New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel didn’t pull any punches when discussing Jared Wilson’s performance, even after the team’s dominant 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. Vrabel told reporters on Monday that he felt Wilson was absolutely capable of playing better, and that’s a direct challenge from the top.
The Coach’s Tough Talk
Vrabel was pretty blunt about Wilson’s Week 2 outing. “I think Jared, that wasn’t one of Jared’s better games yesterday,” Vrabel stated, laying it out there for everyone. He specifically pointed to the need for Wilson to “hold up in the middle and pass rush.” Vrabel emphasized he’s seen Wilson perform at a higher level, making it clear he expects more. “I know he can protect better. I’ve seen him protect better,” the coach added, putting the onus squarely on Wilson to step up. Pro Football Focus wasn’t exactly kind either, slapping Wilson with a 51.3 overall grade for the win. That’s not what you want to see for a guy on a winning team, especially so early in the season.
It’s Not All Bad, But The Numbers Don’t Lie
Now, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Wilson. Vrabel acknowledged that Wilson is “at the point of those attacks” when the team breaks runs and gets guys covered up at the second level. He even had a “great block early in the game” that sprung TreVeyon Henderson for a huge 39-yard touchdown. That’s big time stuff, no doubt. Plus, looking at his whole season, including Week 1, Wilson has actually had a solid start. He hasn’t allowed a single sack or hit *this season*. However, the glaring stat is those four total pressures he’s allowed so far this year. You can’t ignore that, and clearly, Vrabel isn’t.
Wilson’s got to take this feedback to heart. He’s got some real strengths, but the coach’s message is loud and clear: elevate your game. He’s allowed zero sacks but those four pressures mean there’s work to be done. The weeks to come will really show if he can take Vrabel’s words and turn them into improved protection. The team is winning, but individual performances are always under the microscope.
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.
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