How Mike Vrabel has the 9-2 Patriots pushing the pile toward the playoffs

"In the box score of the Patriots' 27-14 win over the New York Jets on Thursday night, the first touchdown reads "TreVeyon Henderson 7-yard run." But players say a more accurate description might be, "Mike Vrabel team culture." Yes, it was Henderson holding the ball. But he had been stopped around the 3-yard line and was pushed over the goal line by the determination and force of tight end Hunter Henry and offensive linemen Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu and Garrett Bradbury."

""We work on that specific drill at practice -- push the pile. That's something we pride ourselves in," said Campbell, the fourth pick in April, whose aggressive play style made him an ideal fit for Vrabel's first Patriots team. "We knew if we didn't do it, we'd probably get in a little bit of trouble." How far the Patriots can push their way through a potential deep playoff run is now a real conversation."

Mike Vrabel's team culture emphasizes effort, finishing plays and push-the-pile execution. A TreVeyon Henderson touchdown came after teammates physically pushed him over the goal line following a stop near the 3-yard line. Tight end Hunter Henry and linemen Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu and Garrett Bradbury provided the determination and force to finish the play. Players practice the push-the-pile drill regularly and cite Vrabel's emphasis on being around the ball, getting downfield and protecting teammates. The Patriots sit at 9-2, and goal-line toughness figures prominently in assessments of their playoff potential.

Read at ESPN.com