3 Storylines To Know Ahead Of Week 7: Patch Patriots Roundup

FOXBOROUGH, MA — It's Mike Vrabel revenge week for the New England Patriots in Week 7 as the team is set to travel to Nashville to face Vrabel's former team, the Tennessee Titans.

The Patriots are coming off another victory after Sunday's 25-19 win over the New Orleans Saints, and the team sits in first place in the AFC East after Buffalo's loss to Atlanta on Monday Night Football.

Ahead of Week 7, here are three storylines to know:

Vrabel Heads Back to Tennessee

The vast majority of us don't know Mike Vrabel personally, but from what we can gather by how he speaks in interviews, podcasts and other appearances, we can assume that he's at least partially motivated by slights and, perhaps, a little petty.

If that's the case, then his team dismantling Tennessee this week would be the cherry on top of a great first half in New England.

Vrabel spent five seasons as the head coach for the Tennessee Titans. He was named the NFL's Coach of the Year in 2021. He was also fired by the organization in what has since been reported as a power struggle between himself and general manager Ran Carthon, who was fired the next year.

Since, Tennessee has been an NFL dumpster fire, letting go of GMs — including the one Vrabel was fired by as part of said power struggle — and, most recently, firing head coach Brian Callahan after last week's loss.

What Tennessee Can Learn From Patriots' Coaching Process

Hire Mike Vrabel.

Cheap shots aside, the Titans find themselves in a similar position to New England after drafting a top of the first round quarterback and moving on from its head coach. Also, similarly to New England of last year, the team looks to be bereft of talent to support that quarterback.

Even early in the season, wide receiver Calvin Ridley doesn't look to be equivalent to Stefon Diggs, the team's offensive line hasn't been a positive for Cam Ward and, perhaps most critically, the entire operation seemed to be unorganized and without a map forward.

It's easy to look toward a top offensive playcaller and say "hire that guy, he'll get the offense right." Didn't exactly work with Callahan, who came from Cincinnati, but it isn't an awful idea.

But it should be noted that the team had its most recent run of success under Vrabel, a defensive-minded CEO CEO-style head coach. Without much in the way of talent and seemingly a difficult (generous) culture in the building, perhaps a veteran CEO may be the best bet to turn around both the offense and defense.

Offensive Lineman Cut

Second-round pick Layden Robinson, who was drafted at tackle in 2024, has been released from the team. Unfortunately, he isn't the only player drafted by the Mayo regime to be cut after just one season.

As Musket Fire reports, wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk and quarterback Joe Milton III have been traded. Wide receiver Javon Baker, Robinson, and tight end Jaheim Bell have been released.

It's a tough look for the team, which is effectively losing out on a full draft class of depth due to poor scouting and selection.

How to Catch the Game

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

TV: CBS

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub