The Patriots' 2024 season was chaotic, to say the least, with the biggest gripe about the Jerod Mayo era being the laid-back attitude from the coaching staff negatively impacting the roster. Although there was a fair argument to be made about changing the culture in Bill Belichick's absence, seemingly doing nearly the complete opposite of how the legendary coach ran things was not a widely approved idea.
That is a big reason fans have been excited about Mike Vrabel becoming the next head coach, as he has shown to have more of a Patriots attitude of old, much like what he exhibited during his time as the Titans' coach.
It's exactly what the current roster needs and what the new regime is looking for in the players they have or will sign to the team. Those who have already been introduced to the fans and media have exhibited that, and the latest to join that group, rookie defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, is proving that to be true even more.
Joshua Farmer has a chip on his shoulder that has allowed Patriots greats to thrive in the past
When rookies meet with the New England media upon being drafted, it's their first opportunity to make a good impression on the fans.
Farmer, who was drafted in the fourth round, immediately impressed and caught their attention when describing the kind of player the Patriots are getting. Not only is it exactly what the team needs, but it's the mentality the fans have longed for after the disappointing 2024 season.
“I'll describe me as a tough relentless player. I'm just ready to give my all. They're going to get a tough defensive tackle. I think it was probably 17 defensive tackles taken in front of me. Everybody in the world knows that's not how it's supposed to go. I'm just ready to get there and prove everybody wrong and be the best me every day. That's all I can say.”
That's a sure way to win over an entire fanbase, especially any doubters.
The 22-year-old defines the kind of aggressive and dominant player that Vrabel is looking for, and although we are yet to see what he can do on the field, his attitude is hard not to be excited about. He's just the latest addition to the defense who's ready to be physical and bring back a winning culture, and in his case, he has a chip on his shoulder.
That has almost been a requirement for several players in the past, as that has boosted them to greatness in hopes of proving every team that passed on them wrong for doing so. Hopefully, the Patriots will be the ultimate beneficiaries (hopefully) of Farmer's mentality, making it much more thrilling to look forward to the 2025 season.