Since Mike Vrabel was hired as the Patriots' head coach, the team has felt like it's finally back on track, and it looks like they could be competitive sooner rather than later. That became reality in his first season, as he helped lead them to their first Super Bowl appearance since 2018.
Despite the loss, the vibes were high, and the energy and excitement were palpable, so much so that many believed the Patriots could achieve similar success this year, even if they were facing a first-place schedule that wouldn't be easy.
But that hasn't been what we've seen so far in 2026: they went 2-2 in the first month, Drake Maye played like a version of himself we've never seen, and countless injuries piled up during and after each game.
They go into their Week 10 matchup against the Lions coming off another brutal loss, and although they currently have a 5-4 record, the locker room feels distinctly different, leaving many wondering whether things are starting to fall apart behind the scenes.
It became a talking point in the days since last week's game, and it grew louder after Mack Hollins was seen seemingly calling out teammates for their efforts or contentment.
But Mike Vrabel finally put those concerns mostly to rest before the team headed to Munich, and let's hope he's not wrong about this.
The ugly rumors are already starting for the Patriots this season
While speaking to reporters earlier this week, the head coach was asked whether he felt any problems in the locker room might have prompted some of what we heard from players after the loss to the Packers, and Vrabel was adamant that everyone was on the same page.
It's a point he reiterated, and while it might seem ridiculous to some, it doesn't take much for these kinds of rumors to start, and it takes even less for them to infiltrate and split up a locker room.
Other than the typical disappointment from a loss of this caliber, there hasn't been much evidence to suggest that the current Patriots roster isn't still a close-knit unit or that several players aren't giving 100% every week.
If some players are feeling that way, that's another story and should be addressed behind closed doors. But from what onlookers have seen so far, this feels like a non-story meant to add to the frustration after another loss.
That has become typical for the Patriots over the last 25 years, and this feels no different. The only problem is that they're facing a historically difficult schedule with more than half the offense out with injuries and a quarterback trying to play Superman.
If it weren't for what we've seen from Maye, turnovers and all, this team would have a much worse record than the 5-4 they currently hold. They cannot afford players who aren't willing to put it all on the field for their teammates, especially when their quarterback is doing what he can with less-than-desirable circumstances.
Because Vrabel is known as a player's coach, hopefully he can ensure that none of this becomes a distraction or a problem in the locker room. The message should remain consistent, and hopefully, he's right that everyone is on the same page.
The last thing the Patriots need to deal with this season is some sort of controversy potentially sparked by the media, so it's crucial that Vrabel takes this seriously and doesn't let it happen.
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