FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Patriots perspective: Mike Vrabel did such an effective job accomplishing one of his first goals as Patriots coach that a course correction is now required.
Vrabel had said in January: "I want to galvanize our football team. I want to galvanize this building. I want to galvanize our fans."
It happened. Training camp crowds peaked at 13,000 one day. Players and coaches reported a palpable buzz around the facility. And the Patriots had success in a joint practice with the Washington Commanders (who played in the NFC Championship Game last year), then throttled them in the preseason opener, 48-18.