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Patriots share video of Mike Vrabel’s postgame speech after receiving game ball from Robert Kraft
"I'm proud to be your coach," Vrabel concluded. "It's always about the team."
Mike Vrabel’s game ball, and message for the players: Following his first win as Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel wasn’t able to escape the spotlight cast on him by team owner Robert Kraft.
Bounding into the away locker room after the 33-27 victory in Miami, Vrabel tried to proceed directly into his postgame remarks. Shortly after getting the players’ attention, however, he was interrupted by probably the only person in the room who could get away with that: Kraft.
“I’m going to call an audible,” Kraft interjected. “This was awesome. Thank you all.”
Kraft praised his new head coach on getting a first New England win under his belt, giving him the game ball.
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Vrabel, seemingly uncomfortable at being the center of discussion, quickly put the attention back on the players.
“Listen to me: This will always and forever be about players,” he declared. “I’m just telling you. You guys know that. This will always about the players. Robert, thank you, but this is for you guys, fellas.”
He cited Rhamondre Stevenson’s sideline catch that helped inject life into the Patriots’ offense.
“Rhamondre, when we said, ‘Just make one play,'” Vrabel said, referencing the message that a single positive play could help build momentum.
“And your buddy wanted to top you,” Vrabel joked of Antonio Gibson’s kickoff return touchdown as he tossed each of them a game ball. “Gibby wanted to take one back.”
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Vrabel gave recognition to players and coaches across the roster, including rookie kicker Andy Borregales and defensive lineman Milton Williams.
“I’m proud to be your coach,” Vrabel concluded. “It’s always about the team.”
Trivia: Mike Vrabel was picked by the Steelers in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft. What player, also from Ohio State, was picked first overall that year?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: Rams.
Scores and schedules:
The Patriots defeated the Dolphins 33-27 on Sunday, improving to 1-1 on the season. New England will face the Steelers on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Red Sox also won on Sunday, besting the Yankees 6-4 to prevent a three-game New York sweep. Boston now returns to Fenway Park begin a new three-game set against the Athletics on Tuesday at 6:45 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- 9 takeaways from Patriots’ 33-27 wild win over Dolphins
- Patriots stock watch: Who stood out and struggled in a wild win against Miami
- Patriots refused to back down after early lead slipped away
- Mike Vrabel critiqued NFL replay review and joked about his sideline sprint after first Patriots’ win
- ‘It took everybody.’ Here’s what Drake Maye had to say after the Patriots’ victory on Sunday.
- In biggest start of his Red Sox career, ace Garrett Crochet keeps Boston afloat in playoff race
- Mike Vrabel said it felt like the Patriots were ‘willing to get into a street fight’ during his first win
- Former Patriots QB Mac Jones dominates in first start with 49ers
- What Mike Vrabel said of Patriots’ decision to trade Ja’Lynn Polk
Red Sox-Yankees: Garrett Crochet locked in to help Boston avoid a sweep at the hands of their rivals.
On this day: In 1996, the Patriots responded to an 0-2 start by crushing the Cardinals 31-0. Curtis Martin scored three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing).
The Red Sox also got a win, overcoming the White Sox 9-8 thanks to two home runs each from Mo Vaughn and John Valentin.
Daily highlight: Savor yet another watch of Antonio Gibson’s electric 90-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Trivia answer: Orlando Pace
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