugger–two Belichick second-rounders–in trades that brought them nothing more than sixth-round picks, at best.
Vrabel was asked on Friday whether he feels a “burden” of trying to erase the Belichick tenure. Vrabel was, as is his wont, blunt and took a shot at the bare cupboards Belichick left behind.
“I don’t know what the burden is,” Vrabel said. “They won eight games in two years. So, none of that matters. Whether it was a Super Bowl or a not very good year. It doesn’t matter. So, in this league, if you take a nap, you’re going to get beat, and that’s just how it is. So, we’re not trying to take a nap.”
Patriots Have Not Had Success in ‘A Lot of Years’
Ouch. Vrabel was also asked about the process of weeding out players from the old regime to put his own stamp on the organization. It was mentioned that the “Do your job” mantra has not been heard very much.
“Let’s first just say it’s been a lot of years since that has happened. So, I don’t know how many people really around here know,” Vrabel said. “All we’re trying to do is just try to win games, get good guys, enjoy coming to work, coach the [expletive] out of them, watch them have success and be excited for them. None of that goes in and, ‘Well, they did it this way; we’re going to do it the opposite.'”
Patriots Not Giving Cash to ‘Clunkers’
But Vrabel was clear that the players he let go this year are, as he said, “clunkers.”
“There’s a lot of things that are good that you take from people, and there’s some things that you come up with on your own that’s good, and then there’s some ones that are clunkers. When they’re clunkers, you own it, change it and fix it,” Vrabel said. “So, we’ll make some modifications to the player announcements, and we’ll get the names in order this time, and we’ll go from there.”
Katie and Bridget Draw a Line in the Sand: ‘The Game Is Over, Luna – You’re Not Winning This One’
The drama on The Bold and the Beautiful continues to intensify as Katie and Bridget make a bold move against Luna, effectively ending her manipulative game. In a shocking confrontation, the two women make it clear that Luna’s control over the Spencer family is over, and she won’t get away with her lies anymore.
"You’ve been playing a game, Luna, but we’re done with the lies. Will deserves better, and this baby? It’s not going to save you. We’ve got the power now, and you’re not going to control any of us. So, enjoy your little victory while it lasts because it’s over. You’re not winning this one," Katie and Bridget declared in a powerful exchange.
For months, Luna has been manipulating those around her, especially Will Spencer (Crew Morrow), using her pregnancy as a way to control the situation. Her confidence has been a constant source of tension for the Spencer family, with many wondering how long it would take before her lies caught up with her. Now, with Katie and Bridget taking a stand, it seems Luna’s game has come to an end.
Katie’s protective instincts have always been strong, especially when it comes to her family. She knows that Luna’s influence over Will has been toxic, and now that she’s aware of the full extent of Luna’s manipulation, she is ready to take action. Alongside Bridget, Katie is prepared to fight for what’s best for Will and the Spencer family, even if it means facing the wrath of Luna.
Bridget, who has always been a calm and rational presence, has also had enough of Luna’s antics. While she understands the complexities of the situation, she can’t stand by and watch Luna continue to cause chaos. Together, Katie and Bridget form an unshakable front, making it clear that Luna’s reign of manipulation is over.
For Luna, this is a crushing blow. Her plan to use her pregnancy as leverage has failed, and now she faces the consequences of her actions. With Katie and Bridget standing firm, Luna’s once-confident smirk has now turned into nervous uncertainty. The tables have turned, and it’s clear that her grip on the situation is slipping.
As the drama unfolds, fans are left on the edge of their seats, wondering what Luna will do next. Will she fight back with even more cunning? Or has Katie and Bridget’s powerful stance finally broken her hold over the Spencer family? One thing is for sure: the battle lines have been drawn, and Luna is no longer in control.
