‘It becomes comical’: Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel criticizes officiating
"I'm like, 'Did they even watch the video?'"
Patriots fans weren’t alone in expressing their dissatisfaction with the officiating during Sunday’s 25-19 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Head coach Mike Vrabel, speaking Monday morning on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show, didn’t mince words when asked how officials can fix the problem at hand.
“I’ve got a tough enough job to coach this football team,” Vrabel said with a chuckle. “There’s not much. It becomes comical at a point.”
Vrabel said the officials send videos out every week and do “a great job.” He and John Streicher, New England’s vice president of football operations and strategy, “hang on to every word.”
“Then I’ll see something in the game, I’m like, ‘Did they even watch the video?'” Vrabel said. “Me and [Streicher] are like pausing it, rewinding it.”
The lack of consistency appears to be what frustrates Vrabel the most.
The Patriots were on the wrong end of several questionable calls Sunday, including an offensive pass interference call that negated a 61-yard touchdown.
Even so, they still managed to take care of business to move to 4-2.
Maye day
Vrabel also discussed the ascension of quarterback Drake Maye.
“I would say that the credit goes to Drake,” Vrabel said. ” … His ability to throw off platform, and extend, and keeping his eyes downfield.”
Vrabel said there were some things offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the Patriots asked Maye to work on coming out of Buffalo. He credited him for making those adjustments against the Saints.
“When quarterbacks can feel the rush, but also see downfield and see things develop, that can be deadly,” Vrabel said.
Vrabel praised the wide receivers for their ability to affect the game in a variety of ways, highlighting their chemistry with Maye and faith in their quarterback.
Fun feel
He also commented on his philosophy of savoring each win and having enthusiasm along the way.
While the Patriots certainly have to practice hard, condition, and do the little things at a high level, Vrabel wants them to genuinely enjoy coming to work.
“We have to be disciplined, but we can still have fun,” Vrabel said.
Time in Tennessee
When asked about the upcoming matchup against his former team, the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel acknowledged it will feel different. At the same time, he said, the preparation can’t be different.
“A lot of people on the other side that I know, coached, or worked with,” he said.
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