Super Bowl 2026: New England Patriots rebuild by Mike Vrabel has been historic, says Neil Reynolds

The New England Patriots have pulled off an astonishing comeback to reach the Super Bowl once again. After finishing with a dismal 4-13 record last season, it's nothing short of historic for the team to be back in this year's big game.

A lot of credit must go to their owner, Robert Kraft, who made some shrewd moves to bring in Mike Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl winner as a linebacker with the Patriots. Vrabel was an obvious target for the team, and Kraft was ruthless in securing his services.

What's remarkable is how quickly the Patriots have turned around under Vrabel's leadership. They spent big on free agency but also drafted well, boasting 13 rookies on their roster for Super Bowl Sunday. Their season stats show they're a solid team with depth across all positions.

As with any Patriots team from old, it's not just about one star player; it's the collective effort of a strong middle class. Vrabel has done an excellent job in building a cohesive unit that plays for each other and celebrates each other's successes.

The turnaround seems to be more than just luck; it appears sustainable with Drake Maye at quarterback and Mike Vrabel leading the charge. The Patriots have set their sights on the Super Bowl title, which is now their benchmark every year.

Their road to getting here has been full of twists and turns. A team that struggled so much in 2024-25 is a testament to how quickly things can change in football.
 
OMG ๐Ÿคฏ I'm loving this Patriots comeback story! ๐Ÿ’ฅ Their turnaround from last season's 4-13 record to making it to the Super Bowl again is truly inspiring. The fact that they drafted 13 rookies and made some savvy moves in free agency shows they're committed to building a strong team for the long haul. ๐Ÿค Vrabel's leadership skills are on point, and his ability to bring out the best in his players is what's making this team so formidable. ๐Ÿ’ช The fact that it's not just about one star player, but a cohesive unit playing together, is what makes this story even more remarkable. I'm rooting for them all the way! ๐ŸŽ‰
 
I'm loving this turnaround story ๐Ÿคฏ! As a parent, I know all about grit and perseverance - my kids have learned those lessons from me on the soccer field and at school projects ๐Ÿ˜‚. But seriously, it's amazing how Coach Vrabel has brought that same winning mentality to the team. The Patriots' roster is like one big happy family ๐Ÿ‘ช - everyone working towards a common goal. I'm not surprised they're making such a deep run in the playoffs now... after all, who doesn't love an underdog story? ๐Ÿพ My 8-year-old son is totally on board with this comeback and can't stop cheering for the Pats!
 
I'm low-key freaking out over this comeback ๐Ÿคฏ๐Ÿˆ! The Patriots have worked their magic again, and it's all thanks to the mastermind moves by Robert Kraft ๐Ÿ’ผ. Bringing in Mike Vrabel was a genius move - that dude's got three Super Bowl rings under his belt ๐Ÿ”ฅ. And let's not forget about the young blood they've brought in through free agency and rookie drafts ๐ŸŽ‰. The team's chemistry is on point, and it's clear they're playing for each other as a unit โค๏ธ.

I'm loving how this turnaround isn't just about one superstar player - it's all about that middle class ๐Ÿ’ช. Vrabel's done an amazing job building a cohesive squad, and now they've got their sights set on the Super Bowl ๐Ÿ†. It's crazy to think about how much can change in just one season โฑ๏ธ. Here's hoping they bring home that title! ๐ŸŽ‰
 
I just got back from this amazing food truck festival last weekend ๐ŸŒฎ๐Ÿ‘Œ Their truffle fries are insane, I'm still dreaming about them! Anyway, I was thinking, have you guys ever noticed how the Patriots' season stats look like a video game? Like, "boost" to level 50 in one week ๐Ÿคฏ. And what's up with this Drake Maye kid, is he like a real-life superhero or something? ๐Ÿฆธโ€โ™‚๏ธ Super Bowl Sunday can't come soon enough!
 
