NFL Writer Gives Mike Vrabel Major Praise After Hot Start

The New England Patriots have started the season at 5-2, largely thanks to newly hired head coach Mike Vrabel.

Vrabel has transformed a Patriots team that won four games last year into a playoff contender and possibly AFC East champions.

Vrabel is one of seven head coaches who landed jobs this offseason, and his hot start led CBS Sports NFL writer Cody Benjamin to rank him as the No. 1 coach in that group.

“When Vrabel signed on to replace Jerod Mayo as the latest ex-Patriots linebacker-turned-coach, it was fair to wonder if New England was going too far down the well of Bill Belichick mentees,” Benjamin wrote on Wednesday. “Big-game hurdles still remain. But there’s no denying the Patriots are playing with a more united and authoritative posture.

“It helps Vrabel’s getting pristine play from young quarterback Drake Maye, but the new coach was also responsible for selecting many of Maye’s new helpers, including veteran wideout Stefon Diggs and rookie left tackle Will Campbell. The defense is still rounding into form, but this outfit looks like a real challenger in the AFC East.”

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer have led their teams to records of .500 or better. However, Vrabel stands out as the only new head coach whose team is currently at the top of its division.

Vrabel is finding success this season, in part because he hired offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during the offseason. McDaniels’ guidance has played a vital role in developing Maye.