Defense has powered the New England Patriots’ run to Super Bowl LX, but the unit’s dominance owes a lot to a major change made by head coach Mike Vrabel.
That change was described by former NFL safety and first-round draft pick Adam Archuleta. He credited the way “Vrabel has changed his defensive philosophy. In Tennessee, the D shifted personality weekly. Now there’s less volume; players know alignments/fundamentals & play sound. Jim Schwartz rubbed off during his year off in CLE.”
Pairing things down has worked wonders for the Pats through the playoffs. They’ve posted some rare numbers thanks to a straightforward combination of increased blitzing in front of man coverage.
Yet while he’s changed things, Vrabel won’t be resistant to adjusting his approach again, if needed against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, February 8.
Patriots Defense Motivated to Peak in Super Bowl
There’s been a common theme for the Patriots defense this postseason. A theme based on earning some respect from critics who believe they had it easy during the regular season, thanks to a supposedly soft schedule.
The apparent lack of respect has frustrated a veteran retread experiencing a career rebirth in New England. As well as a $104 million star still craving more credit.
Even Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez is feeling unappreciated. Speaking after helping the Patriots beat the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship Game, Gonzalez admitted, “We get the chip on your shoulder. It’s great if you want to count us out…,” per the Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi.
Vrabel has been clever and selective about playing up the frustrations of his defense at different points during these playoffs. He’s also been smart enough to allow interim play-caller Zak Kuhr, a rising star, to call a more aggressive game.
Kuhr’s blitzing has helped the Patriots become just the second team “to make the Super Bowl after playing 3 playoff games and allowing 26 or fewer total points,” according to NFL Plus, matching the 2000 Baltimore Ravens.
2000 Ravens >2025 Patriots
The numbers prove a simpler approach is working for the Patriots defensively, but Vrabel’s history as both a player and coach means the Seahawks shouldn’t expect to see the same things in the Super Bowl.
Mike Vrabel’s History Should Worry Seahawks
One reason Vrabel used to rely on fluid, opponent-specific defenses as head coach of the Tennessee Titans is because he learned it as a player for Bill Belichick in New England.
Belichick’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame is as complex as his overall legacy, but one thing never in doubt was the subtle way he called defense. Belichick wasn’t tethered to any one philosophy, he game-planned to counter each team’s specific strengths.
This flexible way of thinking demanded hybrid players like Vrabel. A defensive end who matured into a multi-use outside linebacker.
Vrabel will still be adaptable enough to alter his entire strategy on defense to counter the Seahawks’ multiple threats. Those threats include NFL-leading wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who could be shadowed by Gonzalez, a challenge the latter relishes.
Leaving corners on an island has been a luxury the Patriots can afford thanks to Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III. The duo has forced the “lowest passer rating allowed in coverage this postseason, per @NextGenStats (minimum 10 targets),” according to NFL Researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno, who noted “a QB would have a 39.6 passer rating if he threw every pass into the stands.”
🚷Carlton Davis III – 21.4 🚷Christian Gonzalez – 39.0
A QB would have a 39.6 passer rating if he threw every pass into the stands.
@Patriots | #NEPats | #SuperBowlLX
Alternatively, the Patriots might put Gonzalez over another Seahawks wideout, leaving them able to double JSN. It was a familiar ploy in Belichick’s day, and one that might work wonders this year.
Shutting down a suddenly prolific zone-based running game led by Kenneth Walker III will also be on the minds of Vrabel and Kuhr. As will confusing and pressuring former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold into a few turnovers.
There’s a lot to account for against these Seahawks, so Vrabel might opt for a surprise or two. Even if it means deviating from the formula that’s made the Patriots dominant defensively en route to the big game.
Mike Vrabel Has Made Major Change to Patriots Defense