I'm loving this Patriots comeback story ๐Ÿคฏ! It's like, they went from being one of the worst teams in the league to a legit Super Bowl contender in just one season? That's some crazy turnaround talk ๐Ÿ’ฅ. What really impresses me is how Vrabel brought in all these rookies and made it work. I mean, 13 newbies on the roster for the big game? That's like, a whole different team ๐Ÿ”„. And you're right, it's not just about one superstar player โ€“ it's that cohesive unit thingy, where everyone buys into the system and lifts each other up ๐Ÿ’ช. I'm hyped to see how they do in the Super Bowl, especially with Drake Maye at QB. It'll be interesting to see if this momentum can keep going ๐Ÿ”„
 
I'm loving this comeback story! ๐Ÿคฉ I mean, who would've thought that after such a rough season they'd be heading back to the Super Bowl? It just goes to show that with the right leadership and a bit of faith, even the darkest days can turn into something amazing.

Robert Kraft's decision to bring in Mike Vrabel was pure genius ๐Ÿค“, and I love how he went all-in on free agency and drafting young talent. The fact that they've got 13 rookies on their roster now is just incredible! It shows that this team has a bright future ahead of them.

And you're right, it's not just about one star player โ€“ it's the whole unit working together towards a common goal ๐Ÿค. Vrabel's done an amazing job in building that cohesive team spirit, and I'm excited to see how they'll do against the best teams this year.

I've got a feeling that this is more than just a fluke โ€“ I think the Patriots are actually onto something special ๐Ÿ”ฎ!
 
I'm loving this Patriots turnaround story ๐Ÿคฏ! It's insane to think about going from 4-13 to Super Bowl contenders. The fact that they've managed to bring in talent like Mike Vrabel and build a cohesive unit is really impressive. I mean, it's not just about one super-star player, but the way the team plays together as a unit is what sets them apart.

And let's be real, who wouldn't want to watch Drake Maye at quarterback? ๐Ÿ˜Ž The young QB has some serious potential and I'm excited to see how he'll perform in the Super Bowl. The fact that they've been able to turn around their season so quickly says a lot about Vrabel's coaching abilities.

I think this turnaround is also a testament to the NFL's salary cap system, which can be really effective in shaping team dynamics and roster construction. The Patriots have definitely made some savvy moves to build a competitive team from scratch.

It's gonna be interesting to see how they fare against other top teams in the Super Bowl! ๐Ÿˆ
 
๐Ÿˆ๐Ÿ’ก The Patriots' comeback story is like the phoenix rising from the ashes - it shows us that even when we've hit rock bottom, we always have the power to rise again and achieve greatness! ๐ŸŒŸ It's not just about one person or a few shrewd moves, but about the collective effort of a team that comes together as one unit. Vrabel's leadership has brought out the best in his players, showing us that when we work together towards a common goal, amazing things can happen! ๐Ÿ’ช The Patriots' turnaround is like a masterclass in perseverance and teamwork - let's all take note of their journey and apply it to our own lives! ๐Ÿ“š
 
I'm loving this Patriots comeback story! It's amazing to see them turn around from a rough season last year ๐Ÿคฉ. I think it's all about the leadership and the culture they've built under Mike Vrabel ๐Ÿ’ช. He's clearly got a knack for bringing out the best in his players, and it's great to see them playing together like a cohesive unit ๐Ÿ‘ซ.

It's also impressive how quickly they've drafted and signed new talent ๐ŸŽฏ. 13 rookies on their roster is no joke! And let's be real, having Drake Maye at QB can only help ๐Ÿ’ก. The fact that they're setting their sights on the Super Bowl title every year is a great attitude to have ๐Ÿ˜Ž.

What I love about this team is that it's not just one star player making all the difference โ€“ it's the collective effort of the whole squad ๐Ÿค. And who knows, maybe this is the start of a new era for the Patriots? Fingers crossed they can bring home that championship! ๐Ÿ’ฅ
 
Lol, come on! You're telling me they went from 4-13 to Super Bowl contenders? That's like saying a Ferrari can be driven by anyone who buys one ๐Ÿคฃ. I mean, I love Mike Vrabel as much as the next guy, but come on, it's not just about him. The team is built around him, and if they're gonna make another deep run, they need to prove it without relying on their old coach being a miracle worker ๐Ÿ”ฎ.

