(Video) Ex-Titans and Current Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Came out to a Huge Cheer in His Return to Tennessee

The New England Patriots defeated the Tennessee Titans 31-13 at Nissan Stadium and marked their fourth straight victory.

(Video) Ex-Titans and Current Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Came out to a Huge Cheer in His Return to Tennessee

Mike Vrabel (Image via Fox News)

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When Mike Vrabel stepped back onto the field at Nissan Stadium for the first time since his dismissal as head coach of the Tennessee Titans, the reception was nothing short of electric. By the time his New England Patriots sealed a 31-13 win over the Titans on Sunday, the chants were unmistakable.

“Vrabel! Vrabel! Vrabel!” echoed through the Nashville air as the Patriots ran out the clock. It was indeed a striking show of appreciation for a coach who, despite his position on the opposition, still holds deep respect among Titans fans.

In the aftermath of the game, reporters asked Vrabel if it was his fans who made the noise on the bleachers. Vrabel denied the claim while admitting that it was a humbling experience.

I didn’t get that many tickets. I don’t know. But that’s neither here nor there. I’m happy for our players. I think these guys, they’re figuring out how to win. They’re figuring out how to practice. I guess it’s humbling to have these people want to, whoever that is, cheer for us. Whether that’s the Patriots, or Drake Maye, or me, or anybody else.

Mike Vrabel replied

For the 48-year-old coach, it was a return marked by both nostalgia and vindication. Mike Vrabel led the Titans to three playoff appearances and an AFC Championship Game in 2019, but his firing after a 6-11 campaign in 2023 stunned much of the football world.

Since his exit, the Titans have struggled to regain footing. Brian Callahan, hired as Vrabel’s successor, was dismissed earlier this week after managing only four wins in 18 months. In a quick glance, it is quite different from Vrabel’s current situation in New England, where he has led them to their fourth straight win, lifting them to 5-2 and the top of the AFC East.

The performance of second-year quarterback Drake Maye underscored the transformation. The young signal-caller set a franchise record in Week 7 with a 91.3 percent completion rate. Maye also noticed the chants amid the game, and he had a few revelations about it.

That’s pretty cool. I think that’s always cool. He downplayed it all week, which we appreciate. He was focused on us and worried about us, and that’s what matters. But I know it feels good for him.

Wide receiver DeMario Douglas put it simply: “We played for Vrabes, no doubt. Every game, we play for Vrabel.”

The Patriots lead the AFC East after fourth-straight win of the season

The Patriots overcame an early deficit and took full control midway through the second quarter, closing out a perfect three-game road stretch. The Titans opened strong behind rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who engineered a pair of early scoring drives. They took a 10–3 lead after Ward connected with Chimere Dike for a 38-yard touchdown, following an initial field goal by Joey Slye.

Drake Maye
Drake Maye (image via Bleacher Report)

New England responded methodically. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson led a ground-heavy opening series that ended in a field goal, then kept the momentum alive as Drake Maye found rhythm late in the first half. Just before halftime, the Patriots gained more ground and headed into the third half with a 17–13 lead going into the break.

That lead was never relinquished. Maye was once again exceptional. He completed 21 of his 23 attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns, while setting a franchise record for single-game completion percentage. Mind you, Tom Brady played for the same franchise for years and won six championships.

Stevenson carried the offense on the ground, rushing for 88 yards and a score on 18 carries, while Stefon Diggs led the receiving corps with seven catches for 69 yards. Tight end Austin Hooper added an early touchdown grab as part of a well-distributed offensive effort.

The Patriots’ defense adjusted after a shaky first quarter, limiting Tennessee to just three points over the final three quarters and producing key turnovers that shifted momentum permanently.

The Patriots return home next week to face the Cleveland Browns.

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