The game turned on that moment, as the Patriots ended up scoring 42 unanswered points.
“We’ve talked about it. It just takes one play, and I think that’s continued to be the message,” Vrabel said of the special teams magic. “Whether it’s in Miami, and we hit one down the sidelines and gets us going with a big play on a punt return, or maybe defense with an interception, but it just takes one play to get this thing going. And that’s what we have to look forward to during games when it’s not going great, or [if] it’s a close game.”
“You just keep plugging away and then it just takes one play to get this thing to break open,” he concluded of his ongoing message to players.
When questioned why he didn’t repeat his move from the Week 2 win over the Dolphins — when Vrabel sprinted down New England’s sidelines to match the on-field special teams touchdown from Antonio Gibson — the Patriots’ coach had a readymade joke.
“Well, that’s not good for the Achilles’.”
One of the major subplots to emerge from the Week 3 loss against the Steelers was the notably high rate of fumbling committed by New England in the 21-14 defeat.
But instead of simply preaching to not fumble, Vrabel explained that it was important for Patriots players to keep a sense of balance between ball security and staying aggressive.
“You can’t just sit there and run through with two hands on the football and crouched over on it and gain three yards. But you also have to take care of it,” Vrabel said of keeping hold of the football. “I think it was important for us to put the fire out, and continue to still be aggressive with the football in our hands, and be able to make yards after the catch or [on] the run.”
Turning to the Week 5 matchup, the Patriots face the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday night at 8:20 p.m.
With a young quarterback in Drake Maye who has proven his ability to both run and pass, inevitable comparisons are made to his Bills counterpart: Josh Allen.
Does Vrabel think his quarterback stacks up in a comparison with Allen?
“I’m not making any comparisons,” he said, flatly. “You guys know that by now, but if not, we’ll keep reminding you.”
On the subject of Maye, Vrabel also said he didn’t have a projected set of expectations for the 23-year-old’s development.
“I really didn’t have a timetable, I’m not really sure. We’re just trying to throw to the guy that’s open as soon as he is in the progression and take care of the football,” Vrabel said of how he wants his QB to play. “And when it’s not there, using his legs. I think he’s done that at times, and we’ll continue to work on it.”
Turning to Stefon Diggs, the Patriots’ first-year receiver, Vrabel was queried about the 31-year-old’s comment that he rates his comfort level in Josh McDaniels’ offense at a “five out of 10” as he continues to acclimate.
“Then he should study more,” Vrabel replied. Still, he appeared to be less concerned about it given that Diggs had his best day as a Patriot on Sunday (six receptions for 101 yards).
“Five out of 10? We need to get going. I’ll have to talk to [Stefon] today,” Vrabel added, jokingly. “Five out of 10? I went to Ohio State. That’s failing.”
And as always, Vrabel was unable to fully escape the interview without being asked about some locally oriented pop culture question: Does he have a favorite Mark Wahlberg movie?
“‘[The] Departed’ count?” Vrabel responded. When pressed to choose between “The Departed” and “The Town” as a Boston-area movie, the first-year coach offered a diplomatic take.
“Coin flip.”