This Aspect Of Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Is Something To Appreciate
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has quickly established himself as a bold decision-maker in 2025 by opting to go for it on fourth down in pivotal moments. His gutsy choices, including a 4th-and-1 conversion from his own 15-yard line during Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, show a commitment to aggression that is impossible not to love from a fan’s perspective.
That particular play came early in the second quarter of the Week 3 game at Gillette Stadium, with the Patriots trailing 14-7 and facing a high-risk decision deep in their own territory. Rather than punting and playing it safe, Vrabel trusted his offensive line and running back Rhamondre Stevenson to push forward.
The call paid off, as Stevenson — despite an otherwise horrifying performance on the day — received a pitch from Drake Maye and juked his way past a defender in the backfield to snag the first down.
Vrabel’s approach isn’t isolated to that one moment; it’s part of a broader pattern this season. League-wide, fourth-down attempts have surged. Vrabel’s philosophy aligns with this trend, and what makes his style so appreciable is the trust it signals to his roster.
By going for it from precarious positions like the 15-yard line, Vrabel empowers players to perform under duress, potentially building resilience for tougher games ahead.
While not every one of Vrabel’s calls has or will succeed, the upside is clear: more possessions, more points, and a team that plays without fear.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Vrabel’s aggressive tactics will only continue to make him beloved by fans.