We're just one day away from watching the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, and both teams are doing all that they can to adequately prepare for the biggest game of the season. Because both rosters are filled with young and inexperienced players, preparation will be key to getting the job done on Sunday.
That's where Mike Vrabel's Super Bowl experience becomes a significant factor that works in the Patriots' favor. And they'll certainly need it with so many rookie starters expected to take the field against a very good Seattle defense.
Vrabel's understanding of the game has prompted the coaching staff to implement unique measures during practice this week, including stepping off the field for the expected duration of the halftime show.
Mike Vrabel is doing all that he can to prepare the Patriots for absolutely everything ahead of Super Bowl LX
Lindsey Jones of The Ringer wrote in her pool report after Friday's practice, noting that the head coach had the team leave the field for 14 minutes and played Bad Bunny over the speakers to simulate the upcoming halftime performance.
"After a special teams session, Vrabel blew his whistle at 1:52 p.m. and motioned players to leave the field. Players spent 14 minutes inside while Bad Bunny songs (among others) played over the stadium speakers."
Several players have said the extended halftime period is a problem during the game, as their bodies relax more than usual. So it is a crucial decision by Vrabel to have the team prepare for what Sunday night will feel like.
It can disrupt the flow of the game, forcing them to deal with it differently than they typically do, and that could become a major factor in how they perform coming out of the locker room for the third quarter.
We've seen the Patriots flounder a bit after halftime throughout the 2025 regular season, and while that could certainly happen again during the Super Bowl, it would be best if they didn't lose much steam or need to play from behind.
We'll have to see whether the Seahawks took the same measures to prepare their team, too, or if the fact that the Patriots did consider the extended halftime will become their x-factor in pushing them toward winning their seventh Lombardi Trophy.