Mike Vrabel isn't panicking about Andy Borregales missing three field goals in Thursday's preseason opener against Indianapolis, and frankly, neither should we. The head coach expressed confidence in his kicker after the 13-13 tie, which is the right call. Yes, Borregales missed a golden opportunity with 10 seconds left to win it—that stings. But one preseason game doesn't define a kicker's season, and Vrabel knows that better than most.
Here's what matters: Vrabel has built a reputation for seeing past noise and evaluating talent with clarity. A kicker who can handle pressure situations needs rhythm and reps, not a pink slip after August. Borregales will get both. The preseason is exactly when you want your specialists working through mechanical issues and mental fog, not when you're pointing fingers. Missing three kicks in one game is ugly, sure, but it's also valuable film to study.
The real test comes September 8th when the games count. That's when we'll know if Borregales can lock in or if the Patriots need to explore other options. Right now, with the regular season six weeks away, Vrabel's measured response is the smart play. He's giving his kicker a chance to reset and compete for the job without the hangman's noose around his neck.
This is also a window into how Vrabel operates differently from the Patriots' previous regimes. He backs his guys through adversity rather than react emotionally to one bad outing. It's confidence with accountability—not blind loyalty, but not trigger-happy either. If Borregales comes out flat in Week 2 of the preseason, that's a different conversation. For now, Vrabel's approach is measured and fair.