"Somewhere, Mike Vrabel is cringing..."

by Joel Thorman on Sep 22, 2009 1:53 PM CDT in 2009 Campaign Comment 12 comments

Last season with the New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel, along with a couple others, was considered one of the leaders on defense. So much that Bill Belichick entrusted him with the responsibility of wearing the radio piece in his helmet to communicate with the sideline.

Yes, like the quarterback, one defensive player can wear a helmet with a radio in it, and Vrabel was that guy.

The Patriots head coach was asked about the defensive communication with Vrabel at the helm last year:

Q: With all the new faces on defense and now with Jerod Mayo out for a little bit, has communication been a problem?

BB: I would say it's probably better than it was last year, that wouldn't take much. Is it as good as it needs to be? No. There's always room for improvement. But I would say it's definitely improved over last year, not that that was a real high bar.

OK, what? Was Belichick talking about Vrabel?

Ian Rapaport, Pats beat reporter for the Boston Herald, certainly thinks so.

"Ouch," he said in reply to the quote. "Somewhere Mike Vrabel is cringing..."

Why? The Pats were 8th in points allowed last season (and fourth the year before that and second the year before that).

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Vrabel

Belichick should be cringing because he is lucky to be 1-1 right now. I have listened to the games on the radio. I haven’t seen Vrabel play yet. How has he played so far?

by Major Tom on Sep 22, 2009 2:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

he's a solid player

not spectacular, but he’s always in the right place to make a play.

I think he gets good push on pass rush, but is careful not to lose containment.
He’s always around the ball on running plays.

He’s a leader and a great pickup for KC…

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Sep 22, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he has shown skill in making tackles against the run but he has trouble rushing the passer. Also, his coverage skills are only average, IMO.

by augmental on Sep 22, 2009 2:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Misses his leadership

Typical Bilichick thought he would be better off and def is not.

by kcchiefstd on Sep 22, 2009 2:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mitch Holthus put it best

During the 4th preseason game when he said he hasn’t seen Vrabel miss a tackle all preseason. He’s still a solid tackler. It’s new to the Chiefs.

About the Chiefs: I'd rather be a realist than a pessimist

by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 22, 2009 2:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I gotta hand it to BB

He took a veteran LB and got a high 2010 2nd round pick for him (Vrabel to Chiefs)
and took a veteran DE and got a high 2010 1st round pick for him (Seymour to Oak)
assuming KC and Oak finish where it looks like they will…
He will have four picks in the first two rounds I think in the 2010 draft and doesn’t really miss those two players this year.

Winning begins with Attitude - 2009 Chiefs 12-4

by Lanier63 on Sep 22, 2009 3:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

They will

have like ten first and second sounders between this year and next.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Sep 22, 2009 3:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

the pick for Vrabel and Cassel was an 09 pick, not 2010

by stagdsp on Sep 22, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and the Seymour pick is a 2011 pick

by stagdsp on Sep 22, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Belichick's been clever in accumulating draft picks,

but from the looks of it, he shorted his team on QB and OL. Brady will likely have a hard time finishing the season, because teams are blitzing him and his protection isn’t all that great.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Sep 22, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's definitely a slap at Vrabel.

I’m surprised to hear such a thing from Belichick. It’s uncharacteristic to take a shot like that at a (former) player.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Sep 22, 2009 4:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ian Rapoport is an idiot

He is assuming something that he heard that wasn’t clear. Say what you want about Bill Belichick but he never badmouths players – even ex-players. Check his history, his press-conferences, any of his interviews… it’s never been his style to ever do that publicly.

Rapoport is a new beat writer in Boston. He jumped to a conclusion that may not be true, and printed that assumption in his blog. It’s neither fair to Vrabel nor Belichick.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Sep 22, 2009 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs