The New England Patriots have established themselves as one of the top teams in the league this season. With former player Mike Vrabel stepping in as head coach, the Patriots currently lead the AFC East with a 9-2 record. Their success in this first season has attracted considerable praise from both fans and the media, including a recent comment from veteran sportscaster Erin Andrews.

In a recent episode of her Calm Down Podcast with journalist Charissa Thompson, Erin Andrews spoke about what she loves about Mike Vrabel as a coach and a player. She also highlighted an incident where Coach Vrabel praised Charissa Thompson and her team during a TV appearance.

“Mike Vrabel, for anyone that doesn’t know much about him, he was a no-b******* player when he was in the NFL, even in college. And he’s a no-b******* coach. And I love him because he’s to the point. He doesn’t candy-coat anything. He’s my kind of guy. I love Coach Vrabel,” Erin Andrews said.

This comment is a testament to Mike Vrabel, as he has been one of the nice guys in football who goes out of his way to celebrate or praise people. This is evident in his relationship with MassLive Patriots reporter Karen Guregian, who covered him throughout his playing career. Vrabel often starts his press conferences with a hello to Karen Guregian and deems the gesture a mark of respect.

Now shifting focus to football, Mike Vrabel and the Patriots will take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. Though the Bengals are without key players like WR1 Ja’Marr Chase, Vrabel doesn’t discount the fixture as an easy one.

Mike Vrabel talks about facing the Bengals in Week 12

The 3-7 Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Foxborough this weekend to face a strong New England Patriots team. However, the Bengals will be without their top wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, who is suspended for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey during their 34-12 loss in Week 11.

Despite Chase’s absence, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel believes the Bengals still have a talented wide receiver group. He stated, “They have plenty of talent. The opportunities just haven’t been there. But when they’ve had the chance to perform, players like Andrei Iosivas and Mitch Tinsley have shown they can make plays. Obviously, Tee Higgins is a deep threat; he took a slant to the house against Pittsburgh, finding a tight window between the safeties. So, I don’t think they lack talent; it’s been more about opportunity.“

With reports regarding Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow‘s potential return from injury, the Patriots’ defense should be prepared for anything this weekend.