"When you play a clean game with no turnovers, you can expect better results, and the big win bears out that supposition. Moving forward is the central question for Mike Vrabel and his offensive coaching staff. Vrabel decided to take no action on snap counts for the fumbling running backs as a result of the fumbles against Carolina, and it worked. Don't expect any changes against the Bills."
"Against the Bills, however, mistakes like fumbles will cost you the game. It will be interesting to see if a running back does fumble against the AFC East-leading Bills and if the same response will be forthcoming. The response by Vrabel to the debilitating fumbles that cost the Patriots the game against Pittsburgh was tepid at best. Vrabel chose to punt and not take any action resulting from those game-losing gaffes."
The New England Patriots routed the Carolina Panthers 41-14 in Week 4. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson received snap counts similar to those from the Pittsburgh game despite earlier fumbles. Neither running back fumbled against Carolina, and the offense produced no turnovers. Mike Vrabel chose not to reduce snaps or otherwise punish the fumbling backs, a decision that succeeded against a weaker Carolina team. The choice raises questions about accountability and whether the same tolerance will be viable against stronger opponents such as the Buffalo Bills. The coaching staff must balance trust with consequences after costly early-season errors.
Read at Musket Fire
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