Vrabel Blames Patriots’ Preparation After Packers Rout

Published November 9, 2026. The day after the Patriots lost 45-27 to the Packers at Gillette Stadium, coach Mike Vrabel said the team needed to be better prepared. He said injuries and limited practice reps were part of the challenge, but players still had to find ways to get ready. “If you play like that, you have no chance to win,” he said of the team’s performance.

Vrabel defended cornerback Christian Gonzalez’s competitiveness after the normally reliable defender struggled against Green Bay’s receivers. He said one apparent hesitation to tackle was not as damaging as other plays, and that the Patriots lacked enough players on that side of the defense to stop the Packers.

Quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions in the first half. Vrabel cited possible miscommunication on one play and a safety dropping into the route on another. He said Maye had also played well in recent games, but the Patriots could not expect to win after turning the ball over four times.

Asked about New England’s record against teams with winning records, Vrabel said the team had another opportunity against Detroit. He emphasized that preparation and performance could improve, and said the Patriots had failed to regain momentum in the third quarter against Green Bay.

The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. Vrabel said the loss would not change the team’s approach, and stressed wanting players committed to challenging one another and taking responsibility. New England’s next game is against the 6-2 Lions in Munich on November 15, with kickoff set for 9:30 a.m.