The Patriots left Sunday with more than a lopsided loss on the scoreboard. A 35-6 defeat to the Jaguars sent Mike Vrabel straight into blunt mode, and the first-year coach didn’t try to soften how he feels about where this team stands three games into the season.
“My concern level is very high for this football team,” Vrabel said, adding, “Certainly, we have to fix a lot of things.”
New England’s problems were everywhere in the blowout. Drake Maye had a rough afternoon, throwing two interceptions and losing one fumble as the Patriots never reached the end zone. On the other side, Trevor Lawrence carved up the defense with three touchdown passes.
Vrabel said he understands the realities of living with a young quarterback, and he urged patience with Maye. But he didn’t hide from his own role in the mess.
“It starts with me,” Vrabel said. “I’ll have them better prepared.”
Maye took the blame too, calling the offense’s showing “unacceptable” and putting the burden on himself.
“Can’t get out of my own way, personally,” Maye said. “I have to look myself in the mirror.”
The timing makes the defeat sting even more. If New England drops Week 4, the Patriots could be three games behind the Bills this early in the year. That’s not the kind of gap any team wants to face, especially with Buffalo and Josh Allen waiting next.
Vrabel said the path back begins in practice, where the Patriots need to build consistency. That means a critical week ahead for a team already feeling the heat.
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