Patriots HC Mike Vrabel sets record straight on roster criticism that caused uproar

A 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles gave the New England Patriots their first preseason win of 2026. It also gave the Patriots an undefeated record at Gillette Stadium this preseason, following their 13-13 tie with the Indianapolis Colts to open the exhibition slate. As New England continues their regular season preparations, head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the media. Team beat reporter Mike Kadlick shared Vrabel’s attempt to clear up his recent roster criticism via X, formerly Twitter.

“There’s no front office, there’s no back office,” stated Vrabel. “There’s the Patriots.”

Vrabel’s post-game comments after the win over the Eagles caused quite a stir among Patriots fans and the press. The head coach remarked, “I do not think we have a very deep team,” after being asked why starters like quarterback Drake Maye did not play against the Eagles. With a preseason finale on the road against the Cleveland Browns, it’s time to see how the final roster will take shape. According to Vrabel, the focus for Saturday’s game was the continued development of New England’s younger players.

Alongside executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, Vrabel helped mold a roster that won the AFC in his first season on the sidelines. Maye ascended into stardom under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the veteran play caller who helped Tom Brady become the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

During the team’s Super Bowl run, Maye’s play led to an MVP runner-up finish. His mastery of McDaniels’ system doesn’t need to be tested in preseason. It will be tested during what Vrabel hopes is another playoff run and more. For now, the continued improvement of New England’s depth is the focus of the franchise legend who now roams the home sideline at Gillette Stadium.

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