The New England Patriots earned a gritty 29-26 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but head coach Mike Vrabel still found himself answering for a wild second-quarter moment. Late in the first half, Vrabel lost his cool after officials flagged cornerback Marcus Jones for defensive holding on a third-down stop. Vrabel marched out of the coaching box to confront an official, earning a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that gifted Buffalo extra position before quarterback Josh Allen scored on a game-tying touchdown run.
In a postgame pool report, referee Bill Vinovich explained that Vrabel received the flag for using profanity toward an official. When asked about the baffling penalty, Vrabel offered a candid assessment of the officiating crew.
“I think he was a little sensitive,” Vrabel said. “I told him it was a terrible, I'm not going to say effing call. I've said that 87 times since I've been a head coach. It was nothing derogatory.”
Article Continues BelowMike Vrabel on the referee who gave him an unsportsmanlike conduct flag:
"I think he was a little sensitive." 😂 pic.twitter.com/yzPcCPtYV3
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) October 5, 2026
Vrabel admitted he shouldn't have sworn and apologized, but his players rallied behind him in the second half. New England quarterback Drake Maye delivered a strong performance to earn a postgame ball, completing passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns with one interception while rushing for 54 yards. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs caught six passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Rhamondre Stevenson added 47 rushing yards and a score.
Allen threw for 253 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while running back James Cook paced Buffalo with 75 rushing yards and a touchdown. Receiver Keon Coleman exploded for 116 receiving yards and a score, but safety Craig Woodson picked off Allen late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Vrabel’s sideline spat nearly cost New England, but the 2-2 Patriots held firm at Highmark Stadium, turning a bizarre moment into a massive early-season win.