Mike Vrabel has had good success against Bill Belichick as a head coach, going 2-0 with the Titans.
But, Vrabel doesn't think he and Belichick will have much impact on what happens Sunday when the Titans come to Gillette Stadium.
“We’ve touched on this plenty," Vrabel said on a conference call with the New England media Wednesday. "Bill and I aren’t going to do anything physically to determine the outcome on Sunday. I hope that we’re all competitive each and every week. It’s a great challenge. It ain’t about me and Bill. I know it’s unique having been up there and spent eight years there.
“I have a lot of respect for this football team and they way they’ve improved and have a lot of respect for the way they are coached.”
The former Patriots edge rusher did note he's taken a lot of what he learned from Belichick to how he coaches his team now.
“There’s a lot of things, obviously," he said. "Importance on fundamentals. This is a well-coached football team, watching them defensively. Just doing all the things that we think are important — guys playing with their hands inside, matching the quarterbacks throwing hand. DBs playing square. Stabbing through the pocket and not swatting at the football. Staying on your feet when you tackle.
Offensively, their ability to play with technique up front, the things they are teaching those guys, I’d say fundamentals is a large part. Trying to be prepared and hold everybody accountable to what our job is. Focusing on what we need to do and trying to hold everybody accountable.”
Tennessee leads the AFC at 8-3, while the Patriots are in third place at 7-4.
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