The Patriots have been fortunate this season to avoid nearly all unnecessary drama and keep their season on track, unlike the last few years. Mike Vrabel can be credited for that change, as the players are buying into the culture he's establishing in full force.
That is on full display on and off the field, and Vrabel has made it clear that he holds all the players to the same standard, no matter what position they play or how often they're active in a game. So when he revealed why Christian Barmore didn't play in the first quarter of last week's game, which analysts and fans noticed almost immediately, it was the latest sign of the culture change that was lacking last season.
That, however, prompts concerns about what might transpire moving forward with Barmore, depending on how he responds to the benching.
Although he did play in the rest of the game against the Browns, there was a chance he could be unhappy, or things could deteriorate, which would be significant given how well he has played alongside Milton Williams. Fortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case so far.
Christian Barmore is taking Mike Vrabel's decision to bench him in Week 8 in stride
After Vrabel spoke to the media on Sunday, it was reported that Barmore had declined to speak and left the stadium earlier.
That seemed to indicate that problems were brewing after he was punished for something Vrabel wouldn't specify, but Barmore's latest comments don't suggest concerns are growing, even if he wouldn't go into detail.
Christian Barmore when asked for a comment on what happened last weekend:
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) October 29, 2025
“I’ve moved on. Next question. Let’s focus on the Falcons.”
Anything he can learn and grow from?
“It’s always about growing. It’s always about playing the way you’re supposed to be playing, how the…
At the very least, based on the video of Barmore and Vrabel hugging after the game, the positive vibes that continue to flow through the locker room, and his "We're onto Cincinnati" style response, it doesn't appear that any issues will arise from Vrabel's decision.
Although Barmore wasn't exactly forthcoming, he seems to be taking it as a lesson and won't repeat whatever mistake he was punished for. That's crucial to the success of the Patriots' defense, as he and Williams have become one of the most dominant defensive tackle duos in the league, and they cannot afford to lose that anytime soon.