Mike Vrabel Stands By Patriots’ Preseason Decision After Week 1 Loss
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Mike Vrabel is not second-guessing how he prepared the New England Patriots for their season opener. The Patriots rested their starters throughout the preseason, creating questions about whether the lack of live game action contributed to Wednesday night’s 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
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Vrabel firmly rejected that suggestion Thursday.
“Playing the backups for the Eagles or the Colts, I don’t think was going to prepare us for what we saw last night,” Vrabel said, according to NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry.
The Patriots were not overwhelmed physically by Seattle. They led the defending Super Bowl champions 10-0 through three quarters and were in position to win despite losing star receiver A.J. Brown to an ankle injury. Everything changed during the final 15 minutes.
Patriots’ Fourth-Quarter Collapse Was Not About Rust
Drake Maye threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter, including one in the end zone with 26 seconds remaining. The final turnover was particularly costly because New England already was in field-goal range and could have forced overtime with a short Andy Borregales attempt.
Mike Vrabel stands by his call not to play starters in the preseason: "Playing the backups for the Eagles or the Colts... I don't think was going to prepare us for what we saw last night."
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) September 10, 2026
Maye completed 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. His first touchdown pass of the season went to rookie tight end Eli Raridon, giving New England an early 7-0 advantage. (patspulpit.com) Maye appeared comfortable for much of the game. His problems surfaced when Seattle changed the picture and increased the pressure during the fourth quarter.
That distinction helps explain why Vrabel does not believe a few preseason series against reserve players would have changed the outcome.
Seattle possesses one of the NFL’s most talented defenses. The Seahawks disguised coverages, created pressure and forced Maye to make difficult decisions in critical situations. Those are challenges that preseason football rarely can reproduce.
The Patriots protected Maye well for most of the night, allowing only two sacks. Rhamondre Stevenson also produced 95 yards from scrimmage as New England controlled the game for long stretches.
The execution disappeared when the Patriots needed it most.
Vrabel Believes Patriots Had Enough Preparation
Vrabel’s decision to rest his starters was designed to protect the roster and prioritize practice repetitions over exhibition snaps.
There always was going to be criticism if New England struggled in Week 1. The outcome made the second-guessing inevitable, but Vrabel does not believe the Patriots lost because they were unprepared for regular-season speed.
New England’s performance supports part of his argument. The Patriots did not fall behind early or spend the first half attempting to find their rhythm. Their defense pressured Seattle quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Drew Lock, while the offense did enough to establish a double-digit lead.
The collapse came after the Patriots had already put themselves in position to win.
Seattle scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Lock, who replaced the injured Darnold, completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown while leading the decisive comeback. Vrabel now must ensure that one difficult quarter does not become a larger problem.
The Patriots have an extended break before hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 20. That gives the coaching staff additional time to correct Maye’s mistakes, determine Brown’s availability and prepare for another talented defense.
Vrabel would undoubtedly change several things about Wednesday night’s performance.
His preseason plan is not one of them.