A lot has been made of Patriots' new head coach Mike Vrabel's changing the team's culture. It's an essential team-building component, but it wouldn't make much of a difference if the talent isn't there. However, Vrabel has brought in a barrel-full of added talent this offseason, and culture is in play and could make the difference between a playoff team and an also-ran.
Part of a team's culture is players taking responsibility for their conditioning, being all in for the team, and lending a helping hand to teammates. One who seemingly has already made quite an initial impression on one of his teammates is free agent signee, linebacker Robert Spillane.
The impressed party is his linebacker/edge teammate and recently signed to an extension, Christian Elliss. While a journeyman, he came into his own in 2024 and racked up some impressive numbers. The good news is, he seems to be soaking in whatever he can from his more accomplished teammate, Spillane.
Christian Elliss is bullish on fellow linebacker Robert Spillane
Speaking of culture, Elliss, when asked about his fellow linebacker, Robert Spillane, had this to say in a patriots.com video interview,
“He’s a fun guy to be around. Just getting to know him right off the get he’s energetic. He’s always happy, he’s always excited, you know he’ll get into it make sure everyone’s on the right page. I think that’s something that we look for in especially in the mike linebacker.”
Spillane is making an immediate impact on the culture aspect of the team, as Elliss's remarks clearly connotate. It seems the former Raider is establishing himself as a leader, and he's a 2025 captain-in-the-making for the Patriots. Spillane, a seven-year NFL veteran now with his fourth team, can surely be a role model for his teammates, especially younger ones like Elliss, who's bounced around NFL teams himself, and, of course, the rookies.
Spillane and Elliss assert talent as well as culture
Spillane is a tremendous role model. His first four years in the league were quiet, yet he had a breakout year in his fifth, similar to Elliss's in 2024. In 2023, Spillane exploded into a top NFL playmaker with 148 total stops, three interceptions, four passes defended, and a forced fumble. He followed that in 2024 with 158 total stops, seven passes defended, two interceptions, and two sacks. That's playmaking.
Similarly, Elliss broke out in 2024 with 80 stops, five passes defended, a fumble recovery, and 1.5 sacks. Added to productive new edge players Harold Landry III, K'Lavon Chaisson, and top rookie addition, Bradyn Swinson, things will be looking up for the linebacking and edge corps of the Patriots defense in 2025.
The blend of a great new culture instilled by Head Coach Mike Vrabel and new players like Robert Spillane is the perfect accompaniment to the massive addition of talent brought in by the team this offseason. Talent and culture commingle in the making of a successful team. If it all coalesces, the Patriots will be a contender for a playoff spot and more in the AFC.