Winning was the goal, but Sunday’s 31–13 victory in Nashville meant so much more for the New England Patriots, especially for their head coach, Mike Vrabel. The Patriots put on a show against the Titans in a game that marked Vrabel’s heartfelt return to Tennessee, the team he led for six seasons before parting ways in 2023. However, quarterback Drake Maye shared that his coach made a surprising decision just before the game began.

Maye revealed Vrabel downplayed his homecoming entirely. “He downplayed it all week, which we appreciate,” Maye said after the game. “He focused on us and worried about us, and that’s what matters. But I know that it feels good.” This calm, straightforward approach set the tone in the Patriots’ locker room, helping the team rally around their coach when emotions could have easily taken over.

In the postgame interview, Vrabel said, “Happy for these players to have a little momentum.” Wide receiver Pop Douglas captured the team’s sentiment after the win. “It felt good, man, just to see that smile on his face,” he said, echoing the feeling throughout the sideline as fans at Nissan Stadium chanted “Vrabel! Vrabel! Vrabel!” late in the fourth quarter.

On the field, New England looked every bit like a team channeling its coach’s competitive fire. Drake Maye was clinical, completing 21 of 23 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns while setting a franchise record for single-game completion percentage (91.3%), surpassing Tom Brady’s 2009 mark. The Patriots strung together four straight wins and now sit atop the AFC East at 5-2.

For Vrabel, the message was crystal clear: no revenge speeches, no personal grudges. Just football. Still, as he left his old stadium with a statement victory, it was impossible to miss the satisfaction behind that familiar, quiet smile.

Drake Maye shines while Mike Vrabel gets his revenge

The New England Patriots didn’t just beat the Tennessee Titans; they made a statement for their head coach. Vrabel tried to downplay his homecoming, but his players knew what it meant. As the clock wound down, Titans fans chanted his name.

Drake Maye once again stole the show with his new franchise record performance. The Patriots’ offense ignited in the second quarter after a slow start. Maye found Austin Hooper for a short score and later hit Kayshon Boutte with a 55-yard strike. Rhamondre Stevenson added 88 yards and a touchdown on the ground, while Maye’s legs contributed 62 more.

Meanwhile, the defense feasted. Kayshon Boutte scooped up a fumble and scored on the first play following Stevenson’s TD, giving New England two touchdowns in 11 seconds. Marcus Jones later added an interception to cap a dominant second half.

Across the field, Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward’s turnover problems continued. He threw a pick and lost a fumble for a touchdown, marking his seventh straight game with a turnover.

As Vrabel’s Patriots continue to surge, the Titans are left searching for direction. For Vrabel, though, the night was simple: a win that meant just a little more than the rest.