New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has returned to the place he called his home as an NFL player, and he is wasting no time in laying out exactly how he expects his players to conduct themselves on the field.
With Vrabel having to start his day by addressing the video of Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs that has circulated throughout the internet, it had to be a relief for him to get on the practice field and work with the members of New England's roster in attendance for OTAs.
One of the themes of Vrabel's tenure with the Patriots so far has been the importance of making great decisions both on and off the field. Fans saw that approach in full effect on Wednesday as Vrabel took the opportunity to give second-year wide receiver Javon Baker direct instructions on how he expects his players to act.
Vrabel is a no-nonsense head coach. He made this quite clear during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans, and it helped that team reach levels of success they haven't come close to enjoying since his departure. Now that he has come home to New England, Patriots fans can expect the same type of approach on the sidelines and in the locker room.
With Baker learning that lesson firsthand on the practice field on Wednesday, and Diggs certainly heard the message regarding the need for great decision-making, Vrabel is instilling the culture he wants in New England. Seeing the way Vrabel coaches these players in particular, given the vast difference in the message delivered, will let every member of the Patriots roster know that no exceptions will be given to what is expected, regardless of your standing on the depth chart.
It may not yield immediate results, but this is the attitude New England needs to adopt if it plans on reclaiming its throne atop the AFC East.