Why Franchise Legend Believes Patriots Will ‘shock A Lot Of People'

Why franchise legend believes Patriots will ‘shock a lot of people' originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Mike Vrabel’s arrival cannot be understated in the eyes of Vince Wilfork. So while the Patriots might have only won four games each of the last two seasons, and while they might not have a roster oozing with talent, the franchise Hall of Famer has high expectations for the upcoming season.

“No. No. I don’t think so,” Wilfork responded when Tom E. Curran asked if fans were getting ahead of themselves on the Patriots Talk podcast.

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Wilfork not only shared a locker room with Vrabel for five seasons, but also watched the 2021 Coach of the Year succeed with the Tennessee Titans. Vrabel didn’t have much at his disposal in Tennessee either, but still led Derrick Henry and company to the AFC Championship Game.

“He put that organization together, and I can see the same thing here,” Wilfork said. “He’s going to come in and he’s going to put us back together.”

Wilfork won a pair of Super Bowls when he shared the sideline with Vrabel in New England. And while the five-time Pro Bowler is not going to go that far, he believes the group could flirt with a double-digit win season.

“I think we’re going to shock a lot of people this year,” Wilfork said. “A lot of people not giving us credit because of the past five years, and what we’ve been through and the rebuilding stage and finding new coaches and players here, players there, not really knowing who is who.

“But I just think what Vrabel brings to the table is the respect of the game, first and foremost,” Wilfork continued. “The knowledge of the game. He’s going to get the best out of the guys 24/7. They’re going to be very, very well-coached. And the discipline — you win a lot of games by being disciplined and not hurting yourself.”

Also in this episode:

• When Drake Maye could emerge as a leader
• Wilfork offers opinion on New England’s defensive line