The New England Patriots pulled off a wild 24-21 comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, but you wouldn’t know it from head coach Mike Vrabel’s comments afterward. Despite rookie quarterback Behren Morton leading a clutch 73-yard game-winning drive, Vrabel wasn’t exactly thrilled, dropping a truth bomb about his squad’s current state. This team might have gotten the W, but the coach is staring down some serious issues heading into the season.
Morton Shines, Rookies Step Up Amidst the Mess
Okay, first things first, let’s give props where they’re due. Rookie QB Behren Morton was on fire. He finished with an 89.7 PFF grade, which is seriously impressive for a guy leading a 73-yard game-winning drive. He even connected with wide receiver Nick DeGennaro for a 37-yard touchdown to put them ahead. And get this, Morton wasn’t just throwing dimes, he was also punting because their regular punter, Bryce Baringer, wasn’t 100 percent. Talk about doing it all! Another rookie, edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins, sealed the deal with a strip sack on Eagles quarterback Cole Payton, a huge play to end it.
On offense, it wasn’t just Morton. Running back Hassan Haskins also notched an 82.0 PFF grade, and wide receiver Kyle Williams made the play of the day with a monstrous 69-yard touchdown reception from Tommy DeVito. Over on defense, cornerback Kindle Vildor had an elite 95.6 PFF grade, showing out with two pass breakups after a potential interception was called back. Linebacker Khalil Jacobs also hit an 89.8 grade and is definitely a defender on the rise. Some serious talent is emerging on that roster.
Vrabel’s Gut Check and the Depth Problem
Now, for the reality check. After the game, Vrabel didn’t hold back. He called the performance “a sloppy showing at times with poor tackling, bad angling and backbreaking penalties.” Ouch. When ESPN’s Mike Reiss asked about playing starters next week, Vrabel hit him with the cold hard truth: “I don’t think we have a very deep team, Mike. So I think we have to make sure that we’re preparing our football team and that we’re doing everything we can to keep our best players available.” That’s a direct quote, folks. That level of honesty from a head coach is telling, especially this early.
The PFF grades backed up some of his concerns. On offense, JaMycal Hasty, CJ Dippre, Tommy DeVito, Tanner Arkin, and JonDarius Morgan all scored in the low 40s. Rookie tight end Tanner Arkin was supposed to step into a blocking role after veteran Julian Hill’s season-ending injury, but he’s slipping, and CJ Dippre isn’t exactly pushing him. Sounds like they might be hitting the free agent market soon. The defensive bottom grades were just as rough, with Isaiah Iton, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Gabe Jacas, Bradyn Swinson, and K.J. Britt all struggling. Rookie Gabe Jacas missed a bunch of “spring work” and some “training camp,” so he clearly needs to catch up, and second-year edge rusher Bradyn Swinson needs to ramp up his production.
It’s clear the Patriots have some serious work to do. They got the win, but the sloppiness and the coach’s frank assessment of their depth are big red flags. Will Vrabel push his guys harder or protect them even more? It’s a tricky balance for them moving forward as they figure out who can truly step up and if their roster truly has the answers.
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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