"This is a time when Vrabel used it to his advantage, and it was against the mastermind Coach Belichick." The post Rob Gronkowski: Mike Vrabel ‘outplayed’ Bill Belichick as coach in this game appeared first on Boston.

Last season, the Patriots staff had first-timers at head coach (Mayo), offensive play caller (Alex Van Pelt), defensive coordinator/play caller (Covington), and offensive line coach (Scott Peters).

Players and opponents would do well not to go at new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Former Pats QB Brian Hoyer knows that well.

A coaching journey he needed to take, and the former star linebacker uniquely suited to put a faltering franchise back on track.

Josh McDaniels is back for a third tour of duty as the Patriots' offensive coordinator, but there are a couple of big differences from his first two stints in New England.

New England has several young options for former No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye entering 2025, but none have the experience Diggs provides. Before suffering a torn ACL in Week 8, the 31-year-old was well on his way to securing a seventh-straight 1,000-yard campaign while totaling over 100 catches.

Now, with O’Brien revitalizing BC and Vrabel looking to do the same with the Patriots, the area’s most prominent football teams are led by men who bonded in Foxborough.

Aaron Glenn had no doubts about where he wanted to go once the New York Jets’ head-coaching job became available. Home sweet NFL home.

The Patriots’ coaching staff is considerably more experienced than last year’s, the defense is changing, and NFL fans are realizing the dynasty-era Patriots weren’t actually that annoying compared to the Chiefs. Let’s answer some of your questions in this week’s Patriots mailbag.