The New England Patriots wrapped up their third practice, and if you expected full-throttle action, prepare for a surprise. They dialed the tempo *way* back on Monday for a shortened walkthrough session. This is all part of their five-day ramp-up period, and it is a fascinating peek behind the curtain.
Why Vrabel Hit the Brakes on Intensity
This was not your typical high-octane football practice. We’re talking bucket hats and sneakers, a straight-up jogthrough after three days of pure speed work. Head coach Mike Vrabel was upfront about it, explaining, “This is something that we feel like can help us be able to learn and still develop and install it at different paces.” He pointed out it worked well last season, so if they can keep handling it, they will. When they work, they work hard, but a different pace helps with details and technique. Players totally dug it, saying it helps with the mental game, which then cranks up their confidence when they go full speed.
Good news on attendance: the active roster had perfect attendance, with FB Reggie Gilliam back after a vet rest day. Five guys are still on injured lists, including ED Gabe Jacas, RB Terrell Jennings, TE C.J. Dippre, ED Harold Landry III, and S Brenden Schooler. Vrabel sounds cautiously optimistic about Jacas, saying, “We were going to evaluate him, we are going to see where he is at. This is all part of the process.” Sounds like they are playing it smart with his rehab.
Who’s Lining Up With Maye, and Who’s Fighting for Snaps?
The offense and defense split up, and everyone’s watching who’s getting reps with Drake Maye. His consistent wide receiver crew included A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, and DeMario Douglas. Kyle Williams started with that group, while Efton Chism III was on the other field. Then, after special teams, those second-year receivers swapped places for the next full-team session.
Keep an eye on the third running back and tight end spots, those jobs are wide open. Lan Larison is making a strong case, consistently being the first back to get carries after Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. And at tight end, Tanner Arkin is a steady presence right behind Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon.
On the offensive line, no surprises for Maye’s protection unit: Will Campbell, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, and Morgan Moses, left-to-right. For DeVito, Andrew Rupcich was at center, flanked by Ben Brown and Caedan Wallace. Marcus Bryant and Caleb Lomu handled tackle duties. Vrabel even talked up Lomu’s versatility, saying they are trying him at “jumbo tight end work, and he will play some tackle, he will play some guard.” They are clearly looking to see how many ways this guy can help out.
So, there you have it. Vrabel’s got a unique vision playing out, and he is not afraid to hit the brakes to refine the mental game. Will this dialed-back approach give them the edge when the pads go on for real? We will all be watching to see how this “different pace” translates when the season heats up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply