The Patriots left Buffalo with a 29-26 win, but Mike Vrabel’s 15-yard penalty became one of the night’s loudest talking points.
The flag came with 1:48 left in the second quarter and Buffalo facing third-and-goal from New England’s 16. Josh Allen’s pass fell incomplete, but the Bills were awarded a first down after Vrabel was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Allen then punched in a game-tying touchdown five plays later.
New England, though, took control after halftime. The Patriots opened the third quarter with a 14-play scoring drive and later closed the door with a game-clinching interception of Allen. The win moved New England to 2-2 and kept Buffalo from pulling two games ahead in the division.
After the game, both Vrabel and official Bill Vinovich addressed what happened.
"He was out of the box, came up to the official and said, 'That was a f---ing terrible call," Vinovich said when asked about his decision to penalize Vrabel.
When asked whether a warning usually comes before a penalty in that situation, Vinovich said, "I don't know how you're going to give a warning," he replied. "It's not something that is going to happen twice. When you use language like that, it's pretty much a given."
Vrabel pushed back on the call.
"I've said that 87 times since I've been a head coach," Vrabel said. "There's nothing derogatory.
You know, you'd have to ask him. I think he was a little sensitive. ...
I probably shouldn't have sworn, but I can tell you that in my history of being on the sidelines as a head coach, I've said that, and I apologized to him. And again, players, responded.
It was unfortunate, and I have to be better in those moments."
The penalty added another strange chapter to what has already been a turbulent several months for Vrabel. He began 2026 by leading the Patriots to an AFC title in just his second season in New England.
In April, reports surfaced regarding Vrabel's relationship with NFL reporter Dianna Russini. Shortly thereafter, Vrabel announced he was entering counseling.
New England’s season has been uneven from the start. The Patriots lost in Seattle in Week 1, beat the Steelers convincingly in Week 2 and were blown out by the Jaguars last Sunday.
Against Buffalo, Drake Maye delivered the kind of response New England needed. After struggling through the first three games, he threw three touchdown passes in the win over the Bills and earned a game ball from Vrabel.
"Hey! We ain't taking no more f-----g s--t!" Vrabel was heared shouting to Maye in an exchange that Vrabel won't be penalized for.
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