Mike Vrabel Warns: Staying In-Bounds Leads to Hits for QBs
Mike Vrabel, head coach of the New England Patriots, expressed his appreciation for aggressive defensive play during a recent game. He praised linebacker Christian Elliss for delivering a clean hit to New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. This moment underscored Vrabel’s belief on how the sidelines factor into quarterback safety.
Vrabel’s Philosophy on Quarterback Hits
While discussing the incident on WEEI, Vrabel shared his coaching approach with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. He emphasized that quarterbacks are considered fair game when they fail to step out of bounds. This stance reflects a tactical mindset essential for both offense and defense.
Coaching Players on Sideline Awareness
Vrabel’s instruction to Maye highlights the critical link between awareness and safety. He mentioned that if quarterbacks, like Maye, remain in bounds and do not protect themselves, they should expect to be hit. “If you’re in bounds and you’re not sliding, you will be hit,” he stated.
- Christian Elliss hit Jaxson Dart while he was still inbounds.
- Vrabel believes such hits are legal and necessary.
- Drake Maye is coached to be cautious along the sidelines.
Vrabel maintained that this strategy is crucial for both sides. His message to the defense is straightforward: “If this situation arises, we need to make a legal impact.” This philosophy reinforces the importance of aggressive, yet legal, defensive plays.
Defensive Strategy and Player Safety
The Patriots’ defense effectively targeted Dart throughout the game, exemplifying Vrabel’s approach. He described their performance as excellent and in line with his expectations. The interplay between quarterback safety and defensive aggressiveness is a keen focus for Vrabel.
Ultimately, the message is clear: remaining vigilant on the sidelines can lead to significant impacts on the field. As Vrabel continues to enforce this mentality, both quarterbacks and defenders must be aware of their actions during the game.
