Mike Vrabel’s first year at the helm in New England didn’t end with a Lombardi Trophy, but it certainly made a statement. In a season that exceeded expectations, Vrabel guided the Patriots to an AFC title and a trip to Super Bowl LX, where they ultimately fell short in a 29-13 loss to Mike Macdonald’s Seattle Seahawks.
It was a tough ending, no doubt. But if there’s one thing Vrabel made clear in his postseason press conference, it’s that the work is far from over-and in the NFL, the reset button gets hit fast.
"You have to start over," Vrabel said. "This whole thing starts over in 10 weeks.
The offseason program starts in 10 weeks. That’s how I look at this."
That kind of mindset is classic Vrabel-grounded, focused, and brutally honest. He knows the NFL doesn’t hand out points for last year’s progress.
It’s about staying ahead in a league that’s constantly looking for the next big thing. And for a team that featured a mix of veterans and young players still finding their footing, the challenge is clear: get better, or get replaced.
“We're looking for the better, younger, cheaper player every day,” Vrabel said. “And the players that we have are trying to not let that happen. And that's the dynamic, and that's the business in the National Football League."
That business was on full display in the Super Bowl. The Patriots came out flat, and the Seahawks capitalized early.
Jason Myers knocked through three field goals in the first half to give Seattle a 9-0 cushion, and he wasn’t done. Another field goal in the third pushed the lead to 12-0, and then Sam Darnold connected with AJ Barner on a 16-yard touchdown to make it 19-0.
New England’s rookie quarterback Drake Maye did manage to find the end zone twice, showing flashes of the poise and playmaking that made him a top pick. But he also threw a costly interception that Seattle turned into a defensive touchdown-one of several momentum-killing moments for the Patriots offense.
One of the biggest storylines coming out of the game was the performance of rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell. Drafted fourth overall in 2025, Campbell had a solid regular season anchoring the left side of the line.
But in the biggest game of the year, he struggled-mightily. Seattle’s pass rush overwhelmed him, and he was charged with allowing six sacks and 14 pressures.
That kind of performance naturally raised questions about whether the Patriots might consider shifting him to a different position.
Vrabel, however, shut that down quickly.
“Will’s 22 years old,” Vrabel said. “He’s our left tackle.
There’s plays he’d like to have back. We’re not moving him to guard, or center, or tight end, or anywhere else.”
It’s a vote of confidence that speaks volumes. Vrabel isn’t just coaching in the moment-he’s building for the long haul.
He knows development isn’t linear, especially at a position as demanding as left tackle. And while Campbell’s Super Bowl showing left plenty to be desired, the Patriots believe in his upside.
Drake Maye echoed that support, standing behind his lineman after the loss. That kind of locker room backing matters, especially for a young team trying to grow together through the highs and lows.
So, where does New England go from here?
They’ve got a young quarterback who’s shown he can compete on the biggest stage. A head coach who’s already proven he can lead a team deep into the postseason. And a roster that, while still developing, has the pieces to make another run.
The offseason starts soon. The clock is already ticking. But if Mike Vrabel’s first season in New England was any indication, the Patriots are just getting started.