To say that the New England Patriots haven't gotten off to the start of the season they hoped for would be a massive understatement. Nevertheless, it's only been three weeks, and plenty of football remains.
The Patriots rested their starters in the preseason, and even in the loss, they looked pretty competitive in their Super Bowl rematch with the Seattle Seahawks. Then, they won an ugly matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
However, their Week 3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars may have been their rock bottom. But as much as there's plenty to clean up, that doesn't mean they should make moves just for the sake of it. At least, that's how Mike Vrabel feels.
The Patriots don't need to panic and make big trades right now
"The answers are here, they are in this building," Vrabel told the media.
That sums it up pretty well. Granted, this team is thin in some spots, and even Coach Vrabel acknowledged depth concerns, but aside from adding a few backups, this team shouldn't be looking to shake things up in the trade market.
Unless they're about to make a league-shattering move, like trading for Maxx Crosby, this team should stay put. This is the same core that was just one win away from the Super Bowl months ago; they didn't suddenly forget how to play football.
Of course, this doesn't mean they should keep doing the same over and over. The offense must be much better, and it will start with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels helping Maye regain his confidence.
The Patriots' quarterback looks rattled and hesitant on every dropback. He's not hitting the layups, and his guys aren't doing him many favors, either. But again, the players they need are right there, and it's just a matter of execution.
In addition to being a savvy tactician, Mike Vrabel is a former player. He went through what these guys are going through. He was there in the trenches, and he's an elite communicator who knows how to get everyone to buy in and run through a brick wall for one another.
This team needs to do some soul-searching and get back to basics. It sounds cliché, but sometimes that's really all it takes. The talent is there; if the execution isn't, the coaching staff has to figure out which buttons to push.
Real life isn't Madden. Teams can't just overhaul or patch up their roster to solve all their problems. It's about time this roster shows some pride and silences the doubters, but that fire will only come from within.
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