Once it was official that the New England Patriots were hiring Mike Vrabel to be their next head coach, expectations for the 2025 season soared to a level we hadn't seen since Bill Belichick was in charge of everything.
Even with the optimism about what Vrabel could do with the team as soon as possible, nobody predicted that they would not only win the division but represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, so the fact that they accomplished that so early in his tenure has many believing the sky is the limit for the upcoming season.
Although they're set to have a much tougher schedule than last year, which has many already predicting they're not going to win double-digit games and will miss the playoffs, it's clear that Vrabel and Co. are not taking the preparation lightly, and it's probably all thanks to a somewhat embarrassing showing in the Super Bowl.
That loss, coupled with the ongoing scandal involving Vrabel, might be the leading cause for OTAs appearing to be far more difficult than they have in years past, and that's certainly something Patriots fans can get behind ahead of a very telling 2026 season, even if players are not exactly thrilled about it.
Mike Vrabel isn't messing around with Patriots' OTAs this offseason
After the first public OTA practice of the offseason, wide receiver Kyle Williams took to Instagram to share his thoughts on just how difficult the days have been so far.
While some might take it as him complaining, he's, at the very least, proving just how serious Vrabel is taking this offseason's preparation, and it's difficult to argue that it's a bad thing.
The #Patriots seem to be pushing the limit at voluntary OTAs — WR Kyle Williams took to Instagram to express his thoughts:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) May 27, 2026
“Ain’t no way OTA’s feeling like training camp🤦🏽♂️
N it’s only day 2????????”
New England is going to be locked in heading into the season 👀 pic.twitter.com/dpkH16uZc0
It's the kind of attitude that is very much needed after an unexpectedly successful season, even more so since they're already being widely overlooked and discredited for what they accomplished last year.
They have every reason to have a chip on their shoulders, given how last season ended, and on top of how they're being discussed in the media for the success they achieved and their chances of replicating that this fall.
It might not be the most fun experience for the players, since practices are apparently far more intense than in the past, but that's the kind of mindset this team should have if they want a legitimate chance to repeat much of last year's accomplishments.
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