During the New England Patriots’ heyday, the team ran on vibes.
The cringeworthy (and often hilarious) Bill Belichick press conferences. The corny, “Do your job!” one-liners. The routine “Ohhhh yeaaaaaas!” emanates from the home locker room at Gillette Stadium after games. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady helped establish a gold standard for over two decades, and the journey back has been a tough road to hoe.
For Patriots fans, the arrow appeared to be pointing back up during the 2021 season, when then-rookie quarterback Mac Jones beat out veteran Cam Newton for the starting job and led a surprise run to the AFC playoffs.
That apparent upward trajectory didn’t last long, though. Jones’ development stalled in 2022, when Belichick inexplicably chose former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to take over the offense. Jones wound up getting benched. Belichick was shown the door a year later. And ownership set the franchise back even further by bypassing a true head coach search in 2024 and hiring an unprepared Jerod Mayo.
Mike Vrabel returned to Foxboro as HC this year with some fires to put out. He made sweeping changes throughout the coaching staff and front office, and helped turn over about half of the roster.
Now one month into Vrabel’s first regular season, it’s fair to say the vibes are finally forming again in Foxboro.
Mike Vrabel’s impact on the New England Patriots’ locker room has been striking to start the 2025 season
Patriots fans should be feeling the culture shift under Vrabel, because those around the team daily certainly are.
By all accounts, the Patriots have created a promising arena for growth. Veteran additions like Harold Landry Jr., Milton Williams, and Stefon Diggs have raised expectations. An influx of young talent has created healthy competition, signaling better times ahead.
It all comes back to the man pulling the strings. Vrabel has already managed through some tough situations — like the surprising preseason release of former team captain Jabrill Peppers, and Rhamondre Stevenson’s ongoing case of fumble-itis. To the coach’s credit, the team has responded and played its most complete game of the season in a Week 4 romp over the Carolina Panthers.
I’ve been very pleased with the internal dynamic of the Patriots locker room.
— Daniel Rotman (@daniel_rotman15) October 1, 2025
Whether that’s a testament to Mike Vrabel, player leadership, or just an overall collection of good dudes, it seems like this team enjoys being around each other — which matters more than you think
The team shared another great example of Vrabel’s influence and player-first approach following that Panthers game.
Wide receiver DeMario Douglas, New England’s most productive wide receiver over the past two seasons, has seen his role shrink behind Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and new additions Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams. Douglas played a season-low eight snaps against Carolina and wasn’t targeted — but he did help spring tight end Hunter Henry for a walk-in touchdown by getting upfield and warding off a pair of Panthers defenders.
Douglas was one of the first players to greet Henry in the back of the end zone. As Henry made his way to the sideline, the first thing Vrabel told him was, “‘Pop’ sprung you,” referring to Douglas by his nickname. “Pop right there. I’m just telling you.”
"I only got in because of you." 👊@popshotta3 set the block for @Hunter_Henry84’s TD. pic.twitter.com/pmeEtna7iE
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 1, 2025
That’s all Vrabel had to tell Henry, who’s one of his top leaders in the locker room. Henry parked himself next to Douglas on the bench and told him, “Hey, that’s what I’m fricken talking about. I only got it because of you.”
“I got you brother,” Douglas responded.
The vibe check with this team is crystal clear right now. Patriots fans can only hope it continues to gain traction this time around.