New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel doesn't have any regrets about his decision to rest the starters during the three-game preseason slate.
However, it was clear that the team showed rust in Wednesday's 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Vrabel opted to use the preseason to focus on the roster depth and preserve the health of the starters.
That's a decision that he continued to defend after the disappointing loss in the season opener.
“Playing the backups for the Eagles or the Colts for eight plays, I don’t think was going to prepare us for what we saw last night," Vrabel told media members. "I thought we handled the environment; I thought we did. I know the execution wasn’t good enough, but the line
of scrimmage, penalties, the operation, those things gave us a chance. Some other things didn’t give us a chance.”
Mike Vrabel on if he regrets not playing any Patriots starters in the preseason.
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) September 10, 2026
"Playing the backups of the Eagles or Colts for eight plays I don't think was going to prepare us for what we saw last night." pic.twitter.com/L1efdmrmsk
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions, and the team lost star wide receiver A.J. Brown to a high ankle sprain, which will keep him sidelined for at least the next four games.
The team is hopeful that the worst is behind them with the Pittsburgh Steelers next on the schedule. They'll be back at home at Gillette Stadium before back-to-back games on the road at Jacksonville and Buffalo.
It's only one week, and there's already a sense of urgency for the Patriots.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Mike Vrabel doubles down on preseason decision, despite backlash
