I feel like the reputation of Vrabel “not taking responsibility” means nothing within the context of our chances of winning or Vrabel getting fired.
Look at Belichick’s press conference from yesterday: . At best he mentions “we” and “everyone” needing to perform better. A pointed question about his job security was deflected.
Frank Reich: “We win and lose as a team”: He did say ‘I’m the head coach, it starts with me,’ but then started talking specifics about players again. Is that what you want to see? Just the exact right coach-speak in every interview?
It’s all the same. The same questions, the same responses. Coaches may throw in a rote response of “it’s all on me”, but then they move on to the next question. Answers will never be found in interviews.
Losing coaches feel bad. They mumble, they are low energy. That is the exact same thing that happens to 50% of all teams, every week. What do you want from a losing coach? Do you want them to tear their shirts and wail in grief?
But now comes what I think the real question: has Vrabel lost the locker room? This is what you should be asking. Does his attitude, whatever it is behind the scenes, affect the players? Can we draw a line of causation between Vrabel’s behavior and the players around him looking cowed, quiet, lacking energy? I’d say not yet: there are hints of energy this week: Derrick Henry’s frustration, Jeffery Simmons mouthing off, everyone seemingly excited for starting Levis.
When the rumors start that someone on the inside says that Vrabel has lost the locker room, X player wants to be traded away, players publicly complaining, or misbehavior/acting out by players, then it will be plain to see.
Of course, this all says nothing about his actual coaching ability and game-time decisions.