FOXBOROUGH — The Mike Vrabel Era could not have gotten off to a better start, and the excitement around the Patriots is palpable.
The roster is significantly improved following a free agency spending spree. The new coaching staff is experienced and credible. Training camp has been quiet and productive. The Patriots crushed the Commanders in the preseason opener, 48-18.
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And yet.
Not to be a fly in the ointment, but the preseason means almost nothing. The 2007 Patriots went 2-2 before going 16-0, and the 2008 Lions and 2017 Browns each went 4-0 before going 0-16.