Mike Vrabel is protecting key starters in preseason due to depth concerns
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has kept quarterback Drake Maye and other key starters out of the first two preseason games and is likely to do the same in the final preseason game against the Browns.
- Vrabel emphasized the importance of protecting key players due to the team’s lack of depth, prioritizing their availability for the regular season opener at Seattle over preseason game reps.
- The coach highlighted the value of live preseason reps for younger players to experience real-game situations and develop resilience, despite the inherent injury risks of full-contact play.
- The Patriots face a challenging start to the season, opening on the road against the Super Bowl champion Seahawks in a rematch of a previous loss, with the regular season beginning in 17 days.
