The Patriots are ending their season in another Super Bowl, their 10th appearance in the last quarter century, and it wouldn't be proper if they weren't considered the underdogs going into the Championship matchup, this time against the Seahawks.
They have consistently been counted out when they're preparing to win their next Lombardi Trophy, so it's unsurprising that they're dealing with that same fate this time around, too. Perhaps they're being overlooked even more this year because Drake Maye is so young and Mike Vrabel has never been in this position as a head coach.
But that doesn't mean his experience as a player or his connections to some of the best in the business won't ultimately help him lead the team to victory on Sunday, especially since the latest reporting from The Athletic's Dianna Russini claims he reached out to some of his most notable (and successful) friends for guidance ahead of the big game.
Mike Vrabel reached out to some NFL legends for guidance ahead of Super Bowl LX
According to the NFL insider, Vrabel reached out to Bill Belichick and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid for pointers on the Super Bowl, as they are among the most successful coaches in the modern era.
“Vrabel reached out to Belichick and fellow Super Bowl-winning coach Andy Reid, tapping into their experience as he gets ready for the big game.
New England’s first-year leader also has an experienced advisor on staff. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is heading into his 10th (!) Super Bowl. Vrabel has been asking McDaniels for advice on preparations and other things to consider Sunday.”
It also helps to have someone like Josh McDaniels on your staff, too.
That experience could be the x-factor that helps the Patriots, and Maye, get the job done against a very good Seahawks team. Although they have plenty of good coaches and players on their side, they don't have nearly as much understanding of the Super Bowl as the Patriots have, and that could be the difference-maker.
Not only that, but Vrabel receiving any sort of wisdom from guys like Belichick and Reid is invaluable and could give them another edge over their opponent.
We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out, but it's clear that New England and Vrabel are taking this very seriously and exhausting all their options for advice as they head into the biggest game of the season.