There is a lot to be excited about with the New England Patriots as they go into their bye week with an 11-2 record, the best in the NFL through the first 13 weeks. Mike Vrabel has done an incredible job revamping what looked like a team destined for a decade-long mediocrity, while Drake Maye has already proven to be the real deal and the franchise quarterback of the future.
They have certainly exceeded all expectations, as most analysts had them winning a max of eight games this year. But the head coach has made it clear that their ultimate goal has not yet been achieved, and there will be no naps during their bye week to take them off track.
He made that apparent when speaking to reporters earlier this week, sending what seemed to be a message to the team that they cannot let their foot off the gas just yet, despite being on the road to the playoffs as the No. 1 seed.
In fact, Vrabel made sure the players are very aware of his expectations when they return from the bye, and it could almost be argued that he is just echoing what the players have said about their current situation themselves.
Vrabel on his message to the team as they head into the bye:
— Tom Carroll (@yaboiTCfresh) December 2, 2025
“We’re not done. We’re not satisfied. I think champions are never satisfied. I think you can appreciate where you are. But at the same time, never be satisfied or complacent, and the fine line between rest and recovery… pic.twitter.com/grMKsFnUEA
Mike Vrabel sets the tone for the Patriots during and after their bye week that prove they're ready to finish strong
It's this kind of attitude that has fans and those outside New England thanking Robert Kraft for choosing to hire Vrabel this past offseason, even if it felt like it happened a year later than anyone hoped.
He has proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that he was the right guy, at the right time, to bring the Patriots back to relevancy, and he has done that and more in just his first season as the head coach.
And it's not just because of his previous experience at the position, or his loyalty to the team with which he won multiple Super Bowls. It's because the team has bought into the culture he's establishing in Foxboro, all while gushing about how much they love playing for him.
Some of that happiness could be attributed to winning, as any player is going to be happier winning games than losing. However, the vibes in the locker room and on the field are a stark contrast to what we've seen from the Patriots over the last few years, even going back to the years with Bill Belichick, further proving that Vrabel has made a tremendous impact in a way that likely no other coach could have by this point this year.
It could be the foundation of why they're able to accomplish the unthinkable this year, whether it be just making the playoffs or holding onto the No. 1 seed, or maybe going all the way to the Super Bowl: their closeness is a factor that will move them forward for years to come.