Mike Vrabel Questions Missed Holding Calls in Patriots’ Loss to Bills
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t hold back during his weekly radio appearance Monday, voicing his frustration over what he believes were missed holding calls in Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Vrabel, who’s no stranger to physical football from his playing days, zeroed in on the officiating - or lack thereof - particularly on plays where he felt the Bills’ offensive line got away with holding. Speaking on WEEI-FM, Vrabel questioned how the officials didn’t throw flags on certain key sequences, suggesting that New England’s defensive front was being impeded illegally.
“Hard to rush the passer when you’re getting grabbed,” Vrabel said, pointing to moments when his defensive linemen were locked up longer than he thought was legal. He didn’t name specific players or plays, but his tone made it clear: he believes the Patriots were at a disadvantage due to what wasn’t called.
And if you watched the game, you can understand where Vrabel’s coming from. Buffalo’s offensive line gave Josh Allen just enough time to work his magic, especially late in the game when the Bills mounted yet another fourth-quarter comeback. Allen was under pressure at times, but he also had enough clean pockets to keep the Patriots’ defense guessing - and Vrabel thinks some of that protection came with a little help from the officials’ silence.
This isn’t the first time Vrabel has called out officiating, but this time the frustration seemed to run deeper. The Patriots have been in tight games all season, and when margins are razor-thin, a missed call here or there can be the difference between a win and another mark in the loss column.
Still, Vrabel made it clear that officiating wasn’t the only reason for the loss. He acknowledged that his team had opportunities to close the game out and didn’t capitalize. But in a league where every snap matters and playoff hopes can hinge on a single drive, it’s no surprise that a head coach would be vocal when he feels the playing field wasn’t level.
The loss to Buffalo was another tough pill to swallow in a season full of growing pains for New England. The defense showed flashes, but inconsistency - and now, in Vrabel’s eyes, questionable officiating - continues to haunt them.
With the season winding down and the AFC playoff picture tightening, the Patriots can’t afford to let frustration turn into distraction. But don’t expect Vrabel to stay quiet if he sees something he doesn’t like. He’s always been a straight shooter, and Monday’s comments were just the latest example of a coach who’s going to stand up for his players - especially when he believes they’re getting held back, literally.