And what's with all these "strong middle class" jokes? It sounds like something a high school sports blog would write ๐Ÿ“š. I'm all for giving credit where credit is due, but let's not get too carried away here. The Patriots are a team of the rich and famous, and they'll do whatever it takes to win. That's just how the NFL works ๐Ÿ’ธ.

As for Drake Maye, yeah, he's got potential, but can he lead them all the way? We'll see about that ๐Ÿค”. One thing's for sure, it's gonna be a wild ride if they make it to the Super Bowl ๐ŸŽ .
 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this Patriots comeback ๐Ÿคฏ! It's insane to think they went from last place to Super Bowl contenders, especially after such a disastrous season just the year before ๐Ÿ˜‚. The way Vrabel took over and made those key moves is pure genius ๐Ÿ’ก - I mean, who else can turn their team around like that?!? And credit where credit is due, Kraft's willingness to invest big in free agency definitely paid off ๐Ÿค‘. What I love most about the Patriots is how it's not just one superstar, but a whole team effort ๐Ÿ’ช. They've built something special with Vrabel at the helm and now they're setting their sights on that elusive Super Bowl title ๐Ÿ”ฅ. It's going to be an epic ride this season!
 
I gotta say ๐Ÿคฏ, I'm loving the Patriots' resurgence! They're like a phoenix rising from the ashes, remember that movie? It's crazy how one owner (Robert Kraft) can turn it around so fast with smart moves like hiring Mike Vrabel. That guy knows what he's doing ๐Ÿ’ก. And yeah, it's not just about one star player, it's all about the team chemistry, you know? ๐Ÿค They've got a solid squad with depth across the board, which is impressive for a team that had such a rough season last year. The fact that they're already looking to make a deep run in the playoffs this year is just mind-blowing ๐Ÿ˜ฒ. I mean, who needs luck when you've got a great coach and a talented roster? Bring it on! ๐Ÿˆ
 
OMG, I'm still in shock!!! ๐Ÿคฏ The Pats have officially made it back to the Super Bowl after such a brutal season last year. I gotta give props to Kraft for making some smart moves, like snatching up Vrabel - that's huge! And now they're boasting 13 rookies? That's crazy talk! ๐Ÿ˜‚ I mean, I love how Vrabel's brought them together as a unit - it's all about the team effort over one superstar player. But seriously, with Drake Maye at QB and Vrabel leading the charge... I think we've got ourselves a legit contender this year ๐Ÿˆ๐Ÿ’ช
 
I'm loving this comeback story! ๐Ÿคฏ The Patriots have always had a way of coming back strong, but this season's turnaround is insane. It's not just about Vrabel, they've got some solid young talent too - Drake Maye is gonna be interesting to watch. What I love about the Patriots is how they build that team culture, it's all about the middle class and everyone working together towards a common goal. ๐Ÿค They're not relying on one superstar player like some other teams. And you can bet Kraft was instrumental in bringing Vrabel on board, he knows what it takes to win. ๐Ÿ’ธ The fact they've got 13 rookies on their roster is also super impressive, it's clear they're investing in the future. I'm hyped for this one, Super Bowl Sunday can't come soon enough! ๐Ÿˆ
 
lol, this is wild! i mean, who would've thought the patriots could turn it around like this? their turnaround is actually kinda inspiring... i love how they went all out on free agency and drafted a ton of rookies too. it's not just about one superstar player, but the whole team working together ๐Ÿคฏ. drake maye seems like he's got some potential at quarterback, but we'll see how he holds up in the big game. gotta give vrabel credit for building this cohesive unit and creating a sense of camaraderie among the players ๐Ÿ‘Š. it's amazing how quickly things can change in sports, especially after such a disastrous season last year ๐Ÿคฆโ€โ™‚๏ธ.
 
I'm not surprised they made it back to the Super Bowl ๐Ÿค”, Patriots have always found a way to bounce back from adversity ๐Ÿ’ช. Kraft's moves were smart and Vrabel's leadership has been on point ๐Ÿ‘. Now, let's see if they can repeat what they did in 2019... ๐Ÿคž
 
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