Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Faces Offseason Turmoil
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel’s offseason has been nothing short of chaotic, and it all seemed to flash before him during a recent practice.
On Thursday, the team ramped up the intensity during their final 11-on-11 session of the week, but practice came to an abrupt halt when a collision occurred between Drake Maye and edge rusher Bradyn Swinson.
Reports indicated that Maye took his time getting off the field, leading to practice concluding nearly 25 minutes ahead of schedule.
Veteran Patriots reporter Tom Curran noted that Swinson was “overexcited” during a series of red zone drills.
“It was a hectic scramble by Brayden Swinson off the edge. AJ Brown had just made a completion,” Curran explained on WEEI New England Radio. “There was about 25 minutes left when Brown scored, but then Swinson and Maye collided and ended up in a heap.”
Vrabel then called for everyone to wrap it up.
Originally slated to finish around 2:53 p.m. ET, the session was cut short at about 2:30 p.m. ET.
After the incident, the coaching staff had Maye throw to several new receivers to ensure he was fine.
“After Swinson’s hit, Drake still managed to throw to Mack Hollins, Romeo Doubs, and a few others post-practice,” Curran reported, noting that there were no apparent injuries.
While Maye seemed to handle the hit without issue, WEEI hosts expressed their concerns about the risk of a franchise quarterback taking such a blow.
“Honestly, that report about Maye’s hit was so shocking it made my nose run,” Rich Schertenlieb remarked to Curran.
Adding to the drama, Vrabel’s offseason has already been tumultuous, including his arrest at a luxury resort in Sedona, Arizona, and his related affair with former Athletic reporter Deanna Russini, which garnered significant attention.
The fallout has been notable, resulting in Vrabel missing the NFL Draft’s third day for medical reasons following the emergence of photos showing him with Russini in a Manhattan bar.
On a brighter note, the Patriots have made strides this offseason by acquiring Brown from the Eagles and signing Doubs, bolstering their receiving corps.
