Mike Vrabel downplayed the revenge game angle in his press conference, stating that this wasn’t a “win one for the Gipper” game. It may be more important to the players and coaches who have ties to the Titans and Vrabel when he coached there.
The Patriots are not going to overlook the Titans. They likely want to win this game for their Head Coach.
Here is the list of players who played for Tennessee:
Harold Landry
Robert Spillane
Jack Gibbens
Joshua Dobbs
Austin Hooper
Brenden Jaimes (PS)
Isaiah Iton (IR)
Andrew Rupcich (PS)
Thomas Odukoya (PS)
Also, add in the number of coaches and Front Office personnel that were at Tennessee:
John “Stretch” Streicher (VP of Football Operations and Strategy)
Terrell Williams (Defensive Coordinator)
Zak Kurtz Interim Defensive Coordinator and ILB Coach)
Tony Dews (RB Coach)
Jason Houghtailing Asst Offensive Line Coach)
Scott Booker (Safties Coach)
Clint McMillan (Defensive Line Coach)
Justin Hamilton (Cornerbacks Coach)
Tom Quinn (Assistant Special Teams Coach)
Ryan Cowden (VP Player Personnel)
Frank Piriano (Director of Sports Performance)
Comings and Goings
The New England Patriots announced per Patriots.